Navan —County Meath

The county town of Meath, Navan lies at the confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater. Famed for its fine carpets, it is also the location of Tara Mines, Europe's largest lead and zinc mine. South-east of the town are the impressive remains of Althumney House, a 15th-century castle allegedly set alight by its owners following the defeat of King James at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. From the town there is a walk along the old Boyne Canal. Known as the Ramparts, it begins where the Blackwater River meets the Boyne River, on the path signposted 'Boyne way'. The canal built between 1759 and 1800 was not an economic success and was abandoned in 1923. The walk is passable as far as Stackallen approximately (6.4 Kms) Navan boasts a range of quality accommodation, restaurants, hostelries and bars and is a good base for touring the Boyne Valley.