Dunleer is situated midway between Dundalk and Drogheda and is located on the junction of the R132, R169 and R170 regional roads that intersect the town.

[2] Dunleer used to be the principal town borough in the historical barony of Ferrard and has a charter dating back to 1252.

[3] The town has ties to the early sixth century Christian monastery of Lann Léire which was founded by brothers St. Furudran and St.

[6] After a period of ruin, the Norman family of De Audley settled the area about thirty years later.

[7] Dunleer is the principal town in the former Barony of Ferrard,[citation needed] and was granted an enhanced charter by King Charles II in 1671 to hold markets and fairs.

[citation needed] Dunleer, at one time, also elected two members of parliament to the old Irish House of Commons, which was abolished by the Act of Union in 1801.

[2] Dunleer's proximity to Drogheda, Ardee, Dundalk, and its location as a crossroads on the main north–south economic corridor of Ireland, have contributed to its growth.

The town has three mixed gender national (primary) schools, all of which are under the trusteeship of Dunleer Parish in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Armagh.

The athletics club also organise the annual Rás na hÉireann International Cross Country races.

These linkages played a part in Dunleer becoming a commuter town for those working primarily in Dublin, Drogheda and Dundalk.