The Boyne Valley is situated in the east of Ireland and only 20 minutes outside Dublin city. It is Ireland’s ancient capital and its most sacred and mythical landscape.
Visit places filled with unforgetable experiences and prepare for an adventure through a land of legends. From brave knights, castles and round towers to tales of emigrants, monks and ancient civilisations, Meath is brimming with stories, culture, attractions, festivals and fun. The Boyne Valley is the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East and has some of the world’s most mythical landscapes. The rich valley is home to a range of heritage sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange and Knowth) as well as Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle at Trim.
Waterways and Angling
The two main rivers in the county, the Boyne and the Blackwater join at Navan, which stretches to the Irish Sea, is the most historic waterway in Ireland. The rich legend of the Boyne with Fionn MacCumhall and the Salmon of Knowledge is still told today. The waterways are rich in aquatic life and the salmon and trout are recognised as among the finest in Ireland.
An Unrivalled Location
Located just 30 minutes north of Dublin in the North East of Ireland and at the heart of Ireland's Boyne Valley, County Meath can boast an unrivalled and enviable location at the hub of four major motorways - the M1, M2, M3 and M4. We are rightfully proud of the fact that we are Ireland's most accessible county. County Meath is located only 30 minutes from Dublin International Airport while the ferry ports in Dublin, Dun Laoghaire and Belfast are also convenient. Regular train services from Dublin stop at Laytown, Drogheda and Dunboyne while there are frequent bus services throughout County Meath from Dublin.
Horse Racing & Equestrian
Set your heart racing in the Boyne Valley at one of our four racecourses! National Hunt and Flat racing is regularly held at Fairyhouse (home of the Irish Grand National) and Bellewstown (for over 300yrs). Navan Racecourse is one of the finest possible tests for National Hunt horses. Laytown is a unique event here the only recognised strand races in Europe take place every September. The Boyne Valley is one of Ireland's most renowned centres for equestrian sports and horse breeding with world class studs dotted right around the county.
Golf
Meath - Proud to have hosted The 2011 Solheim Cup. The Boyne Valley is home to some of the finest golf courses in all of Ireland. Don't just take our word for it! Des Smyth, the first Irishman to win on the US Seniors Tour and a former Ryder Cup player and Vice Captain, says 'I can honestly say that the quality and variety of courses in Meath is on a par with anywhere I have been.'
The hosting of The 2011 Solheim Cup at the magnificent Killeen Castle has only enhanced Meath's reputation as a great place to play golf.
Crafts
There is a long tradition of Crafts excellence in the Boyne Valley and today’s craftworkers in Meath have carried on this leagacy. The Tara Brooch and Book of Kells are only two of the best known examples of the long tradition of crafts excellence in the Boyne Valley. Today our craftworkers are renowned as some of the most gifted in the country.
BoyneValley Restaurants & Pubs
A large range of Meath Restaurants offer excellent locally produced food and of course, don’t leave the Boyne Valley without experiencing some traditional music in the pubs of the Boyne Valley