1. Overview of County Meath
2. Key Attractions
3. Historical Insights
Visiting County Meath? This part of the Irish Province of Leinster has a number of attractions you will not want to miss. Moreover, there are some interesting sights that are slightly off the beaten path. Therefore, why not take your time and spend a day or two in Meath, also called the “Royal County,” when visiting Ireland?
Meath Facts for You
Get to grips with the basic facts on County Meath, so your visit will be starting from a knowledgeable base:
- The Irish name of County Meath is Contae na Mhí, the literal (and rather unexciting) meaning being “The Middle.”
- Together with County Westmeath, County Meath once formed the “Fifth Province” of Ireland, the one politically in the middle of things.
- Cars registered in County Meath will have the letters MH on their number plates.
- The county town is Navan; other important towns include Ashbourne, Dunboyne, Dunshaughlin, Kells, Oldcastle, and Trim, especially those towns near the Dublin border have grown immensely during the boom years, housing commuters more than anything else.
- Meath has a size of 2,338 square kilometers.
- According to the 2011 census, 184,135 people live here; since 1991, the population of County Meath grew by 75%. This is the highest population growth in Ireland, mainly due to Dublin’s “expanding.”
- The most common county nickname is “Royal Meath,” after the former seat of the Irish High Kings on the Hill of Tara.
- With the 1690 battle site at the Boyne River, Meath has the most important “pilgrimage site” for Unionists.
Bru na Bóinne
Meath is not only the “Royal County,” but it is also filled with historic and majestic sites. Pride of place must, however, go to Bru na Bóinne, which provides a very informative visitor center and a gateway to the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Access to both is by guided tour only, starting at the visitor center.
The reconstruction of the mound at Newgrange might be debatable, but impressive it is. If you want to escape the often maddening crowd in summer, make your way to Dowth – the third major mound of the Bru na Bóinne complex, which is freely accessible, not restored, and often left in solitary peace.
The Hill of Tara
Maybe second in fame only to Newgrange, the Hill of Tara offers a general feeling of antiquity rather than tangible sights. When you arrive here, you’ll encounter something akin to a not-very-well-kept golf course or rough landscape park. With a guidebook and some imagination, you will be able to explore the hidden wonders of this sprawling complex.
The audio-visual show in the visitor center helps immensely; walking the Hill of Tara with an open mind and a bit of time will (perhaps) reveal its mysteries to you. Tourists jumping off the bus, hurriedly checking off their list, will likely miss the site’s depth. Personally, visiting on cold, crisp winter mornings around sunrise is recommended, if you can overlook the sheep droppings.
Tayto Park
Tayto Park is a theme park in County Meath, primarily geared towards families with children. However, the variety of animals on display also makes it interesting for adults. This park is perfect for a day’s outing with family and is quite enjoyable even if visited without kids, provided you are not seeking peace and quiet. The focus on physical activity combined with a learning experience is a refreshing change from passive entertainment. This is a top destination if you need to keep the kids engaged in the greater Dublin area, especially if the weather is favorable.
Loughcrew
If you are fascinated by megalithic culture and art, you should make a beeline for Loughcrew. This sight is much less frequented than both Newgrange and Tara but of similar importance. Situated on a group of hills near Oldcastle, you will find the second-largest (after Carrowmore in County Sligo) megalithic cemetery in Ireland. Although the site is at an elevated location, access is via a steep cross-country walk uphill.
Astronomical alignments make the Loughcrew tombs equally intriguing as their larger counterparts in the Bru na Bóinne. Furthermore, they are free to explore; pick up the keys at the Loughcrew Gardens, which are also worth a visit for relaxed walks and a good cup of tea.
Kells
The famous “Book of Kells” (which was not actually made in Kells) may rest in Dublin, but the town of Kells certainly warrants a visit. No matter your approach, you’ll likely see its main feature, the round tower, tucked away in a corner of the old churchyard right on top of a hill, serving as a prominent landmark.
Surrounded by high crosses, one unfinished, the area provides an interesting glimpse into the art of the mason. The medieval church tower is also worth exploring, as is the third tower of Kells, a lighthouse-like structure located in the People’s Park.
The Hill of Slane
Saint Patrick challenged the High King of Tara here; today, the challenge may be to find the place. The Hill of Slane is located just outside the picturesque village of Slane, though you may need to ask locals for directions. It’s remarkable to consider how Patrick climbed here, gazed over to Tara, and defied the ancient orders of the high kings by lighting a bonfire before the Tara fire was ablaze. Makes one wonder how he survived—perhaps divine intervention?
Trim
If you appreciate strong castles and medieval towns, the heritage town of Trim is the ideal place to explore. Once the most crucial stronghold outside of Dublin, it remains a fascinating site. The presence of the largest castle in Ireland, sprawling along the banks of the Boyne, adds to its allure, even though much of it is in ruins nowadays.
Make sure to tour the central tower building; the view from the top is worth the climb. Numerous other medieval remains await you, either nearby or just a short stroll downstream. There’s enough to keep you occupied for most of the day. You can finish off your medieval excursion by visiting the splendid remains of Bective Abbey, which is just a short (but winding) drive from the town.
The Battle of the Boyne
The Battle of the Boyne holds iconic status in Irish history; William III forced a crossing of the River Boyne to continue towards Dublin, while James II fled the battle—and ultimately Ireland—all in a fight for the English crown. The battle site has been redeveloped in collaboration between the Republic’s government and the Orange Order as part of the peace process. The museum in the restored Oldbridge House presents the entire story in an engaging manner.