Travel north from Dublin's fair city and you will find 'the Royal County' of County Meath, so called as it was once the seat of the High King of Ireland, at Tara. In addition to the Hill of Tara – a most historic of archaeological sites – County Meath is home to the highly-influential burial sites at Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth, which are so prehistorically important that they are now classed together as 'Brú na Bóinne' ('the Mansion on the Boyne'), and are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Things to do in County Meath The plethora of Neolitic and prehistoric sites in the county are obviously a huge draw for visitors, but as with elsewhere in Ireland, country walks are well marked options; the Boyne Ramparts Walk takes hikers 8km from Stackallen to Navan, passing the canal locks of the Boyne navigation, and the spooky ruins of Ardmulchan Church and Dunmoe Castle, with kingfishers, herons and otters frequently sighted en route. By way of contrast, the splendidly titled 'Kells Girley Bog Eco Walk' takes its course through a landscape of forest and bogland, with a distinctive natural environment of bog mosses, ling heather and lichens.
There are golf courses throughout the county suitable for all levels of player, while the waters of the Boyne Valley supply course, sea and game anglers alike, with a wide variety of meandering rivers, sandy coastal waters and idyllic lakes on which to fish. Meath is drained by the River Boyne as it makes its way across the county to the Irish Sea in the east.
Top Destinations
Tara – The site of an oval Iron Age hill top enclosure, the Hill of Tara has long been associated with kingship and the rituals surrounding royalty. The area includes a number of prominent earthworks, enclosures, barrows, a standing stone and a Neolithic passage tomb.
Kells– This town, which lies 10 miles from Navan, is the site of a monastery; the religious community is thought to have been founded around 804AD, by monks fleeing from the Viking invasions of Iona. A well established town trail – the Kells Historic Trail – leads visitors through 14 historic places of interest around the town, including the monastic site, a 19th century courthouse, the fine, carved market cross and the beautiful arches of the Headfort Bridge.
Navan– Navan, the county town, was the childhood home of the James Bond actor, Pierce Brosnan. The town was also once renowned for the production of carpets. Nearby, is the Tara Mine, which is the largest zinc mine in Europe, and also acts as the major source of employment in the area.
Slane – Perched on a steep hillside overlooking the River Boyne, the village of Slane is known for its fine Castle – the grounds of which are now regularly utilised for open air concerts – and for the 'Hill of Slane', said to be the burial place of an ancient Irish king, and a religious site dating from pagan times. The ruins of the ancient Slane Friary can still be seen, carefully balanced on top of the hill.
Clonard – This small village is the location of one of the earliest Christian sites in Ireland. The remains of Norman fortifications – a 12th century motte – are a well known landmark in the village.
Trim – An important settlement in the Middle Ages, Trim is home to the largest Norman castle in western Europe. The magnificent fortifications of St John's Castle were largely constructed by the De Lacy family in the 12th century, on an area of raised ground overlooking a natural ford in the River Boyne. More recently used during the filming of 'Braveheart', the castle walls and keep are open to the public throughout the Summer months.
Skryne – Higher than the neighbouring Hill of Tara, the Hill of Skryne is the site of a ruined 15th century church, known to locals as 'Skryne Tower'.
The Lodge, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
The Granary, Nobber, Co. Meath., County Meath, Kells
Just one hour from Dublin, this beautifully converted mill stands on 300 acres of farmland overlooking the river. Four delightful cottages have been created, two of which are offered here. Set in a courtyard, they are ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Located in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Decoy Country Cottages are a selective holiday destination in a very attractive courtyard setting. The terraced properties (refs W32348, W32349 and W32350) are located in ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Set in landscaped gardens.Less than an hour from Dublin, 47km, this property is in a small development of 12 houses set in beautiful landscaped gardens, some with decking, in a peaceful and tranquil location. Enjoy the 6 ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
The Barn, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
This holiday property is a converted barn situated in the very scenic area of Hill of Down and on the banks of the Royal Canal, across the road from the front gate of the property. The owners live adjacent and have ...
Excellent touring base.This very attractive stone property is attached to the owners home and has been decorated and fitted out to a very good standard. Both bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms and there is a patio area to ...
Located in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Decoy Country Cottages are a selective holiday destination in a very attractive courtyard setting. The terraced properties (refs W32348, W32349 and W32350) are located in ...
The Kilns, Nobber, Co. Meath., County Meath, Kells
Just one hour from Dublin, this beautifully converted mill stands on 300 acres of farmland overlooking the river. Four delightful cottages have been created, two of which are offered here. Set in a courtyard, they are ...
Set in landscaped gardens.Less than an hour from Dublin, 47km, this property is in a small development of 12 houses set in beautiful landscaped gardens, some with decking, in a peaceful and tranquil location. Enjoy the 6 ...
Excellent touring base.This very attractive stone property is attached to the owners home and has been decorated and fitted out to a very good standard. Both bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms and there is a patio area to ...
Excellent touring base.This very attractive stone property is attached to the owners home and has been decorated and fitted out to a very good standard. Both bedrooms have en-suite shower rooms and there is a patio area to ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
Offering guests privacy and freedom, these delightful, self-catering holiday properties provide the perfect home from home all year round for short or longer stays. Situated adjacent to the Johnstown Hotel and Spa, each ...
The Barn, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
The Barn, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
Located in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Decoy Country Cottages are a selective holiday destination in a very attractive courtyard setting. The terraced properties (refs W32348, W32349 and W32350) are located in ...
The Granary, Nobber, Co. Meath., County Meath, Kells
Just one hour from Dublin, this beautifully converted mill stands on 300 acres of farmland overlooking the river. Four delightful cottages have been created, two of which are offered here. Set in a courtyard, they are ...
The Granary, Nobber, Co. Meath., County Meath, Kells
Just one hour from Dublin, this beautifully converted mill stands on 300 acres of farmland overlooking the river. Four delightful cottages have been created, two of which are offered here. Set in a courtyard, they are ...
Located in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Decoy Country Cottages are a selective holiday destination in a very attractive courtyard setting. The terraced properties (refs W32348, W32349 and W32350) are located in ...
The Kilns, Nobber, Co. Meath., County Meath, Kells
Just one hour from Dublin, this beautifully converted mill stands on 300 acres of farmland overlooking the river. Four delightful cottages have been created, two of which are offered here. Set in a courtyard, they are ...
The Lodge, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
The Lodge, Ballinafid, near Mullingar, Westmeath, County Westmeath
Nestled in a wonderful, lakeside location close to the banks of the picturesque Lough Owel, adjacent to beautiful forest walks and in an outstanding beautiful and natural area, Lake Lodge Cottages are located in the ...
Located in the beautiful and historic Boyne Valley, Decoy Country Cottages are a selective holiday destination in a very attractive courtyard setting. The terraced properties (refs W32348, W32349 and W32350) are located in ...
This holiday property is a converted barn situated in the very scenic area of Hill of Down and on the banks of the Royal Canal, across the road from the front gate of the property. The owners live adjacent and have ...
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