(Heritage Town of Kells) (Royal County of Meath) (Golf) (Angling) (Where to Eat)
(Download a free Meath tourism pack)
Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Loughcrew Cairns form the largest complex of Passage Graves in Ireland. The Cairns are megalithic structures containing symbolic engravings. Like other passage graves in Ireland, they have clear astrological alignments. It is generally agreed that they were originally built about 4000 BC as burial chambers.
The Hill of Tara, was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. In ancient Irish religion and mythology this was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site.
Battle of the Boyne. Looking at the site one wouldn't’t expect that the Battle of the Boyne, in 1690, could have such a lasting and central impact on people’s lives. 300 years after the battle, passions in Ireland still run high when the subject of James II’s defeat by William of Orange comes up. It’s not so much the battle as what it stands for - continuing differences between Catholics and Protestants - and the difficulty of overcoming memories of the past in search of a common future.
Trim Castle. Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty year period in the 12th century by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Trim Castle is noted for the part it played in the filming of the Mel Gibson's film Braveheart.
Loughcrew Historical House & Gardens-
History, beauty, fantasy, and atmosphere make Loughcrew a magical experience. In a serene pleasure-garden of vistas and unexpected features, a spirit of mystery and dark history is created by the mighty ancient yew walk, a mediaeval mote and the martyr St. Oliver Plunkett's family church.
Causey Farm- Try your hand at brown bread making, ceili dancing, the Irish drum, sugar rope making, hurling, milking a cow, turf cutting and working a sheepdog.
Traditional meals and live music evening.
Newgrange Farm & Coffee Shop. Located beside the famous tourist site is Ireland's leading open visitors farm where everyone can see-hold-feed animals & poultry, play areas provided. Superb facilities & play areas. Wonderful day out for the family.
Follow the Meath Heritage Trail!
