Kiltale: Walking Track and Neo-Gothic Church

Kiltale combines a walking track designated as Slí na Sláinte with a neo-Gothic church and local traditions. The wider destination of County Meath adds prehistoric burial sites and medieval buildings. If you are planning a stay, this distinction helps separate Kiltale’s own attractions from the other cultural sites in County Meath.

Walking in Kiltale

The Kiltale Walking Track runs around the GAA sports grounds and is designated as Slí na Sláinte, a “Path to Health” route. The route is safe and traffic-free; formal and informal walking and exercise groups use it. This makes both its specific location by the sports grounds and its use for community exercise central to the route.

Church and Local Traditions

The Church of the Assumption in Kiltale is neo-Gothic, was built in 1881–1882, and stands near an older chapel. The construction dates and proximity to the chapel give the church two distinct historical points of reference. Eucharistic Adoration at Kiltale Church is listed for Thursdays from 10:00 to 19:30, with Masses on Saturdays at 18:30 and on Sundays and Wednesdays at 10:00; everyone is welcome. As times may change, check the current schedule before visiting.

Local folklore is also part of the area’s character. The Money Bush is recorded as a bush in the townland of Galtrim, beside a road roughly halfway between Kiltale Chapel and the Galtrim crossroads. Another local Midsummer’s Eve tradition tells of people visiting a well on the eve of the feast, praying there, washing themselves with the water, and taking water away in bottles. A treasure legend associated with Kiltale links Coran Hill to the idea of a chest or box of gold beneath a bush on its southern side.

Accommodation and Finding Hotels

In the vicinity of Kiltale, Kiltale Holiday Homes offers a four-star self-catering holiday home recognised by Fáilte Ireland. The accommodation includes free on-site parking; housekeeping is available on request. Its status and availability may change, so confirm both before travelling. If you are specifically looking for hotels, the type of accommodation matters: Kiltale Holiday Homes is a self-catering holiday home, not a hotel.

County Meath: Other Cultural Sites

In County Meath, the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site lies in a bend of the River Boyne. It includes the prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange, and Dowth, built around 3200 BC. Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery is a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to around 3000 BC, spread across four gently rolling hills. The approximate dates and different landscapes offer two distinct perspectives on County Meath’s prehistoric sites. The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth; booking and shuttle arrangements may change. Guided tours at Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery explore the history and mythology of the monuments. Check tour availability before your trip.

Another historical attraction in County Meath is Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle, on the south bank of the River Boyne. For safety reasons, access to the keep is only permitted as part of a guided tour; check the visiting conditions in advance. An exhibition of medieval armour is on display at the Trim Visitor Centre. The Trim Medieval Armoury also lets visitors touch and handle swords, chain mail, and helmets.

Discover more destinations: Slane, Rathmolyon, Julianstown, Kilbride, Enfield, Dunsany, Pelletstown, Mullaghmore

For the wider travel guide: County Meath.