Kilbride – Travel ideas in County Meath

The wider destination of County Meath offers a broader look at prehistoric monuments, medieval history and a range of activities. When planning your trip, it is therefore worth considering which of these themes interests you most: early architecture, historic centres of power, or activities on the water and in adventure parks.

Prehistoric monuments and landscapes

Brú na Bóinne lies in a bend of the River Boyne. This World Heritage Site includes the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for visits to Newgrange and Knowth. Check the visitor arrangements before your trip, as advance booking and shuttle procedures may change.

The Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is set in a different landscape: its group of Neolithic passage tombs, dating from around 3000 BC, stretches across four gently rolling hills. Guided tours explain the history and mythology of the monuments; check their availability before visiting. County Meath thus offers two archaeological perspectives side by side: the passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne and the sites of Loughcrew, spread across several hills.

Medieval centres and monastic history

The Hill of Tara was the seat of the High King of Ireland and an important centre of political and religious power. The visitor centre has an audiovisual show, and guided tours are available on request. Trim Castle offers a glimpse of another part of history: it is Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle and stands on the south bank of the River Boyne. For safety reasons, the keep can only be accessed as part of a guided tour. Check the latest tour information before visiting.

Kells and Bective Abbey also offer insight into religious and cultural history. Kells has four surviving high crosses; the base of a fifth is also visible on the grounds of St Columba’s Church. The High Crosses are part of the historic Boyne Valley and one of Ireland’s most important monastic settlements. Bective was Ireland’s second-oldest Cistercian foundation. These places complement the prehistoric monuments with a much later history of monastic life and faith.

An exhibition in the Trim Visitor Centre beside Trim Castle features medieval armour. At the Trim Medieval Armoury, visitors can touch and handle swords, chain mail and helmets. The exhibition and the hands-on experience offer two different ways to explore medieval history.

Activities and special experiences

If you would like to spend time on the water, Boyne Blueway Trim is an 8 km stretch of the River Boyne. The journey is listed as taking 2.5 to 3 hours, and the route is described as suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike. Check the conditions for using the route before your trip. By contrast, Emerald Park offers a different kind of day out: more than 45 rides and attractions, a zoo with over 250 animals, and shows and events. The Viking Voyage is Ireland’s only water ride. As attractions and event offerings may change, it is a good idea to check what is currently available before visiting.

Other experiences combine local traditions with hands-on participation. At Causey Farm, 19th-century barns are used for traditional music workshops. Visitors can also bake soda bread there using Lilly Murtagh’s recipe. The grounds of Slane Castle have walking trails in summer, and the castle can be visited on a private guided tour. A guided tasting of Irish whiskeys is also available. The seasonal trails are therefore a summer option, while the tour and tasting offer other aspects of a visit to the castle.

County Meath’s offerings thus range from archaeological sites and monastic history to paddling, wildlife watching and hands-on activities. When planning your trip, it makes a difference whether you want to focus mainly on the prehistoric monuments and historic sites, or on activities such as the Boyne Blueway, Emerald Park and the offerings at Causey Farm and Slane Castle.

For the wider travel guide: County Meath.