Destination Ireland - Summer 2021 - Destination Focus
Oldbridge House
can see a cruciform chamber , corbelled roof and stunning examples of Neolithic art .
Old Mellifont Abbey In 1142 , St Malachy brought the European monastic lifestyle to Ireland when he founded Old Mellifont Abbey , the country ’ s first Cistercian monastery . Visitors can view the remains of Old Mellifont , which include a unique octagonal lavabo where the monks washed their hands . There are also remnants of the abbey ’ s gate and its church .
Monasterboice In the fifth century , St Buite founded a monastic community near Drogheda . Several old ruins remain on the site including an old graveyard , two churches and a sundial . The main highlight is undoubtedly the well-preserved round tower , which stands at 28m high . There are also two spectacular high crosses : Muirdeach ’ s Cross and the West Cross , noted as being the tallest in Ireland . Monasterboice was a thriving centre of religion and learning until 1142 , when the Cistercians arrived at the nearby Mellifont Abbey .
Slane Castle Residence of Ireland ’ s most famous aristocrat , Henry Conyngham , Earl of Mount Charles , Slane Castle is set on the grounds of a 1,500 acre estate through which flows the River Boyne , a few kilometres upstream from the site of the Battle of the Boyne .
Trim Castle The largest Anglo Norman castle in Ireland . Construction of the massive three-storied keep , the central stronghold of the castle , began in 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress . This massive twenty-sided tower , which is cruciform in shape , was protected by a ditch , curtain wall and moat . This magnificent site experienced a renaissance in 2000 when it opened to the public after an extensive period of excavation and restoration . The castle also served as a ‘ Castle Double ’ for York Castle in Mel Gibson ’ s 1996 Oscar-winning movie Braveheart .
Tayto Park Tayto Park is Ireland ’ s only theme park and zoo located in County Meath . It is home to Cú Chulainn , Europe ’ s largest wooden roller coaster with an inversion and Ireland ’ s only water flume ride , The Viking Voyage . From rollercoasters and playgrounds , to a petting farm and bird of prey displays , The Grand Carousel and Power Surge , there are plenty of attractions to suit the whole family .
Trim Castle Kayaking
For more information about the Boyne Valley , visit : www . discoverboynevalley . ie / boyne-valley-time-enjoy
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