="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman"" lang="EN-US">Carlingford's inability to develop a heavy industry allowed
its mediaeval charm and archaeological artefacts to remain relatively intact.
The area was opened up to tourism in the 1870s by the Dundalk, Newry and
Greenore railway, which passed through Carlingford. This line closed in 1951.
Better transport led to tourism being the main source of employment. Also
significant is fishing, particularly of oysters and crabs from the nearby
harbour. The town hosts the annual Carlingford Oyster Festival usually held in
August. A passenger ferry operates daily out of the village of Omeath,
5 km (3.1 mi) away, during the summer months. Carlingford has
expanded in recent years.
Miscellaneous
The
Irish singer-songwriter Tommy Makem wrote a melancholy song about the
town, "Farewell to Carlingford", covered by The Clancy Brothers
and Tommy Makem and The Dubliners
