5 AUTUMN 22 DESTINATION IRELAND
Ireland ’ s Boyne Valley is the birthplace of Ireland ’ s Ancient East . Here you can experience a remarkable history stretching back over 9,000 years . You can walk in the footsteps of Ireland ’ s High Kings and visit the spiritual Hill of Tara , from where the kings ruled as long ago as the 2nd century .
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This is home to some of Ireland ’ s greatest heritage sites – their sheer volume indicating the importance of the region – but there is plenty more to see and do , especially with your family . From walking and biking along the Royal Canal Greenway , to karting or kayaking on rivers and canals , to getting a flavour for the culinary arts , Boyne Valley has it all . There ’ s the ever-popular Funtasia Waterpark in Drogheda , the tasty Tayto Park and adventure centres . And then there are the places and the myths that tie into Boyne Valley ’ s remarkable history . It ’ s there to be explored .
discover
Boyne Valley
na Bóinne , is one of our most inspiring locations . Where else can you experience and touch this country ’ s ancient history and heritage ! Rock art decorates inner walls that were erected more than 500 years before the pyramids .
This , after all , is a world from the past , of ancient cairns and castles , famous battle sites , and the mythical Brú na Boinne . There are abbeys and ruins , and much to explore on foot , by bike or car . There are greenways , beaches and boardwalks , forests and bogland , rivers and canals . You can enjoy the history of the magical Boyne Valley , or you can experience the natural beauty all around you … or why not do both . The historic town of Drogheda is the gateway to it all .
According to legend , Samhain , the ancient Celtic festival that we now call Halloween , originated in Co . Meath . To this day the Boyne Valley has remained the home of Halloween , and whether is ‘ Fun by Day ’ or ‘ Fright by Night ’, spinetingling fun awaits for young and old alike in the Spirits of Meath festival ( 1 Oct – 6 Nov ).
There is no question that the revered Newgrange passage tomb ( 3200 BC ), at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú
Or why not combine the past with the present ? Trim Castle dates back to 1172 and it is Ireland ’ s best preserved Anglo-Norman castle . It was also used for the filming of Mel Gibson ’ s multi-award winning film ‘ Braveheart ’.
For those with an active streak , the Royal Canal Greenway is the longest greenway in Ireland ( 130 km ). It stretches through the Boyne Valley for 22 kilometres . Enjoy it on foot or on bike with many stopping points along the way . The Boyne Greenway runs for 1.9 km , from Drogheda along the Boyne Canal to Oldbridge House ( site of the Battle of the Boyne , fought in 1690 ). There are long , lazy beaches here too , stretched along the eastern coast of the Boyne Valley . And let ’ s not forget the links of Laytown &. Bettystown , and Seapoint , as well as the world famous Co . Louth Golf Club .
The inland courses also deserve a swing by , including the Jack Nicklaus-designed Killeen Castle , the highly impressive 36-hole venue of Headfort , and the Knightsbrook Hotel Spa & Golf Resort .
There is so much for you and your family to do when visiting the Boyne Valley , and with hotels , restaurants and cafes spread
throughout the towns and villages you will always find somewhere to pause , drink it all in and relax .
Visit the discoverboynevalley . ie / where-the-adventure-begins website and start planning an adventure to look into the heart of Ireland ’ s Ancient East .