The BrĂş na BĂłinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne. It includes the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. The BrĂş na BĂłinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Check the current booking and shuttle arrangements in advance if you plan to visit these two sites.
Neolithic Tombs and Their Landscape
Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery also takes visitors back to the Neolithic period: this group of passage tombs dates from around 3000 BC and stretches across four gently rolling hills. The two tomb landscapes therefore feature not only monuments, but also different dates and landscape forms. Guided tours at Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery explore the history and mythology of the monuments; check availability before travelling.
The Hill of Tara played another historic role: it was the seat of the High King of Ireland and an important centre of political and religious power. The visitor centre at the Hill of Tara offers an audiovisual show; guided tours are available on request.
Castles, Monasteries and History on the Boyne
Trim Castle stands on the south bank of the River Boyne and is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle. For safety reasons, access to the keep is only possible as part of a guided tour; check the latest information before your visit. An exhibition of medieval armour is on display at the Trim Visitor Centre. Visitors can also touch and handle medieval swords, chain mail and helmets at the Trim Medieval Armoury.
Kells also preserves traces of its religious history: four high crosses remain, and the base of a fifth is still visible on the grounds of St Columba’s Church. The High Crosses of Kells are part of the historic Boyne Valley and one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements. Bective Abbey was Ireland’s second Cistercian foundation. The Irish Military Museum & Park offers a different perspective on history, with reconstructions of First World War trenches.
At Oldbridge on the Boyne, King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, faced one another on 1 July 1690 according to the old calendar. The site connects the river landscape with a specific historic event, while Trim Castle tells the story of Anglo-Norman architecture.
Paddling, Walking Trails and Local Experiences
For a way to experience the region on the water, Boyne Blueway Trim offers an eight-kilometre stretch of the River Boyne in County Meath. Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for the trip; the route is suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. As access and operating conditions can vary, check them before setting out.
At Slane Castle, visitors can tour the castle with a personal guide and take part in a guided tasting of Irish whiskeys. The grounds also have walking trails in summer. Season matters when planning a visit: the trails are described as a summer offering.
At Causey Farm, the 19th-century barns are used for traditional music workshops. Visitors can also bake traditional soda bread using Lilly Murtagh’s recipe. The Irish Military Museum & Park, the music workshops and the tasting at Slane Castle each offer something different—from reconstructed historic trenches to music and tasting experiences.
A Trip for Different Interests
Emerald Park offers more than 45 rides and attractions, a diverse zoo with special experiences, and spectacular shows and events. The zoo is home to more than 250 animals; The Viking Voyage is Ireland’s only water ride. As attractions, events and animal numbers can change, check what is currently on offer before visiting.
County Meath can be explored through a range of themes: prehistoric tombs, medieval buildings, monastic history and experiences on the Boyne sit alongside music workshops, tastings and theme park attractions. Which discoveries you focus on depends on whether you are more interested in archaeology, history, paddling or a varied programme of activities.
Discover more destinations: Trim, Navan, Kells, Donore, Athboy, Enfield, Slane, Mullaghmore, Dun Buinne, Collinstown, Kilmessan, Ashbourne, Kiltale, An Seanchaisleán, Ratoath, Boycetown, Dunsany, Laytown, Duleek, Dunshaughlin, Balrath, Kilcloon, Longwood, Summerhill, Pelletstown, Julianstown, Donaghmore, Kilbride, Stamullin, Rathmolyon.
For the main travel overview: Leinster.
