What are the top attractions in County Meath?

Bru na Boinne

Occupying a bend in the River Boyne, Bru na Boinne is a prehistoric landscape that’s home to three Neolithic passage tombs, plus dozens of monuments associated with the Boyne culture. It is now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and accessed via the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre. After learning about the area’s Neolithic culture and ancient landscape, you can board a shuttle bus to explore the passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth. Newgrange is a site of pilgrimage on winter solstice mornings when the sunlight illuminates its central chamber.

Loughcrew Cairns

Around an hour’s drive west of Bru na Boinne are the Loughcrew Cairns, a collection of ancient tombs that date back to the 4th millennium BC. They scatter across the highest point in County Meath, Slieve na Calliagh, and several are decorated with megalithic petroglyphs. Now protected as a National Monument, the Loughcrew Cairns are best accessed on a guided tour from the town of Oldcastle. One of the largest tombs in the complex is Cairn T, which is a popular destination at the spring and autumn equinoxes due to its orientation.

Trim Castle

Rising above the south bank of the River Boyne is Trim Castle, which served as a backdrop during the filming of the 1995 historical drama “Braveheart”. It’s one of the largest Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland, with a history that dates back to the 12th century. Centred around a monumental keep, it was constructed by Hugh de Lacy, with a commanding curtain wall and a defensive moat. From the modern walkways that traverse the castle, you can appreciate the thickness of its walls and learn about the events that took place here.

Irish Military Museum

Near the town of Collon is the Irish Military Museum, which offers a fascinating insight into the role of Irish citizens in global conflicts. Its exhibits detail the complicated relationship between Britain and Ireland throughout the centuries, as well as honouring the Irishmen who fought in the trenches of France and Flanders during World War I. Additionally, you can learn about what was referred to as “The Emergency” while getting up close to deactivated weapons from World War II. The Irish Military Museum also offers driving lessons in real-life tanks.

Hill of Tara

For sweeping views across Ireland, climb to the top of the Hill of Tara where the High Kings of Ireland were once inaugurated. It is dotted with monuments dating back to the Neolithic period, such as burial mounds, a ceremonial avenue and a standing stone. Aside from being ingrained in Irish mythology, the Hill of Tara was where the Roman Catholic leader Daniel O’Connell spoke to a million of his followers in 1843. On a clear day, you can see roughly half of Ireland’s counties and all the way to the Mountains of Mourne in Northern Ireland.

Emerald Park

If you’re travelling with kids, be sure to spend a day at Emerald Park, which is the largest amusement park in Ireland. It was originally known as Tayto Park after the Irish potato crisp brand and is home to the only wooden roller coaster in the country, the Cú Chulainn Coaster. You can get your adrenalin pumping on the Flight School or ride the Viking Voyage before getting lost in one of the mazes. Emerald Park is also home to a zoo with rare breeds of farm animals and birds of prey that are native to Ireland.

Slane Castle

Famed for its annual music festival, Slane Castle has served as the seat of the Conyngham family since the 18th century and now lies at the heart of a 1,500-acre estate. Castle tours offer insight into the history of the castle and the family that once lived here, as well as its role as a rock music venue. On the grounds of the estate is the tasting room of the Slane Distillery and Browne’s Bar, which is named after a former housekeeper, Mary Browne.