places to visit in co meath ireland

27 Things To Do In Meath In 2024 (For People That Like Hikes, History + Pints)

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

If you’re looking for things to do in Meath today, this weekend or… whenever, you’ve landed in the right spot.

Meath is one of those counties that’s often overshadowed by one main attraction – in this case, Newgrange .

This can often lead people, myself included, to think that there’s little else on offer, but that just couldn’t be any further from the case.

There’s  endless  places to visit in Meath, from forests and quirky attractions to tourist favourites and more. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Meath (a quick overview)

Photos via Shutterstock

The first section of this guide will give you a nice, quick overview of the most popular places to visit in Meath, with everything from towns and villages to walks and beaches.

The second section of the guide goes into the specific places to visit in Meath, like the Hill of Tara and Loughcrew to the Brú na Bóinne complex.

1. Ancient towns and lively villages

Before you decide on what to do in Meath, it’s worth taking a bit of time to have a think about where you’d like to stay during your visit.

County Meath is home to a mix of quiet, rural villages, lively county towns and a good mix of ancient settlements to explore from. Here are our favourites:

• Drogheda (mostly in Louth, but parts are in Meath)

2. Brilliant walks in Meath (and close by)

Arguably some of the best things to do in Meath involve lashing on a pair of walking boots and heading off along one of the county’s  many  trails.

There’s some excellent walks in Meath to tackle, with something to suit most fitness levels! Here’s some of our favourites (along with a couple a short drive away):

• The Girley Bog
• Balrath Woods
• The Boyne Ramparts Walk
• Mullaghmeen Forest
• Townley Hall Woods
• Ravensdale Forest
• The Clogherhead Cliff Walk

3. Historic attractions

Some of the most popular tourist attractions in Ireland are located within the boundaries of Meath. The Royal County is bursting at the seams with historical sites, many of which are a stone’s throw from each other.

And, while it’s Newgrange that tends to attract most of the attention both on-and-offline, there’s plenty of other incredible places to visit in Meath, such as:

• Trim Castle
• Brú na Bóinne
• Hill of Tara
• Slane Castle
• Bective Abbey
• Kells Round Tower
• Spire of Lloyd
• Hill of Slane

Photo by Johannes Rigg (Shutterstock)

There’s a handful of mighty beaches in Meath and there’s countless sandy stretches in Louth that are a short drive away, too.

And, while it’s Bettystown that tends to attract much of the footfall, there’s a handful of other beaches worth a saunter along. Here are our favourites in Meath and nearby:

• Laytown Beach
• Mornington Beach
• Bettystown Beach
• Gormanstown Beach
• Port Beach (Louth)
• Clogherhead Beach (Louth)

What to do in Meath if you fancy an active break

Photo by wildwave4 (Shutterstock)

If you’re wondering what to do in Meath that’ll give your legs a big aul stretch, you’re in luck – there’s some lovely walks in Meath to head off on.

From some of the county’s most breath-taking coastline to some lesser known hills and peaks, there’s a walk to suit every level of fitness in the section below.

1. The Girley Bog Walk

Photos by Mary McKeon

The Girley Bog Walk is a ramble that shot up in popularity over the last couple of years, and for good reason. This is a peach of a walk, especially if you can do it mid-week, when it’s quieter.

You’ll find the Girley Bog southwest of Kells , near Drewstown. There are several ways to tackle this stroll, with the longest taking 2 hours to conquer, depending on pace.

Although the walk uses wooden sleepers for a good chunk of the trail, it can be very muddy in places, so bring walking boots!

2. Loughcrew

If you’re on the lookout for things to do in Meath this weekend, set the alarm and head up to Loughcrew Cairns (the highest hill in Meath) for sunrise.

You park at the bottom of the hill and then have to make a 20-or-so-minute climb to the top (it’s  very  steep!). The cairns at Loughcrew are much older than Newgrange, dating back to around 4000 bc.

The walk here immerses those that visit in an area that boasts thousands of years of history. Once you’ve reached the top, you’ll be treated to fantastic views of the lush green countryside that surrounds the hill.

3. Balrath Woods

Photos courtesy of Niall Quinn

Balrath Woods is another fine spot for a stroll. Now, a warning – parking here can be hard to come by at the weekends, so arrive early (and never block the road outside the car park!).

Often referred to as ‘ Knockcomra ‘, Balrath Woods is a lovely little forest for a ramble. There are a couple of walks that you can do here, that longest of which takes around 30-35 minutes.

There are also several play areas for those of you looking for things to do in Meath with kids. As was the case with the Girley Bog, it gets muddy here, so bring the boots!

4. The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara  was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland, and it was here that 142 kings are said to have reigned.

It’s believed that a quarter of the landscape of Ireland can be seen from the hill. That’s fairly mental when you think about it!

It was at the Hill of Tara, in 1843, that an estimated one million people gathered to hear Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell speak against the union of Great Britain and Ireland

Grab an ice cream from the little shop next to the car park and head for a ramble. The walk here is handy (25 – 30 minutes) and you’ll have a fine view to enjoy as you walk.

5. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

You’ll find the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre located in the recently restored 18th century Oldbridge House in Meath.

Now, you can always take a tour of the Battle of the Boyne museum first, if you like, or you could head off on one of their numerous walking trails.

The Greenhills Walk (2.6km) and the Crab Apple Walk (1km) meet and continue through fields to Groggin’s Field along the way marked Groggin’s Filed Walk (1.7km). 

There’s also a 500m circular loop walk from the car park that’ll take you around Oldbridge Village.

6. Endless nearby walks

Photo By Sarah McAdam (Shutterstock)

One of the reasons that we recommend people stay in Meath while exploring Ireland is due to it’s proximity to endless things to see and do.

For those of you that fancy a hike, you’re in luck – there’s plenty nearby. Here are some of our favourites:

• Ravensdale Forest Walk (Louth)
• Slieve Foye (Louth)
• The Annaloughan Loop Walk (Louth)
• Mullaghmeen Forest (Westmeath)
• The Carlingford Greenway (Louth)
• The Clogherhead Cliff Walk (Louth)

The most popular things to see in Meath amongst visiting tourists

Right – lets get the most popular places to visit in Meath out of the way, next, as there’s plenty of them to get through.

Below, you’ll find everywhere from the Brú na Bóinne complex and Trim Castle to several things to do in Meath that have racked up rave reviews online.

1. Newgrange

It’s widely agreed that a visit to the ancient site of Newgrange is one of the best things to do in Meath, and you access it visit the Bru na Bonnie Visitor Centre .

Newgrange is an ancient passage tomb that was built over 5,200 years ago by Stone Age farmers. That makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Newgrange is a large circular mound that measures around 85 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high. It’s surrounded by 97 stones (known as kerbstones) some of which are engraved with megalithic art.

The tour of Newgrange packs a punch and it’s guaranteed to impress young and old alike! Just make sure to book your ticket in advance.

2. The Boyne Valley Drive

The Boyne Valley Drive is a fine way to spend a day or two exploring the best things to do in Louth and Meath.

The drive immerses you in over 5,000 years of rich history, mythology and folklore, and is home to heavyweights like Newgrange, the Hill of Tara and Loughcrew.

However, it’s also home to several places to go in Meath that are often overlooked, like the Hill of Skryne and Bective Abbey .

The drive is relatively easy to follow, once you have an itinerary at the ready (find our Boyne Valley Drive itinerary here ).

3. Trim Castle

You’ll find Trim Castle in, unsurprisingly enough, the ancient town of Trim in Meath, where its been since 1172.

The mighty Trim Castle is arguably the best-preserved of the many castles in Ireland . Trim is Ireland’s largest Norman castle and it was built over a lengthy thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy.

If you’re staring at the picture above and thinking to yourself that it looks like something from a movie, you’re spot on. Trim Castle was used during the filming of Braveheart starring Mel Gibson.

You can either head into Trim Castle for a nosey around (you have to pay) or you can head for a ramble around it and admire it from the outside.

Related reads : Check out our guide to the best things to do in Trim , our guide to the finest restaurants in Trim and our guide to the top hotels in Trim .

4. Bective Abbey

Photo by Davaiphotography (Shutterstock)

Although many of the remaining ruins of Bective Abbey date back to the 15th century, an Abbey was originally founded here much earlier, in 1147.

Bective Abbey was Ireland’s second Cistercian abbey and it was established after the success of nearby Mellifont Abbey , in Louth.

Although there’s no official tour here, it’s well worth carving out some time during your visit to Meath to check it out.

The Braveheart link : Due to its medieval qualities, Bective, like Trim Castle, was used during the filming of Braveheart.

5. Slane Castle

Photo by Adam.Bialek (Shutterstock)

A visit to Slane Castle is another of the more popular things to do in Meath, and you’ll find it on the outskirts of the charming town of Slane .

You could easily spend a day exploring Slane Castle and its extensive grounds. If you have a bit of time, tackle the castle tour, first, and then nab a bite to eat from the food truck.

When your belly’s happy, you can tackle the walking trail that’ll take you through the grounds that have hosted everyone from Eminem to Bon Jovi.

6. Knowth and Dowth

Photo by Tony Pleavin

Next on our list is Knowth and Dowth . Although Newgrange tends to get a good chunk of the fame, Knowth boasts the largest passage grave of the Brú na Bóinne complex.

It consists of a large 12-metre high mound and 17 smaller satellite tombs. As is the case with Newgrange, the structure here is incredibly old.

It has been estimated that the large mound here dates from c. 3,200 BC. You can get to Knowth via a guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, but you can visit Dowth directly, free of charge.

7. Kells Round Tower

You’ll find the 26 metre high Kells Round Tower in the lively little town of Kells. The doorway to the round tower was originally 12 feet above the ground, and those that wished to enter would have to do so via a ladder.

Traditionally, many round towers have 4 windows, however, Kells Round Tower has five, with each window facing each road and gateway that enters the town.

You’ll also find five high crosses near the tower. The earliest of these crosses dates way back to the 9th century.

8. The Hill of Slane

You’ll find the often-missed Hill of Slane not far from the buzzy little Slane Village where it stands at around 158 metres above the surrounding countryside.

Those that visit will discover a Franciscan Monastery (including a finely preserved tower!) that dates from around 1512. The hill boasts several other historical sites. Interestingly enough, it’s believed that an ancient king (one of the Fir Bolg ) is buried here.

The story also goes that St. Patrick lit a fire on the hill as an act of defiance against a local king who forbid any fires being lit while there was a festival fire burning on the nearby Hill of Tara .

Even if you’ve no real interest in the history of the area, the Hill of Slane is worth a visit to soak up the view alone.

Unique things to do in Meath

There are a handful of unique places to visit in Meath, many of which never make it into shiny tourist guidebooks.

Below, you’ll find some quirky attractions along with things to do in Meath that should pique the interest of hard-to-amuse kids.

1. The Irish Military War Museum

Yes, a tank driving lesson (it costs €199.99, though!) The Irish Military War Museum offers a fascinating insight into Irish participants’ involvement in both World Wars.

Inside this 5,000 sq ft ‘hands-on’ museum, you’ll find one of the finest collections of WW2 Allied and Axis vehicles and deactivated weapons in Ireland. There’s also:

• A family Park
• Petting zoo
• Guided tour packages
• Tailored talks/Workshops

2. Glamping 

Photo via Booking.com

If you don’t fancy staying in one of the many excellent hotels in Meath , you’re in luck – there’s a handful of places to go glamping in Meath that are well worth checking out!

Our favourite from the bunch is the brilliant Rock Farm Slane , where they offer luxury eco camping on the River Boyne.

Based on an organic farm on the Slane Castle estate, the campsite is situated on a hillside overlooking Slane Castle, so you can soak up some fine views while you camp.

Related read : Fancy seeing what other funky accommodation Ireland has to offer? Check out our guide to 27 of the most unique places to go glamping in Ireland in 2024.

3. The Slane Distillery

Photo via the Slane Distillery

If you’re looking for things to do in Meath with a group of friends, get yourselves to the Slane Distillery! This is one of the more popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland for good reason!

WHISKEY TIME. So, I’d never heard of the Slane Distillery until a friend, who hates whiskey, visited recently. He loved it. Which was a sure sign that  this tour is well worth doing.

You’ll find the distillery within the 250-year-old stables of Slane Castle Estate. Those that visit will be taken on an interactive, immersive guided tour with a tutored whiskey tasting.

4. The largest wooden rollercoaster in Europe

Photos via Tayto Park on FB

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Meath with kids, cave out some time to visit Ireland’s only Theme Park. Tayto Park is another one that’s perfect for parents with kids, large groups, or thrill-seekers in search of things to do in Meath that’ll get the adrenaline flowing.

The park, which opened in November 2010, sprawls across 22 hectares of farmland and is home to Cu Chulainn Coaster, the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe. Now, if you’re not into big rides, don’t worry – there’s plenty of other things to do here that’ll keep you occupied.

There’s a solid selection of smaller rides, a zoo that’s home to an Amur Tiger, Squirrel Monkeys, and lots more, a 5-D cinema, and plenty more. If you want to stay nearby, see our guide to the best hotels near Tayto Park .

5. Babes Bridge

Photo by Joanna K-V (Shutterstock)

Babes Bridge in Navan is pretty damn old. It’s so old, in fact, that it was mentioned in the Annals of the Four Masters.

If you’re not familiar with the Annals, they are chronicles of medieval Irish history that record from way back to 2,242 years after creation right the way up to AD 1616.

Babes Bridge (what a name!) was the only bridge in Meath that survived an enormous flood in 1330 that collapsed every bridge between Trim and Drogheda.

The bridge dates to the 12th century and you can find it if you head off on the Boyne Ramparts Walk. You’ll find the bridge just past Rowley’s Lock along the canal between Navan and Stackallen.

Related reads:  Check out our guide to the best things to do in Navan , our guide to the best restaurants in Navan and, finally, our guide to the best hotels in Navan .

6. The pub from the Guinness Christmas ad

Photo via Guinness Ireland

Just looking at the photo above gives me a Christmassy buzz! If you don’t recognise the scene in the photo above, it’s from the now-iconic Guinness ad that hits television each Christmas.

The little pub pictured is O’Connell’s pub in Skryne and it has been in the O’Connell family since at least the 1850s. This is a lovely old-world pub that boasts wooden ceilings, old floors, even older antiques, and a fine drop of Guinness.

It also treats those that visit to excellent views, thanks to its position on the Hill of Skryne.

7. The Spire of Lloyd

The Spire of Lloyd is actually an inland lighthouse. Now, up until around 5 minutes ago, I didn’t even know inland lighthouses were a thing…

Designed by Henry Aaron Baker for the First Earl of Bective, this 30m (100ft) high spire can be found on the summit of the Commons of Lloyd.

It’s said that the spire was used to view horse racing and hunting back in the 19th century. Inside the Spire, you’ll find a 164-step spiral staircase that leads to the top.

On a clear day, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the surrounding countryside out as far as the Mountains of Mourne in Down. Definitely one of the more unusual places to visit in Meath.

Traveller Tip : The Spire opens to the public on every Bank Holiday Monday and it’s free of charge to enter.

9. Farmaphobia at Causey Farm

Causey Farm run numerous events throughout the year, but it’s Farmaphobia that’s arguably one of the most unique things to do in Meath.

Farmaphobia is Ireland’s largest Halloween event and it’s here that you’ll pay to have the sh*te frightened out of you!

The event runs for several weeks around Halloween and you can expect everything from zombies and evil clowns to chainsaw-wielding monsters.

What Meath tourist attractions have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to see in Meath from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about what to do in Meath

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What Meath tourists attractions are the most impressive?’ to ‘I’m wondering what to do in Meath with kids this weekend?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Meath today?

In my opinion, the best places to visit in Meath are Loughcrew (the views are mighty), Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara and Bru na Bonnie.

What are some unique places to visit in Meath?

The Spire of Lloyd, Europe’s largest roller coaster at Tayto Park and Babes Bridge are some of the more unique Meath tourist attractions.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

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Helen Farrell

Monday 6th of June 2022

And thank you for an excellent read.

You forgot Moynalty, a beautiful little village which won the Tidy Towns around 2013, and took prettiest village in Ireland a few times. Great community spirit. Hosts Moynalty Steam Threshing each August, a wonderful day out for everyone. A 20 minute walk around the Steam Threshing field and a trip to the local museum which has an amazing collection of farming and machinery and artefacts and memorabilia from disappearing times...before a coffee in Suzanne's. Local gentle countryside. Check times for opening of museum online.

Sunday 10th of October 2021

Brilliantly written article, I laughed so much at the approach. Excellent copy writing lads, original!

Caoimhe Leavy

Thursday 18th of June 2020

There's a fantastic raised bog walk at Girley bog (near Causey Farm) they have one way signs up to ensure social distancing. Great place to hear the cuckoo!

Keith O'Hara

Wednesday 19th of January 2022

Thanks Caoimhe! I've that added now... I know it took a while! Thanks for the recommendation!

Tara Seepersad

Sunday 15th of December 2019

Hey Keith, great article on Meath ❤️ The Tower of Llyod opens to the public every bank holiday Monday only! And the views are spectacular, its free of change too ?

Sorry it took so long for me to reply Tara. So, I rang the Boyne Valley tourist office last month to check this. They said it's usually open and free of charge on Bank Holiday Monday's, however, it only opens if the local historical society have capacity to open it.

13 Awesome Things To Do In Meath, Ireland (For 2023)

Categories Meath , Things To Do

Meath is a County in Ireland known for its ancient sites and history. Along with these varieties of things to do in Meath, it’s proximity to Dublin makes it one of the best day trips to do from the city.

Things you'll find in this article

13 Things To Do In Meath, Ireland (For 2023)

1. explore the hill of tara in meath, 2. check out slane castle in county meath, 3. athlumney castle, meath, 4. bective abbey, 5. dunmoe castle, 6. donaghmore round tower, 7. go back in time with brú na bóinne ( boyne valley tombs), 8. learn history at the battle of the boyne visitor centre, 9. check out mellifont abbey, 10. millmount museum & martello tower, 11. trim castle, meath, 12. kells round tower and crosses, admission fee, contact information.

The Hill of Tara is an archaeological complex in Country Meath of Ireland. It is located near the River of Boyne and it runs between Dunshaughlin and Navan . Hill of Tara used to be the seat of the kings during Stone Age.

It contains a number of ancient passages tombs , Ireland’s Stonehenge, and historical ruins.

Opening Hours

Daily 10.00 – 18.00   for the Visitor Centre

Adult €5 | Child/student €3 | Senior €4 | Family €13

Location: 12km south of Navan. Off the N3

Email: +353 46 9025903

Phone: [email protected]

Although Slane Castle is located in the town of Slane and considered one of the must-see castles in Ireland.

Slane Castle is located within the Boyne Valley and is set in the middle of a 1,500-acre estate.  The castle was built in 18th-century and has been a family seat for the Conyngham family .

Today, the castle is a famous concert venue that held concerts for world music icons such as The Rolling Stones, U2, Madonna, Guns N’ Roses, Bob Dylan, Queens, Bruce Springsteen to name a few.

The guided tours to the castle are seasonal and only if there’s no event. To check for the latest tour schedule, click here .

Adults: €12.00, Children: €7.20, Students, O.A.P.’s & Groups: €10.80, Children under 5 years are free

Location: Navan Road, Slane Meath

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 41 9820643

            View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by 🌿 Ирландия на связи 🌿 (@nady_borovikova) on Jan 26, 2018 at 3:12am PST

Athlumney Castle is a tower house and a fortified house in Navan. It was built in 1172 and was burned down in 1649 by Maguire who held the castle to prevent Oliver Cromwell, an English military and a political leader for taking over it.

During 17th-century, it was burned down again by James II, the King of England and Ireland at that time. It was said that a Catholic Bishop tried to renovate it back to its original splendor but he died before he made it happen.

Now, the ruins of Athlumney Castle is a national monument in Navan.

No one oversees the castle except the caretaker who lends you the key to the gate. As a rule of thumb, try to call in advance or go during the day.

Free, although the caretaker requires a small deposit for the key. They will return the deposit to you when you return the key.

Location: Kentstown Road, Athlumney

Phone: +353 41 9880305

Bective Abbey is a historic place in Bective, 15 minutes from Navan . The Cistercian Abbey sits overlooking the river of Boyne. The Abbey was founded in 1147 during the time that Bective became an important monastic settlement.

Under King Henry VIII, the monasteries were dissolved in 1543 and they were converted to fortified houses and towers.   The Abbey is now registered as a national monument in Ireland.

Open all year and anytime

Location: R161, Ballina, Co. Meath, Ireland

Dunmoe Castle sits in a tranquil spot overlooking the river Boyne 4 km east of Navan. The castle was built for the D’Arcy family in the mid-15th century. It marked the western edge of The Pale, an Irish area under the control of the English government.

The present structure of the castle has all the characteristics of an Anglo-Norman during the 15th -16th century.  It was originally a rectangular-shaped edifice with a tower at each corner.  Two of these towers have crumbled away, as the entire back part of the castle.

The castle is open to the public and no one really oversees it. Just enter the gate but as a rule of thumb, go during the day.

Location: Dunmoe, Co. Meath

Phone: +353 41 9880300

The Donaghmore Round Tower is a well-preserved 10th-century structure located just northeast of Navan. The tower is found on the site of a religious settlement thought to have been established in the 5th century by St. Patrick .

At the site, visitors can see the remains of a church and the round tower, both of which have interesting carvings and sculptures.

Open all-day

Brú na Bóinne or Palace of the Boyne is valley tombs located near River Boyne, 8 km west of Drogheda . It contains one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world dating back from the Neolithic  period.

Brú na Bóinne is famous for its Megalithic passage tombs called Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth as passage tombs, however, these tombs are now recognized to be much more than passage tombs. 

Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, which is a place of astrological, spiritual, religious, and ceremonial importance.

If you are in the area, this is one of the best places to visit in Drogheda Ireland .

February  – April: Daily 09.30 – 17.30

May: Daily 09.00 – 18.30

June – Mid September: Daily 09.00 – 19.00

Mid – End September : Daily 09.00 – 18.30

October : Daily 09.30 – 17.30

November – January : Daily 09.00 – 17.00

For the Exhibition and Newgrange and Knowth:

Adult: €13.00

Sen/Group: €10.00

Child/Student: €8.00

Family: €30.00

Location: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Meath

Email: [email protected]

For more information about Brú na Bóinne, click here .

Check out this deal for Newgrange, Monasterboice, and Hill of Tara: Full-Day Tour

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the 18th century Oldbridge House which is the exact location of the infamous battle between two kings; King James II and his son-in-law William III.

The battle had the largest soldiers deployed in the history of the Irish battlefield. King James had over 25000 troops while William III had over 36000 soldiers.

The battle took place on July 1st, 1690 where William’s forces defeated King James’ army. The battle is one of the most symbolic battles in the history of the British Isles.

May – September Daily 9.00 – 17.00

October – April Daily 9.00 – 16.00

 Adult €4 | Group/senior €3 | Child €2 | Family €10

Location: Oldbridge, Meath, Ireland

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 41 9809950

Mellifont Abbey is the first abbey built in Ireland in 1142 through the orders of  Saint Malachy ,  Archbishop of Armagh . It housed over a hundred monks and three hundred laymen. The ruins of the abbey are still standing 10 minutes away from the center of Drogheda.

31st May – 5th September: Daily 10 am – 6 pm

Adult: €5.00

Group/Senior: €4.00

Child/Student: €3.00

Family: €13.00

Location: Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co. Louth

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 1 836 6111

The Martello Tower was built in the mound of Millmount in 1808 after Oliver Cromwell attached the town that killed over 2500 men on September 11th, 1649. The tower was created to avoid the same destiny and to prevent the invasion of the French people.

Today the tower complex houses the Millmount Museum which houses a wide variety of artifacts of local and national importance.

Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5:30 pm | Sunday and Bank Holiday 2 pm – 5 pm

Museum-Adult €3.50 | Child €2.50 | Student €3 | Family €8 | Tower-Adult €3 | Child €2 | Student €2.50 | Family €6 | Tower and Museum-Adult €5.50 | Child €3 | Student €4 | Family €12

Location: Millmount, Drogheda, Louth

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +353 41 9833097

Trim Castle is a Norman castle on the south bank of River Boyne in the town of Trim and currently the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.

The castle was built in 1173 by Hugh de Lacy, the castle was used as a center of Norman administration for the  Lordship of Meath . It is also probably best known as the setting for Mel Gibson’s Braveheart.

This castle in Ireland boasts imposing twenty-sided towers protected by curtain wall and moat. It was a great example of experimental military architecture during its period.

If you want to learn more about the legacy of this castle, this day trip from Dublin is a must.

Opening hours vary depending on the season. For an updated list of opening hours, click here .

€5 per adult, €3 for students, and €13 for a family of 4. It includes access to the Trim Castle grounds and an audio-visual show at the visitor center. You can get the ticket from the visitor center.

Location: Trim, Co Meath

Phone: +353 46 943 8619 

Email:   [email protected]  

Kells Round Tower and High Crosses are national monuments in Ireland. It is located in Kells, a town in Meath known as a monastic settlement and it boasts religious significance.

The Book of Kells , which contains the 4 Gospels of the New Testament was completed in this monastery.

The tower is over 80 feet high while the crosses are over 10 feet which were all built during the 9th to the 10th century.   There’s also a church in the area that offers exhibitions for visitors. This highly informative exhibition is free although a donation is welcomed.

Location: Kells, Meath

Phone: +353 1 835 8022

Email: [email protected]

13. Watch horseback racing at Laytown beach

Laytown is a seaside town in County Meath. It is popular for archaeological digs such as Tara Brooch , and Hiberno-Norse  ring pin. It’s also the home of Laytown Races which is held annually every September at the beach.

Laytown Races is the only race event run on a beach under the rules of the Turf Club.

For information on the dates, click here .

Adult  –  €10.00

Senior  –  €6.00

Student –   €6.00

Child –  Free under 16 but must be accompanied by an adult

Location: Laytown Races, Laytown Strand, Laytown,  County Meath

Phone: +353 (0) 41 9842111

Email: [email protected]

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Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

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The top five tourist attractions in County Meath

What awaits you in the royal county links to ancient ireland, rides for thrill-seekers, and fabulous natural beauty..

Burial sites older than the pyramids of Giza, real Irish castles, rollercoasters, and a zoo!! County Meath most certainly has something for everyone. 

County Meath, known as the Royal County, was once one of five provinces in Ireland, and home to the High Kings of Tara . Although it has now been demoted somewhat to only a county status, it still holds its regal quality with some of the finest links to ancient Ireland to be found anywhere in the country.

From rock concerts to ancient burial chambers, here’s the best of what Co. Meath has to offer.

Newgrange and the Boyne Valley

Newgrange, County Meath.

No trip to Ireland is complete without a visit to Newgrange and the surrounding Boyne Valley. The majestic burial chamber is older than the pyramids and holds the key to the country’s ancient history.

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One of the principal sites among Ireland’s Ancient East, the eastern rival to the Wild Atlantic Way, Newgrange is a 5,200-year-old passage tomb built by Stone Age farmers, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza.

The Newgrange passageway during the winter solstice.

In an incredible feat of architecture and engineering, the monument is perfectly aligned with the rising of the sun on the morning of the Winter Solstice, allowing sunlight to flood up the passageway and light up the chamber at its end. The large circular mound is 93 yards in diameter and 15 yards high while ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.

As one of the original five provinces of Ireland, Meath fared well in ancient Ireland with thanks to the rich and easily-farmed lands of the Boyne Valley and Newgrange, along with its sister mounds at Knowth and Dowth, are proof of the rich lifestyle of the Co. Meath farmers. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the three mounds are magical to behold, knowing the depth of the history behind them and how long they have survived in a country greatly, greatly changed since their construction.

Access to Newgrange is only available via a guided tour but a full tour of the whole Boyne Valley region is greatly recommended.

More information: www.newgrange.com

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Trim Castle

Trim Castle.

On first approaching Trim Castle, you may find it familiar, and if you’re a fan of Braveheart, then you’d be right. Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, but in recent years, it has been most noted for the part it played in filming the Mel Gibson epic.

Located in Trim town, construction began on the castle around 1176 on the site where an earlier, simpler, wooden tower stood. A massive twenty-sided tower, it was protected by a ditch, a curtain wall, and a moat, much of which is still in place.

Located on the banks of the River Boyne, it stood as one of the most powerful castles in Ireland along one of the country’s important rivers and was an imposing symbol of Norman strength at the very edge of the Pale, the area on the east coast once completely under the Anglo-Norman influence. As such, the castle would have been the site where the Normans would have faced off with the native Irish in conflict and this long history can be explored through guided tours that bring you through the castle grounds and up into the tower itself.

More information: www.meath.ie.

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Irish Military War Museum

Ireland’s involvement in the First and Second World War is not normally highlighted too heavily in their history books. During World War One, we were fighting our own battles for independence against the British and rebelling in the 1916 Easter Rising, while the Second World War saw us as a newly independent Republic remaining neutral throughout the conflict.

That is not to say that Irish people did not fight in the world wars, however, as Irish recruitment in the British Army saw thousands take to the trenches, especially during WWI when the hope of Home Rule caused many to sign up to the cause.

The Irish Military War Museum, opened in June 2014, however, offers a great insight into those Irish who fought in the world wars and in other military conflicts in world history. Taking a distinctly non-political view on Irish involvement, the museum takes into account the highly strained relationship between Britain and Ireland through the centuries as they delve into the complex political background that saw 210,000 Irishmen from both traditions fight in the trenches during World War One while the rebellion was erupting in Dublin.

It also looks at some 80,000 Irishmen of the next generation, from the otherwise neutral Republic, who fought with the British Armed Forces against Nazism, showcasing the vehicles and weaponry from both conflicts across a 5,000 sq ft exhibit.

More information: imwm.ie.  

Slane Castle

Slane Castle.

Long famous for their summer concerts  which have seen the likes of The Rolling Stones, Thin Lizzy, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Madonna, The Prodigy and Eminem take to the stage of the 1,500-acre estate in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Slane Castle has offered thousands the chance to view some of the world’s biggest musical stars amidst a stunning parkland backdrop.

Currently owned by Henry, Eighth Marquess Conyngham, the castle has been in his family since 1701, but the history of the land goes much further back. Overlooking the castle is the Hill of Slane , where St. Patrick lit his paschal fire, following which he was summoned by the High King to Tara, beginning the start of Ireland’s conversion to Christianity. The castle also lies just a few miles upstream from the site of the Battle of the Boyne where Protestant William of Orange defeated the Catholic King James II in 1690.

Despite a severe fire in 1991, which caused extensive damage to the building, much of the existing form was constructed back in 1785 and is principally the work of James Gandon, James Wyatt, and Francis Johnston.

More information: www.slanecastle.ie.

Emerald Park and Zoo

With everything from tigers and bison to scaly reptiles and bald eagles, Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) quickly became a firm favorite for family days out while the theme park attracted the thrill-seeker in us all.

The most exciting thing about the park, however, is that it is also home to one of Ireland’s most epic roller-coasters and Europe’s largest wooden roller-coaster, the Cú Chulainn Coaster, named after the famous Irish mythology figure. Not for the faint-hearted, we’d leave eating the packets of Tayto until after you’ve braved its dizzying heights of 32.05 meters and 31-meter plunges, all at speeds of up to 62 miles per hour.

Opened in June 2015, the rollercoaster tosses and turns along for 1,400 meters. That’s the equivalent of 8,255 Tayto crisp packets laid out end-to-end. Featuring 14 turns and plenty of air-time, the coaster races through its course in just over a minute.

Tayto Park officially opened in 2010 and since then has expanded enormously with the arrival of eight new attractions including “Air Race”, the “Rotator,” the “Sky Tower” and  Ireland’s only 5d cinema. It was renamed as Emerald Park at the beginning of 2023. 

More information: www.emeraldpark.ie .

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17 Unique Things To Do In Meath, Ireland – The Royal County

• By Oisin Feeney
• April 9, 2018
• Category: Ireland , Meath

There are many unique things to do in Meath. It’s a county that is steeped in Irish history and lore and it is here that you can find some of the most famous historic landmarks in the country.

Meath is also a short distance from Dublin (read about our top things to do for free ) so is a great place to day-trip out to before returning to the city.

Meath is known as ‘ The Royal County’ because it was once the seat of the High King of Ireland and you can still visit the ‘seat’ to this very day.

I was born in Meath and spent a lot of my life touring around the beautiful historic ruins and castles. There really is so much to do in the county, this list is only scratching the surface!

Here is our list of unique things to do in Meath — some you will have definitely heard of before but others are absolute hidden gems. This is one of the places to visit in Ireland you won’t want to miss.

17 Top Things To Do in Meath

In This Post:

1. Walk along the Boyne river in Slane

2. visit mrs o’s pub from the guinness ads , 3. trim castle, 4. check out ireland’s only amusement park, 5. explore bective abbey , 6. touch the stone of destiny at the hill of tara, 7. take a look at the largest baseball cap collection in ireland at the snailbox , 8. look at the artwork on the walls of newgrange, 9. knowth and dowth, 10. watch horse racing on the beach at laytown, 11. donaghmore round tower, 12. slane castle, 13. have a pint of guinness in bradys pub, dunboyne.

• Sean and Ralph pour the best pints around so make sure to stop on in! For some more great Irish pubs, you might have to head all the way down to Kerry!    14. Try the local beers at Brú House in Navan

15. Newgrange falconry

16. drive a tank at the irish military war museum, click here for more. 17. see a traditional irish farm at causey farm .

The Ramparts walk is a fantastic choice if you want to be out in the middle of nature. To start the walk you can park your car beside the beautiful Slane Bridge. From there you can follow an old path that was once used to tow boats up around Slane Castle, one of the most amazing castles in Ireland .

If you’re feeling adventurous you could even walk the entire way from Slane to Navan on this path but be warned, it is a long day’s walk.

Skyrne is a tiny town in Meath that is home to an iconic pub called J O’Connell’s pub. It became widely known around the county after being featured in an advertisement for the iconic stout, Guinness.

 If it even made it into a Guinness ad then you can be certain that it is one of the most unique things to do in Meath! It is more commonly known as Mrs O’s and is a pub that hasn’t changed its interior in over a hundred years.

You won’t find any TV’s in this pub and it is about as traditional as a pub can get. With a fire lit and a pint of Guinness in your hand, it is the perfect thing to do in Meath on a rainy day!

Trim Castle is one of the most impressive castles in Ireland. Period. It is the largest Cambro-Norman castle in Ireland and was built in the 12th century. The castle also played a part in the movie, Braveheart.   The castle is remarkably well preserved and you can take a 45-minute long guided tour around the grounds which will give you the chance to appreciate just how impressive the castle is. If you want to educate yourself about the history of Ireland then you should absolutely stop by this castle!  

Ireland has exactly one amusement park and it is located in Meath. Tayto is a famous brand in Ireland and has been Ireland’s favourite crisp (chips for our American readers) manufacturers for years.

They decided to open up their own amusement park called Tayto Park and it’s amazing!

The park has Ireland’s only wooden roller coaster, called the Cú Chulainn Coaster. There are loads of other attractions in the park including a factory tours, zip lines and much, much more. It’s a great park to spend a few hours.

For pricing and opening hours, have a look at their website.

Bective Abbey is one of my favourite places to go in Meath. If you want to get away from long queues and tour buses then this is the perfect site to visit. It is a Cistercian abbey located in Bective, Meath.

The Hill of Tara is an archaeological complex that is filled with ancient monuments and stone structures. It also was the seat of the High King of Ireland and it’s not hard to see why. The Hill of Tara is surrounded by lush, green countryside and on clear days you can see for miles in every direction.

There are a number of ancient mounds around the site as well as a beautiful church to explore on the site.  At the centre of the hill stands a standing stone called ‘Lia Fáil’ aka the Stone of Destiny.

It was here that the kings were crowned and there is a legend that says that the stone would scream with joy if the rightful king put his feet on him. It would also bestow him with rejuvenation and a long rein.

There is also a beautiful cafe at the entrance to the Hill of Tara that is well worth checking out if you find yourself peckish while visiting all the sights.  

The Snailbox is a family run business in Ashbourne, Meath. They are known for a number of things but the first thing you will see when you walk in is their massive baseball cap collection that covers every part of the ceiling.

They have over 5,000 baseball caps and you can add yours to the collections in exchange for a Snailbox hat.

As well that, the Snailbox offers some award-winning pub grub and even has live traditional Irish music in the evenings. As well as that there are some amazing views of the Meath countryside and it is right next to some of the bigger attractions such as Newgrange. This place really is a hidden gem!

Click here to check out their website.  

Newgrange is probably the most well-known prehistoric monument in all of Ireland. It was built around 3200BC, making it older than Stonehenge and even the Egyptian pyramids!

Archaeologist, Colin Renfrew thinks that Newgrange is: “unhesitatingly regarded by the prehistorian as the great national monument of Ireland” and as one of the most important megalithic structures in Europe”

Newgrange is definitely one of the most popular things to do in Meath but it’s easy to see why when you finally come face to face with the magnificent tomb.

It’s outside is surrounded by white quartz stones and there is a passage into the tomb in the centre which the sun shines through only once a year, at the winter solstice. It is a huge event and people from all over the world come to Newgrange to celebrate the winter solstice in style.

The walls at the entrance of Newgrange are filled with Megalithic carvings which are incredibly beautiful. To find out more information, and to book tickets, click here.

Many people know about Newgrange but Knowth and Dowth are two lesser-known but equally as interesting megalithic tombs that are located near Newgrange.

Knowth is the smallest of the megalithic tombs that can be seen while visiting Newgrange. Though Newgrange looks fantastic, Knowth is surrounded by a number of smaller tombs and is very beautiful to explore. 

The rocks in the tomb are covered with ancient megalithic art which and you can also get a guided tour of the ancient Irish tomb.

Dowth is lesser developed as a tourist attraction so if you want to see one of the least touristy ancient tombs then Dowth is the place for you! It is located smack bang in the middle of a field full of sheep and is less decorated than the other two but this could be because it was looted by the Vikings and other hordes of people throughout the ages.

Dowth also has its own special solar celebration. Every year, during the winter solstice, the sun creeps along the entrance to the tomb before lighting up three stones in the centre of the tomb.

Irish people love everything to do with horses and horse racing. A very small part of Meath lies on the coast of Ireland which is where the town of Laytown is situated.

Slane Castle is another magnificent castle in Meath that is well known amongst Irish people today. The castle is still in use today and the grounds of the castle act as a natural amphitheatre so every couple of years they host some of the most famous musicians in the world.

Guns and Roses, U2, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Queen, Bowie, Neil Young, Bob Dylan… You name it, they’ve probably played in Slane Castle! Some tourists even plan their trip around going to one of these epic shows.

If you want to get into the castle you can take a guided tour of the grounds or you can have a tour of their distillery where they make Slane Irish Whiskey.

Click here for more info.

This pub was built in 1870 and very little has changed today. Bradys pub is one of the best traditional Irish pubs in Meath and many of the locals say that they have the best-tasting pint of Guinness around.

The pub consists of 7 small rooms where you can squeeze in beside your friends and drink in the atmosphere. They have traditional Irish music on Thursdays and a turf fire is usually burning in nearly every room to keep you cool when the weather is cold.

Sean and Ralph pour the best pints around so make sure to stop on in! For some more great Irish pubs, you might have to head all the way down to Kerry !    1 4. Try the local beers at Brú House in Navan

The craft beer scene has absolutely exploded in Ireland over the past few years. Brú is one of the newest contenders to the market and they make some absolutely gorgeous beers.

If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with owls, eagles and hawks then look no further than the Newgrange Falconry.

It’s an extremely informative and interactive experience where you get to learn about these beautiful creatures while also getting some hands-on interaction with the birds. This is a hugely popular experience for locals and tourists alike and not to be missed… It is one of the most popular things to do in Meath. Click here for more info.

This is a great one for the history buffs out there. Ireland has been involved in a number of different wars and struggles and this museum offers the chance to peek into history and see how the Irish fought and what vehicles and weapons they used.

The museum is privately owned by William Sullivan who has been fascinated with collecting since he was 8 years old. The museum is a bit different from other museums in the sense that you can touch and handle most of the exhibits. You can even go for a spin in a tank if you have ever wanted to know what it was like.

Causey farm is extremely well known amongst locals as one of the most interesting things to do in Meath. It’s a fully working farm that offers a range of activities to take part in. At Christmas, the entire farm transforms into Santa’s workshop and you can bring your little ones on an unforgettable experience.

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About The Author

Oisin feeney.

Oisin is a journalist and award-winning photographer. Published in Lonelyplanet.com, buzz.ie, Derry Journal and Irishcentral.com. Currently working as a tour guide in Ireland, Italy, France and Iceland, Oisin is an expert on Ireland.

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Things to do in County Meath Ireland: 37 fascinating sites to visit

Where is County Meath Ireland? Some visitors won’t know County Meath but is just north of Dublin, in Ireland’s Ancient East . If you have heard of Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne), Knowth, and the Battle of the Boyne then you know Meath a little. There are many things to do in Meath and if you only have a short time on your visit to Ireland you can’t go wrong with exploring all of the attractions in Meath.

What are the top attractions to visit in County Meath? Meath is known as the “Royal County” due to its history of the Hill of Tara and the High Kings of Ireland, there are the Boyne Valley , Trim Castle , Melifont Abbey, Slane Castle and many more Irish tourist attractions in Meath to explore.

Here are the best things to do in County Meath

Where is meath ireland, boyne valley drive, brú na bóinne – newgrange, winter solstice at newgrange, hill of tara, loughcrew cairns.

• County Meath's many attractions

Trim Castle

Dunmoe castle, slane castle, slane distillery, glamping at slane castle, hill of slane, mellifont abbey, a holy well, castlekeeran, an ogham stone, newgrange falconry, balrath woods, monasterboice, bective abbey, donaghmore round tower, irish military war museum, golf in meath, bettystown beach, laytown beach, gormanstown beach, things to do near meath, petting farm meath – the open farm, causey farm, the spire of lloyd, babes bridge, emerald theme parks formerly tayto park, the snailbox, kilmoon, bradys pub, dunboyne, the guinness christmas commercial pub, tankardstown house, connells house thatched cottage, trim castle hotel.

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Right – since there is a lot to do in Meath and some of you know the most renowned sites let’s start off with the Boyne area. This is a beautiful drive if you have rented a car as it can be difficult to get to via public transport.

The first section of this guide will give you a few of the most popular places to visit in Meath. These include Newgrange, Tara, Boyne Valley, Loughcrew, Knowth and Dowth and then we move on to the many things to do in Meath that folks often miss.

Meath is a county in the province of  Leinster , northeastern Ireland. It is bounded by Monaghan to the north, Louth, Fingal, Kildare, Offaly, Westmeath, and Cavan with the Irish sea on the border.

The Boyne Valley boasts over 9000 years of history and there are many attractions in the area that are all pretty close to each other.

Battle of the Boyne

When you are in the area you must visit the Battle of the Boyne centre which commemorates the biggest battle in the history of Ireland that took place in 1690.

There’s a lot to learn here and some great displays and an audio-visual display with a huge 3-dimensional map of the battle. The grounds are pretty spectacular as well.

What is Meath famous for? Newgrange is a Neolithic monument that was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO along with its neighbours KNowth and Dowth mounds.

Newgrange is a large circular mound 85 meters (93 yards) in diameter and 13.5 meters (15 yards) high with a 19-meter (21 yards) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large curbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols of megalithic art .

A circle of standing stones also surrounds Newgrange. Nobody is really sure why and what they mean but it appears to be of some kind of astrological function. The Stone Circle was erected sometime after 2000 BC and research has shown that one of the stones of the circle lies directly on top of the Early Bronze Age Pit Circle.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. The Visitor Centre exhibition is a fully interactive visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Brú na Bóinne.

Each year the winter solstice event at the Newgrange tomb is a remarkable celebration, there are many who want to attend the solstice happening and they gather at dawn to see this event. There are so many and the tomb is so small that Newgrange holds a lottery every year to grant access to the few that can fit in the tomb. It must be one of those life events that will live in your memory forever.

Knowth and Dowth

Another of the historical places in Meath to visit are Knowth and Dowth which are similar mounds to Newgrange and from the site, you can make out the front of smaller tombs throughout the valley that is waiting to be excavated.

Knowth is known as a multi-period site meaning that it covers many hundreds of years of use. There are 18 tombs that surround the largest mound and some are older but many haven’t been excavated yet.

Dowth is one of the tombs still to be excavated but it has been proved that two passage tombs lie within the mound.

One of the most revered and ancient historical sites in Ireland is Tara the ancient Irish seat of the High Kings. It is a huge site that is continually being investigated archaeologically.

Tara encompassed the Rath of the Synods, The Mound of the Hostages and the Stone of Destiny or the Lia Fáil.

The Loughcrew megalithic site is comprised of a series of tombs spread across the hills. The most important one, known as ‘Cairn T’ is open to the public. You can go inside and see the hollow shape inside the rounded tomb. There is artwork carved onto the stones inside. The most interesting thing about the tomb is that the passage lines up with the sunrise of the equinox like Newgrange’s.

County Meath’s many attractions

Trim Castle is the largest Norman castle in Ireland and was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, Trim Castle is where the movie Brave Heart, Mel Gibson’s Scottish epic was filmed. The castle is open to a guided tour only and takes around an hour and a half.

There are some who say the Castle is haunted Monks have been seen wandering throughout the ruins and guests in the Trim Castle Hotel (which is across the road) and some have seen nuns praying at the foot of their bed in the hotel. The hotel sits on the grounds of an old Cemetery for nuns.

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During Samhain Trim has a brilliant Halloween celebration that takes place at the Castle.

Athlumney Castle

Athlumney Castle was first occupied by the Dowdall family. It originally consisted of a 15th-century four-story Tower house. In the 1630s, a large mullion windowed strong house was added. The house was occupied by the Maguires who in 1649 set fire to the building rather than surrender it to Cromwell’s forces who were scouring the area razing all in their path to the ground. The Castle was again set alight around the time of the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 and has remained a ruin since.

Dunmoe Castle ruin sits on the banks of the River Boyne. The Castle was built in the 15th Century and was home to the D’arcy family. The Castle did originally have four turrets but now, there stands only two left. During the Cromwellian invasion in 1649, the Castle was fired upon from the South bank bypassing troops on their way from Drogheda to Athboy but avoided any real damage even during the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. It remained intact until it was destroyed by fire during the 1798 rebellion.

Slane Castle is set on the grounds of a 1500-acre estate that has been the home of the Conyngham family since the 18th Century. Not only is it the home of the Earl of Mount Charles but it contains a whiskey distillery, a glamping site and hosts some of the world’s premier musicians at its summer concerts.

They turned a 250-year-old stable into one of Ireland’s most pioneering distilleries. The whiskey distillery provides tours and tasting sessions where you can learn about the history of whiskey in this fabulous setting.

Rock Farm Slane has five yurts and two shepherd huts on a 150-acre farm along the banks of the River Boyne. Suitable for everyone including children these luxurious yurts and shepherd huts are beautiful. There is a communal kitchen dining area and bathrooms and a large communal firepit with a pizza oven and you can swim in the river or use the outdoor hot tub.

The Hill of Slane rises 158m above the surrounding countryside, a commanding presence that can be admired from the Hill of Tara, a distance of 16km away.

Among the ruins of the Franciscan Monastery, which dates back to 1512, stands a remarkably preserved tower. This monastery was established on the very site where St. Erc, a devoted follower of St. Patrick, founded a monastery in earlier times.

The remnants of a college, originally constructed to house four priests, four lay brothers, and four choristers, still stands as a testament to the past. These structures were commissioned by the Flemings, who held the title of Barons of Slane from the 11th to the 17th centuries, specifically for the Franciscans. Along the west wall of the college quadrangle, you can see the family coat of arms of the Flemings.

Mellifont Abbey is a 12th-century Cistercian abbey with an incredible set of ruins that are quite breathtaking. There is an octagonal lavabo which is an ancient washing place for the monks before meals. The arches are quite Romanesque and the carvings really detailed. You can hear the river whispering in the background and if you listen carefully you can just imagine the chanting of monks as they went about their daily routines.

County Meath is home to Ireland’s most sacred Holy Well, just outside Kells, in Carnaross. Here you will find one of the most sacred of Holy Wells in Ireland. Even before it became a Christian shrine the well was believed to be a centre of pagan rituals.

Even today pilgrims and visitors have maintained the custom of leaving offerings at holy wells. If a tree hangs over the well (and there is almost always a tree) it is considered sacred as well and pilgrims will tie a scrap of cloth to the tree with their prayers, there is also a holy stone which many believed cured warts once touched.

Situated in a farmer’s field in County Meath, the site of the monastery at Castlekeeran is a haunting sight. The monastery was founded by Saint Ciaran, who died around 770 AD. The monastery was raided by the Vikings in 949 and later burned by Dermot Macmurrough.

The Ogham Stone is situated in Keim Churchyard at CastleKeeran. The stone was found by someone digging a grave in the cemetery, it has been placed on a ledge, against the wall of the old church the inscription reads ‘COVAGNI MAQI MUCOI LUGUNI’. This writing is translated as Cuana son of the people of Lugh.

If you fancy learning about falconry then look no further than Newgrange Falconry. Here you can take a lesson and gets some hands-on experience of flying various birds of prey. If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with owls, eagles and hawks then look no further than the Newgrange Falconry.

If you love a walk in the woods then take the time to visit Balrath which is called Knockcomra in Gaelic. There are play areas for kids and three marked walking trails.

The Long Walk and the Nature Walk both begin shortly after leaving the car park. Follow the path from the main entrance into the woods until you see a sign for these pathways. Take a right into the woods and follow the path around. It is sign-posted. The Nature Walk is shorter than the Long Walk.

Monasterboice is near Drogheda, and it was founded in the 5th century by St. Bhuithe, one of St. Patrick’s original followers. Today the ruins are known for one of Ireland’s best collections of high crosses, in particular, The South Cross or Cross of Muiredach, the Tall Cross or the West Cross.

Kells Abbey is one of Ireland’s greatest monastic settlements. Gaelic Irish for Kells means “great residence,” and it was a royal residence much like the famous Hill of Tara. It wasn`t until the 6th century that Kells came to fame as a monastic settlement. St. Colmcille or Columba was granted Kells by the High King, Diarmuid McCarroll.

If you are looking for things to do in Kells you can visit the place where the Book of Kells was found. Most people have heard of the Book which was found at the Abbey of Kells it remains one of Ireland’s greatest mysteries as to where it was created.

Some believe it was made in Iona Scotland at the monastery established by St. Colmcille. The 9th century period was rife with Viking attacks and it is believed that the monks relocated to Kells in Ireland perhaps bringing the book with them. The book of Kells is now kept in the library at Trinity College where every day a new page is turned.

Bective Abbey was founded in 1147 for the Cistercian Order by Murchad O’Maeil- Sheachlainn, King of Meath. Following the dissolution, the lands were rented and the monastery was used as a fortified house it was at this time that the tower was built giving the Abbey a much more imposing appearance.

The remains that are now visible at the Abbey date mainly from the 13th to 15th centuries. They include the church, chapter house and cloister. The cloister ruins are particularly well-preserved and feature pointed, gothic arches typical of Cistercian architecture.

Just outside Navan, you will spot the ruins of the Donaghmore Monastic Settlement. This is one of the ancient Irish places to visit Meath Domnach Mór – the Great Church is the original Irish name and the Church was said to have been blessed by St. Patrick. As mentioned in the Book of Kells it states that the monks at Kells bought the lands for 20oz of gold.

The deeds to the land are witnessed by Ó Dunan, Bishop of the northern half of Ireland, the King of Tara and Ó Fiachiach custodian of Donaghmore. The deeds are dated before 1094 and the lands and monastery were first inhabited by celibate clergy which eventually gave way to a community of married clergy.

The monastery survived until the tenth century and the round tower that you can see today was built during the Viking invasions.

The Irish Military Museum And Park takes great pride in showcasing one of Europe’s most extensive collections of wartime artifacts. Recognized as one of Ireland’s top ten museums, it has earned the prestigious annual Trip Advisor Travellers’ Choice award for seven consecutive years.

Visitors can explore a diverse range of historical uniforms at the museum, including British and German uniforms from World War One, US and German uniforms from World War Two, as well as uniforms from the 1916 Irish Volunteers, and the US military and Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

Additionally, the museum boasts an intriguing collection of props and costumes from renowned films such as Band of Brothers, Braveheart, A Bridge Too Far, and Game of Thrones. For an immersive experience, visitors have the exciting opportunity to take a spin and even learn how to operate an FV432 APC armored personnel carrier tank!

If you are a golfing fanatic you will find some serious golf courses in Meath. From the Royal Tara to the course at Killeen Castle. There is at least a dozen golf clubs and courses in Meath that are rated excellent and the I rish Golf Advisor will provide ratings and lots more information on all these courses.

Glorious Beaches in Meath

Meath is actually home to several beaches and the most popular are as follows:

One of the best beaches Bettystown is a long sandy beach that is perfect for family outings and swimming. It was on the beach here that the Tara Brooch was found by a woman who says she found a wooden box with the brooch in it.

Near the village of Laytown is a popular sandy beach that every year hosts a horse race right on the beach. The Laytown Races have been taking place here since 1868. The Laytown races occupy a unique position in the Irish and British racing calendar as it is the only race event run on a beach under the rules of the Turf Club

The Meath Gold Coast is a 10km stretch of gorgeous soft sand beach running from the River Boyne to the Delvin River and it’s ideal for swimming, sand and water sports and of course horseback riding.

The Open Farm is a brilliant adventure for kids and adults. On the petting farm, you get to meet the farm animals including Neddy and Danny the donkeys, gather eggs from the chickens. There’s a billy goat called Steve named after Steve McQueen from the movie The Great Escape. There are the “cowdashions” Kim and Khloe, five pigs including a Vietnamese potbelly and numerous geese and ducks. There’s parking and you can take a tea break at the Donkey Shed which serves some lovely grub.

A working farm Causey farm hosts events for most major holidays such as Halloween, Christmas and Easter and they also do team building and other corporate events. This 300-acre mixed-use farm breeds limousin-cross cattle, Belclair sheep, winter wheat, spring barley along with beets, turnips and kale.

You will also find a petting zoo, playground and family park for the kids. The Museum also hosts workshops and talks and guided tours.

Yes, a sort of inland lighthouse – the spire of Lloyd is a Victorian Folly in the shape of a Doric column with a lantern on top. It was built so that the owner could watch horse racing. The views from the top of the Spire are off the Mourne Mountains in County Down. On Bank holiday Mondays the Spire is open to the public free of charge.

Said to be the oldest bridge in Ireland Babes Bridge has also been called the Robbers Bridge, Donaghmore Bridge or Mabes Bridge. It is a stone arch bridge that crosses the Boyne River. According to the Annals of the Four Masters, it was the only bridge that survived a great flood in 1330 that washed away all the Boyne bridges from Trim to Drogheda. The Annals of the Four Masters is a chronicle of medieval Irish History written in Donegal.

One of the many things to do with kids in Meath is to visit Emerald Park is perfect for families or adrenaline junkies that love roller coasters. The Park covers 22 hectares of land and is home to the Cu Chulainn Coaster, the largest wooden roller coaster in Europe. Lots of smaller rides and a zoo, 5-D movies and lots of junk food to eat – what more could a kid ask for?

Pubs to visit in Meath

If you are looking for what to do in Meath of an evening, look for those pubs and venues that play traditional Irish music you won’t want to miss the craic in an Irish pub .

And now for the grown-ups, the Snailbox pub is a different kettle of fish that contains over 6000 baseball caps as its décor. If you want you can leave your cap in exchange for a Snailbox one. The pub hosts some fantastic traditional music nights and the food is pretty damn good too.

Built in 1870 Bradys pub is one of the best traditional Irish pubs in Meath and is recommended by the locals for the best Guinness around. On a Thursday you can take in a trad music night with all the singing you can join in on.

A great little traditional pub it even starred in a Guinness commercial O’Connell’s pub is found in Skyrne and will fulfil all your Irish pub fantasies with its old floors, antique furniture and wooden ceiling. You won’t find craft beers here. Instead, it’s pints of plain, no food (except of course cheese & onion crisps). But there are excellent views situated as it is on the Hill of Skryne across the road from an old monastery from which you can see the Hill of Tara, Dublin Airport and parts of Co. Louth.

Where to stay in Meath

Exuding elegance and luxury, Tankardstown comprises an impressive 18th Century Manor House & Orangery; a central courtyard of Cottage Suites; adjacent to the Garden Village where casual Lunch and Afternoon Tea is available along with Classic Evening Dining in Brabazon Restaurant.

Connells House Thatched Cottage is set in Duleek and offers a restaurant and a garden. The accommodation is 30 km from Swords. The cottage has 4 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a shower. Dublin is 42 km from the holiday home, while Slane is 15 km from the property.

This Trim Castle hotel overlooks Trim Castle, which was used, among other things, as a filming location for the film Braveheart. It offers spacious rooms with free Wi-Fi. Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. The Trim Hotel has been designed to blend in with this historic setting while providing excellent service and modern amenities. The luxurious rooms at the Trim Castle Hotel have large windows and overlook the castle and its surroundings. They include a flat-screen TV and some have a balcony.

And there you have it 37 things to do in Meath which just goes to prove it’s not a County to be missed. You can swim, play golf, ride horses on the beach, visit ancient runes and learn about Ogham it’s all here in Meath.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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Meath is a wonderful mix of ancient history and busy towns. The prehistoric Newgrange in the Boyne Valley, the historical town of Kells and an array of castles and monasteries dotted across the county make it an ideal de...

Home to the historical Trim Castle, the ancient burial site of Newgrange and beautiful trails like Athlumney Riverside Walk, there's plenty more to discover in Meath.

Find out about all the amazing things to do in Meath.

Choose the countryside cottage, relax in a hotel and spa, or cosy up in a historic home. From self-catering apartments to B&Bs and more, discover places to stay on your next trip to Meath.

Uncover all Meath has to offer with these great hidden gems.

Looking for somewhere great to eat and drink? Check out food and drink in Meath.

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Things to Do in County Meath, Ireland - County Meath Attractions

Things to do in county meath.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for a Rainy Day
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• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

121. My Ireland Heritage Tours

122. Bachelors Lodge Equestrian Centre

123. James O'Connell

124. FORTYONE

125. The Old Stand

126. O'Briens Pub and Restaurant

127. Kelly's Pub

128. Farmaphobia

129. sally gardens pub.

130. Owen Traynor

131. McCabes Bar

132. The Spa at The Johnstown Estate

133. The Lantern

134. Auld Stand

135. The Malt House

136. Dave Pelz Golf School

137. The Dublin Bar

138. Balreask Bar, Restaurant & Guest Accommodation

139. Carberrys

140. LemonRock Bike Tours

141. Murray & Son

142. Ryans of Gormanlough

143. Henry Loughrans

144. The Beauty Clinic

145. the fox inn.

146. P.Clarke's Bar

147. Penneys

148. Farrellys Pub

149. Lagoa Sauna

150. beggy,s bar, what travelers are saying.

Top 10 family-friendly and free places to see and things to do in Ireland

The sun is finally starting to shine, temperatures are rising, and you can almost smell summer in the air.

That means it is almost that time many parents dread - school holidays for the summer - and the never-ending question of ‘What are we going to do today?’

Fear not this season, as there are endless possibilities to keep the kids entertained nationwide, and better yet, they don’t have to break the bank.

For all the latest news straight to your inbox, sign up for our FREE newsletters here .

Here’s a list of ideas for some of the best family-friendly and free places to visit in Ireland.

Weather dependant, but always an easy one, a beach day is a perfect family day out. Take a dip, have a picnic in the sand, or read a book.

There is fun to be had for all ages, and there is no shortage of options to choose from no matter where you are in the country.

Head to Bundoran or Rossnowlagh Beach in Co Donegal for the surfers in the family.

Keem Beach in Co Mayo is one for adventurous scuba divers and snorkeling enthusiasts, with crystal clear waters making it one of the top spots.

For the swimmers and sun worshipers in the south, Inchydoney Beach, Co Cork is always a good idea and has been ranked at the top of the ‘best beaches in Ireland’ list by TripAdvisor users three times in their coveted Travellers’ Choice Awards.

Áras an Uachtaráin Tour

Áras an Uachtaráin is both the official and private residence of the President of Ireland.

Guided tours take place almost every Saturday all year round.

Each tour takes about an hour and fifteen minutes and is free of charge.

Their website states: “The President is pleased to welcome the public to participate in the guided tours organized by the Office of Public Works and to enjoy the experience of visiting and viewing the main reception and state rooms of Áras an Uachtaráin.”

Tickets are issued on a first-come-first-served basis from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre.

Phoenix Park

While you are there, head to Phoenix Park for a wander to take in the stunning scenery and wildlife.

The large urban park in Dublin is Europe’s biggest enclosed park, yet it is a stone’s throw from Dublin’s city center.

The park is teeming with beautiful stately homes and stunning sights, as well as a children's playground and café, and it has even got its own herd of fallow deer, which often prove popular on family visits.

The park was originally the Royal Hunting Park in the 17th century when it became home to a large herd of fallow deer. In fact, those you see roaming freely across the land today are its descendants.

At 1,752 acres, Phoenix Park is twice as big as New York’s Central Park. It is open all year round, and its two main gates stay open 24 hours a day so you can enjoy this city oasis for as long as you like.

Botanic Gardens

The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland is an oasis of calm and beauty, and entry is free.

A premier scientific institution, the Gardens contain important collections of plant species and cultivars from all over the world.

The Dublin location is located in Glasnevin, just three kilometers from Dublin city center, and is famous for the exquisitely-restored historic glasshouses.

The Wicklow site is located in Kilmacurragh, where the milder climate, higher rainfall, and deeper, acidic soils of this historic Wicklow garden, provide a counterpoint to the collections at Glasnevin.

The two gardens have been closely associated since 1854.

The National Botanic Gardens of Ireland are operated and managed by the Office of Public Works.

Bray Air Display

The Bray Air Display is the biggest public free event in Ireland, and worth putting in the calendar ahead of the summer holiday planning.

The annual occasion is a free family event and no pre-booking is necessary. This year’s event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, July 29th and 30th.

National Gallery of Ireland

A visit to the National Gallery of Ireland is a fun and educational day out, with tours, workshops, and lectures all available to explore. Best of all, it is all free.

Since 1864, when the Gallery first opened its doors in Dublin, the national collection has been available for the nation to enjoy all year round at no cost. Is your child a tiny Tintoretto, a mini Monet, or a pint-sized Picasso? If so grab a free Family Pack on the way in and let them create at the National Gallery.

They're the perfect accompaniment to one of the Through a Lens tours. There are also free tours of the collection, especially for younger visitors at 12.30pm every Sunday.

Heritage sites

On the first Wednesday of each month, many OPW Heritage Sites offer free admission to visitors and families.

These include sites such as Ennis Friary in Co Clare , Charles Fort in Co Cork , Donegal Castle, Dublin’s Farmleigh House and Estate, Athenry Castle in Co Galway, Emo Court in Co Kildare , and The Blasket Center in Co Kerry .

Trim Castle in Co Meath , Sligo Abbey, Cahir Castle in Co Tipperary , and Glendalough Visitor Centre in Co Wicklow are also on the list, among many others all over the country.

Galway City Museum

Galway City Museum has three floors of galleries currently housing seven long-term exhibitions and two temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions explore themes of archaeology, history, and sea science with a particular focus on Galway. Admission is free and no booking is required.

Museum of Country Life

If you are heading west for the summer, the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life is worth a visit with the family.

Victorian and contemporary architecture combine at the National Museum, located at Turlough Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo, just 30 minutes from the Mayo section of the Wild Atlantic Way .

In the modern exhibition galleries, immerse yourself in objects, rare archive photography, and films that explore Ireland’s rural past and an almost vanished but recent way of life. Later on, visit a Victorian Gothic mansion overlooking gardens, parkland, and woodland.

Admission is free and the museum offers a year-round program of workshops, talks, and tours for all ages and a changing program of temporary exhibitions on historical and contemporary themes.

There is also a café and gift shop onsite.

Castlecomer Discovery Park Kilkenny

Castlecomer Discovery Park , set in a beautiful 80-acre woodland, boasts an exciting range of recreational and educational activities.

Suitable for all ages, it is home to Ireland's longest ziplines at 300m over water, an octagon high ropes course, a tree-top adventure walk, a climbing wall, a junior woodland adventure course, archery, boating, orienteering and walking trails, a coal-mining museum, and an animal viewing area. Some areas are free, including the Timber Tumblers playground and The Elf & Fairy Village.

The park is a social-community enterprise, a registered charity, and operates on a not-for-profit basis, so it is free entry.

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Discover the Boyne Valley

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Dunmoe Castle by the River Boyne, County Meath

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If you’re looking to explore Ireland’s rich history, you’ve come to the right place. The Boyne Valley, a lush green paradise in Ireland’s Ancient East , was once the territory of Ireland’s high kings and boasts a history that dates back over 5,000 years. Just look around you and you’ll see the legacy of every big player from Ireland’s past, including ancient pagans, high kings, early Christian monks , Vikings, Normans and Anglo-Irish aristocrats.

But there’s more to this place than historic monuments and ancient intrigue. For lovers of good food, it’s a place that’s hard to beat, with great local produce, excellent ingredients and a buzzing restaurant scene. And the beautiful natural surroundings play host to a range of activities, from kayaking on the mythical River Boyne to forest bathing in ancient woodlands – making it a perfect place to slow down, take stock and enjoy the moment.

Knowth passage tomb, County Meath

Ancient mysteries at Brú na Bóinne

Before the pyramids were built or Stonehenge stood tall, this place was home to a sophisticated wealthy society.

History is alive in the Boyne Valley

The big hitter here is Brú na Bóinne – one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s home to Europe’s largest collection of megalithic art, dotted across over 90 Neolithic monuments. But it is best known for the iconic passage tomb of Newgrange, which dates back to around 3200BC. Newgrange is the site of a breathtaking alignment every winter solstice when a beam of light from the rising sun snakes down a 19-metre passage into the cruciform-shaped chamber at its heart.

Moving through the centuries brings you to other historic gems including the Hill of Tara , once the seats of Ireland's high kings, and the Hill of Ward , where the ancient festival of Samhain was celebrated – a feast we now know as Halloween . Lovers of castles will find much to enjoy at Trim Castle , the largest Anglo-Norman castle on the island of Ireland, and Slane Castle , which found international fame as a venue for rock concerts by artists including The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen and Madonna.

There are impressive monastic ruins at 12th century Mellifont Abbey , some well-preserved Celtic high crosses at 5th century Monasterboice , and the equally well-preserved head of martyred 17th century saint, Oliver Plunkett – a religious relic on display in St Peter’s Church in Drogheda. No wonder Sir William Wilde, noted historian and father of Oscar, wrote that “the history of Ireland can be traced in the monuments along the Boyne Valley”.

Trip idea: a voyage into history

Pass through the centuries of Ireland’s past on this journey that takes you around counties Meath and Westmeath.

Getting active in the Boyne Valley

Bring yourself back into the present by engaging in some of the many activities on offer around the Boyne Valley. The Royal Canal Greenway , which follows the path of the canal from Dublin to the River Shannon, passes through the south of the region and is a favourite with walkers and cyclists. 

The Boyne Blueway centres around the town of Trim and kayakers are often to be seen paddling past the dramatic walls of Trim Castle. Alternatively, you can set off in a handcrafted, traditional “currach” with Boyne Boats, for a guided trip down the Boyne.

And that’s not all. You can indulge in the practice of forest bathing, the traditional Japanese mindfulness practice of shinrin-yoku with Calm Paths . A taste of rural life is on offer at Causey Farm , where you can learn the basics of hurling (a traditional Gaelic game), bake brown bread and try céilí dancing. Or how about immersing yourself in the region’s green spaces on the Boyne Valley Garden Trail . And, if you’re here in September, head to the coast for the Laytown Races – a unique horseracing spectacle that’s been running for over 150 years.

Listoke Distillery and Gin School, County Louth

A flavour of the Boyne Valley

Some local favourites to try are Carlingford oysters , flavoured by a unique mix of local minerals; sustainably farmed venison from Killua Castle Farm ; Boyne Valley Blue, a semi-hard blue goat’s cheese produced by Boyne Valley Farmhouse Cheese ; and whiskey from Boann Distillery and Slane Whiskey .

If you want to get a bit more hands on, the region boasts an exciting range of food and drink experiences to try. Listoke Gin School offers you a chance to distil your very own gin. Sheridan’s Cheesemongers runs a Saturday market that features the best of Ireland’s food. And at Martry Mill , a working watermill that dates back to 1641, you can take a tour to see how they make their stoneground wholemeal flour.

A great way to fit all this into your trip is to book a food tour with Slane Food Circle , where you’ll have a chance to meet local food and drink producers. Dining out? Try the Glyde Inn in Annagassan for seafood; Brabazon Restaurant at Tankardstown House for fine dining; and the Cross Guns Inn for award-winning gastro pub fare.

Stackallen Bridge over the River Boyne, County Meath

Boyne Valley treasures

From prehistoric sites to medieval castles, ruined monasteries to elegant mansions, the Boyne Valley is a brimming with history, myth and legend.

Want to see more?

Here are some great reads to get you started

5 reasons you’ll love the Púca Festival

Hill of Tara

Inspiration

Ireland's Ancient East

Slane Castle

3 days of golf and more

A stone is never just a stone in Ireland

UNESCO sites on the island of Ireland

Ireland's Ancient East Festivals

Meet Ireland’s artisan food producers

Halloween in Ireland

Following the footsteps of St Patrick

Boyne valley highlights.

Don't miss these things to see and do

Rock Farm Slane - Electric Bikes

Accommodation

Bellinter House

Boyne Boats

Brabazon Restaurant at Tankardstown House

Loughcrew Historic Gardens

Boyne Valley Tours

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre - Newgrange and Knowth

Slane Distillery

Boyne Valley Activities

The Station House Hotel

Irish Military War Museum

Bellinter House, a countryside retreat. Offering you the comfort and elegance of a luxury boutique hotel. Bellinter House invites you to relax and indulge yourself in the heart of the Boyne Valley.

Discover Boyne Boats and sail through the Boyne Valley on a boat from Game of Thrones. Paddle your way down the Boyne Canal spotting fairy doors, WWII military bunkers and historic battlegrounds.

Tankardstown House is an 18th century manor house set on an 80 acre estate just outside Slane, County Meath. Its flagship restaurant Brabazon Restaurant boasts fine dining and a relaxed atmosphere. It has has become a true destination for diners.

Personalised Day Tours of the Boyne Valley, places to visit include Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange & Knowth), Hill of Slane, Hill of Tara, Monasterboice, Old Mellifont Abbey, Bective Abbey, Trim Castle, Loughcrew, Fourknocks & Kells.

Located in the heart of County Meath only 20 minutes from Dublin, The Station House Hotel, which was originally a railway station, offers the very best in luxury accommodation and fine dining in the award winning Signal Restaurant.

Opened in County Meath on the 6th of June 2014, the Irish Military War Museum offers a fascinating insight into Irish participants’ involvement in both World War One and World War Two, as well as other military conflicts in world history.

Getting to the Boyne Valley

Fly to Dublin Airport and you’re almost there. Or head to Belfast and take the scenic route south. Coming by ferry? Dublin and Belfast are your closest ports. But Rosslare is a pretty easy distance.

How to see more of Ireland on a budget

Mar 31, 2024 • 6 min read

Read on for expert tips to make your money go further in Ireland © davidf / Getty Images

By most European standards, Ireland can be quite expensive. Accommodation and food are generally priced at the upper end of the scale, which means a sizeable daily budget is needed.

However, there are plenty of ways to make your money go further during your visit to Ireland, and if you are travelling on a tight-ish budget, I have a host of cost-saving tips that will help you enjoy the best of what the country has to offer without missing out on the very best experiences.

Here’s a few tips that will help stretch your budget while visiting Ireland. 

Daily Costs

• Hostel room: €40-€70 (€50-€120 in Dublin)
• Basic room for two: €80-€100 (€100-€150 in Dublin)
• Self-catering apartments (including Airbnb): €150-€250
• Public transport ticket: €3.60
• Coffee: €3-€5
• Sandwich: €4-€8
• Dinner for two: €150
• Beer/pint at the bar:  €6-€9
• Average daily cost: €150- € 250

Know the cheapest time to go to Ireland

Peak season – May and August – is the most expensive time to visit, so you can make considerable savings travelling to Ireland outside of those months. Winter (except for Christmas) is when flight costs and accommodation rates are at their lowest, but you’ll likely encounter the worst weather and a lot of seasonal closures, especially along the west coast.

The ideal time to visit is during the shoulder season, especially in autumn (spring has St Patrick’s Day and Easter, which are typically busy and popular), when the crowds have dwindled, prices drop (especially for accommodation) and the weather can be surprisingly good.

Check the cheapest way to get there

Ireland is an island, so the vast majority of arrivals come by air. Dublin is the most popular arrival point, but if you’re coming from North America, flights into Shannon Airport are usually cheaper. For arrivals from Europe, Irish-based Ryanair is Europe’s largest airline, with dozens of cheap flights into Dublin and Cork from most major European cities. Cheaper still is the ferry. There are ferry ports in Dublin, Rosslare and Belfast , serving arrivals from the UK , France and Spain . A typical Sail & Rail ticket between London and Dublin can cost as little as €20.

Public transport is a good option to get around

Ireland has a pretty extensive network of public and private buses that are the most affordable way to travel. Transport for Ireland is a handy route planner for all public transport services across the country, including buses; in rural areas, Local Link services are a convenient way of exploring the local surroundings.

How to save money on attractions

Many attractions offer discounted rates if you buy tickets online in advance. You can also buy visitor passes that include entry to a number of attractions, such as the Dublin Pass. The Heritage Card includes free entry to all Office of Public Works–managed sites; it can be a good deal depending on how many spots you plan to visit.

There’s free entry to the four museums that make up the National Museum of Ireland (three branches in Dublin and one, the Museum of Country Life , in County Mayo), the National Gallery in Dublin, the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork and the Ulster Museum in Belfast.

Where to find good, cheap eats 

In bigger towns and cities with a large working population, many restaurants offer lunch deals that usually include a starter and a main course; a lot of Asian restaurants serve bento boxes as part of their lunch deals. Many restaurants also provide early bird menus that usually run between 5pm and 7pm; the menu is more limited but can offer considerable savings compared to the standard evening a la carte menu.

Early Table is an excellent online service that allows you to book an early sitting in restaurants across the country. You need to buy credit with them but the savings are considerable, usually up to 50% of the regular price of the meal.

How to get good value accommodation in Ireland

Accommodation will likely be the heftiest part of your travel budget. However, as many hotels use booking engines that operate dynamic pricing (which means rates go up and down depending on demand), early booking can often result in some very good deals. Calling a hotel directly – especially at the last minute – can also result in getting a better price than the one quoted on a website.

The traditional B&B was long the backbone of the Irish accommodation industry, and while many have been superseded by a glut of midrange hotels, they still offer surprisingly good value for money – with a home-cooked breakfast thrown in for good measure. Another option for savings on accommodation is to travel in the off-season, when rates are typically lower.

Find out where to join a free walking tour in Ireland

There are a handful of free walking tours that only expect a tip. Yellow Umbrella Tours operates free, thematic tours in Belfast, Cork, Dublin and Galway. Sandemans offers free tours across many European cities including Dublin, where it has a standard walking tour as well as an evening haunted tour, which explores the darker stories of the capital.

The best entertainment in Ireland for the price of a drink is...

Irish traditional music is Western Europe’s most vibrant and dynamic folk music. It is played all over the country, mostly in traditional pub "sessions", where many of the world’s very best players in the genre will showcase their remarkable skills…at no cost to the public. All you need to do is show up, buy a drink and settle in to enjoy.

How to visit heritage sites for free

Unless you invest in a Heritage Card, visiting OPW (Office of Public Works; the government agency that manages Ireland’s heritage sites) attractions can add up. However, try to time your visit for the first Wednesday of the month, when a large number of sites waive their entry charges as part of Free Wednesday . 

How to ride the train for cheap in Ireland

In Northern Ireland, the Sunday Fun Day Tracker ticket gives passengers unlimited train travel on a Sunday for £9 (£4.50 for children). Tickets are available from all ticket offices, the mlink ticketing app and from the train conductor.

Take advantage of the transport fare cap

If you’re planning to explore the region surrounding Dublin, you will save money by using public transport, which has instituted a fare cap on travel to some of the region’s commuter towns across counties Kildare, Meath and Louth. Standard single fares to/ from Dublin to a host of towns is fixed at €6.

Invest in a Leap card for public transport in Dublin

If you're going to use public transport in Dublin, be sure to get a Leap card  – a tap on, tap off card (similar to London’s Oyster Card) – which reduces fares by around 10% compared to cash and eliminates the hassle of having to provide exact change when buying a ticket. Leap cards can be bought in most convenience stores. Topping up is a cinch: you can do it at train stations, Luas stops and at all convenience stores that sell them. You can also download the Leap top-up app for NFC-enabled iPhone 7 (or above) and Android phones. You then hold the card to the back of the phone and it’ll display your balance and options to add value.

Keep planning the trip of a lifetime in Ireland:

• Start that Ireland bucketlist with our list of the  top things to do . 
• Have wheels, will travel: here are the best  road trips  to tackle in Ireland. 
• Get outside and into the great outdoors in Ireland with these top walks .
• Read on for when's the  best time to go to Ireland.
• Get off the beaten track with this guide to where locals holiday in Ireland. 

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