Boyne Valley Interpretative Centre - situated on the
river Boyne, the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre provides
information on local history and folklore including information
on the famous Battle of the Boyne, which changed the course of
Irish history. This centre also has a replica of Newgrange complete
with simulated solstice experience and a visit is recommended.
Butterstream Gardens – is one of Ireland’s
finest gardens. A gothic bridge creates a theatrical entrance
to the gardens while a tower provides spectacular views over sections
of the garden.
Hill of Slane
Hill of Slane – situated about
half a mile from the village of Slane, legend has it that St.
Patrick once lit an Easter fire here to show the light of Christianity
in Ireland. Though the High King at the time forbade such acts,
it is said that following a meeting with the saint, the King subsequently
capitulated and allowed Patrick to continue to spread the word
of Christianity.
Hill of Tara – originally the seat of the Irish
High Kings, the largest section on the Hill is part of the "Royal
Enclosure", where the Stone of Destiny can be found. The
Hill of Tara Visitor Centre, established in a renovated Protestant
church, offers a detailed history of Tara and surrounding features.
Ledwidge Museum – situated about half a mile from
the town of Drogheda, this farm cottage was the birthplace of
the renowned poet, Francis Ledwidge, who was killed in 1917 during
the First World War. There is also a folk and transport museum
located in this building.
Moynalty –an attractive village in Meath, featuring
the "Steam Threshing Festival" in August each year.
Almost the entire local community participates in this unique
display of farming once practiced in Ireland. The festival features
Irish dancing sessions and a temporary museum of antiquated farm
implements and antiques.
Newgrange
Newgrange – is one of the most important historical
sites in Ireland and was built in 3200 BC as a burial site for
local chiefs. This site is older than the Egyptian pyramids and
Stonehenge. This circular tumulus has a standing stone above the
entrance and the rising sun of the winter solstice, which occurs
on the shortest day of the year; floods the main passage with
light for almost twenty minutes. This is truly a remarkable sight.
Trim Castle
Trim Town – situated on the river Boyne, this handsome
town encapsulates a number of important heritage sites and is
one of the oldest ecclesiastical centres in Ireland. Impossible
to miss, King John’s Castle is the largest Norman castle
in Ireland and was visited by no less than three English kings.
The castle eventually fell Oliver Cromwell in 1649. Such was the
importance of Trim in medieval times that Queen Elizabeth I considered
establishing Trinity College in Trim rather than Dublin.
