Meath
Expand your mind with ancient sites and pristine countryside in the very delightful County Meath
Sightseeing
With exceptional historical sites that date back to 3200BC, Meath is a must-visit on any trip to Ireland
Battle of the Boyne Site & Bru na Boinne
One of the most important sites in the history of Ireland, this spot marks the place where the Battle of the Boyne was fought in July 1690 between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II. The area also contains the three exceptional passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to 3200BC and was built by the people of the New Stone Age.
Hill of Tara, County Meath
The Hill of Tara, located 48km northwest of Dublin, dates back more than 5,000 years to the Neolithic age. Tara is known in both myth and history as the traditional seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
Loughcrew Cairns, North Meath
Within the Loughcrew Hills you’ll find passage graves, megalithic chambers and decorated stones as well as fantastic views of the surrounding Meath countryside.
See more highlightsThe River Boyne
Historic and central to much of Ireland’s mythology, the River Boyne is a scenic spot rich in aquatic life.
Trim Castle
Trim is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and construction started on the site back in 1176. After being extensive renovated in 2000, it’s now a fascinating place to visit.
Activities
Enjoy premiere golf and horse racing in scenic Meath
Fairyhouse Race Course, County Meath
Fairyhouse is the home of Ireland’s premier National Hunt race, the Powers Gold Label Irish Grand National, which is run every year on Easter Monday.
Gardens
Meath is blessed with lots of beautiful gardens, which are guaranteed to enchant and charm. Try Hamwood House with its rare collection of trees and shrubs, Loughcrew with beautiful vistas and pretty water-gardens, and Grove Gardens with a rose garden, tropical bird sanctuary and mini zoo.
Golf
Meath is renowned for some excellent golf courses, many of which have been designed by professional golfer Des Smyth. Check out the likes of Glebe, Kilcock, Bellewstown and Ashbourne to name just a few.
See more highlightsWalking
From forest parks to refreshing seaside spots, walking in Meath gets you close to nature and brings you through beautifully unspoiled countryside and coast.
Children
Fabulous places for family fun
Causey Farm, Navan
You can be Irish for a day at the Causey Farm with a host of traditional activities including turf cutting, bodhrán classes, céilí dancing, sheepdog demonstrations, cow milking and brown bread baking.
Grove Gardens & Tropical Bird Sanctuary, Fordstown, Kells
These tranquil formal gardens boast over 400 different roses, but the real draw for the kids is the raucous tropical bird garden and the mini zoo with camels, monkeys and racoons.
Royal Canal Ventures, Clonard, Enfield
Boat hire, barge trips, bicycle hire, barbecue hire, fishing rod hire and a coffee shop are just some of the facilities on offer here.
Culture & festivals
Discover a 6th-century town and wonderful medieval ruins
Athboy
This town was founded some time in the 6th century and has a rich cultural heritage just waiting to be explored.
Kells
This busy town enjoys a wonderfully rich heritage and contains many important high crosses. Kells is also famous for the Book of Kells, which is now on view in Trinity College Dublin.
Trim Visitor Centre, Trim
After you’ve visited the medieval ruins at Trim, pop into this visitor centre where you can learn all about the town, and its fascinating history.
Eating, Drinking & Luxury
Meath has a style all its own with relaxed restaurants, traditional pubs and a luxurious rural oasis
Marriott Johnstown House, Enfield
Despite being just 45 minutes from Dublin City Centre, Johnstown House feels like it’s a proper rural oasis. Set in 120 acres of stunning parkland this four-star hotel is developed around a magnificent 1750s Georgian residence and provides high-quality luxurious accommodation.
O’Connell’s Pub, Skryne
Simple, unfussy, comfortable and welcoming – all good Irish pubs should be like this. Make sure to drop in for a pint and cosy yourself in beside the big roaring fire.
The Ground Floor Restaurant, Kells
This pleasant contemporary restaurant has gained a good reputation for delicious global cuisine at reasonable prices.
Shopping
Meath is home to an excellent selection of top craft shops
Old Market Square Craft Centre and Coffee Shop, Clonmellon, County Meath
A craft and coffee shop housed within a recently restored 19th century building.
Seamus Cassidy Woodturning and Furniture, Slane
Beautiful wood pieces that are said to be “in harmony with nature”. The collection includes functional and artistic bowls and platters in native Irish timbers.
Thomas Diem Pottery, Ashbourne
Thomas Diem combines traditional pottery methods with beautifully contemporary styles.
