Local Attractions

Trim Castle

Trim Castle is the largest and one of the most important Norman military constructions in Ireland. Its well-deserved reputation as the king of Irish castles rests upon its imposing curtain walls enclosing over three acres, its fine gatehouses, and its enormous isolated keep - all of which project a visually striking image of foreboding might and great power. Parts of the movie 'Braveheart' were filmed at Trim Castle.

Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth

The Boyne Valley Mounds at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth were built around 3200BC making them older than Stonehenge in England and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt. The Newgrange passage tomb is regarded as the world's first solar observatory. On 21 December, the winter solstice, the rays of the sun shine directly down the passageway lighting up the inner tomb; during tours, the effect is recreated by electric light. The great mound of Knowth, nearby, dates from about 2000 BC to 2500 BC, has two passage tombs and 17 satellite tombs. Knowth also has the greatest collection of passage tomb art ever discovered in Europe.

Slane Castle

Slane Castle is located on the banks of the river Boyne, about a mile west of the crossroads at Slane Village, County Meath. On the Hill of Slane, St Patrick lit the flame of Christianity that has kindled in Ireland through more than 1,500 years. The town of Slane rests beneath Patrick's hill.

"St. Patrick has for many become synonymous with things Irish; form shamrocks to the shortage of snakes on the emerald isle. There was a time however when Patrick wasn't viewed as being so Irish, but rather as a Christian missionary come to convert Ireland's Celtic pagans. This he did with great symbolic Flare. Take the story of the Paschal fire. As the Druids celebrated their feast day on the hill of Tara, Patrick prepared the Easter feast on the hill of Slane. Patrick lit his Paschal fire at Slane, before the Druids could kindle their sacred fire at Tara. The Druids having seen flames at Slane warned Laegaire, the High King, that if Patrick's fire were not put out immediately, it would burn forever in Ireland. The rest is history." - Meath Tourism

The Castle was bought by the Coyninghams after the Battle of the Boyne when the estate was confiscated by the victorious King of England. This family has held it ever since, presently represented by Lord Mountcharles. Lord Mountcharles' stewardship of the castle is marked by the rock concerts he has promoted on the castle lawn, a discotheque nightclub and one-time restaurant. The natural shape of the landscape provides a natural amphitheatre upon which the eighty thousand or so music lovers may view the concert stage below them.

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, situated in County Meath has been a sacred site throughout 4000 years history of Ireland. In Irish myth and legend, god-kings of the Tuatha Dé Danann reigned here. Ruins and remains excavated at and around Tara have given possibly evidences of mythological royal seat.

"The Hill of Tara has a strange effect on people. From up here on the heights one sees not only into the distance, but into Tara's past. Tara has more than its share of heady stories to tell - tales of intoxicating drinks and chariot-driving High Kings. There are old hags who transform themselves into beautiful women and singing blocks of stone which announce the presence of future kings. Tara is imbued with a magical, mythical atmosphere. It is the stuff of legends, the home of gods and heroes, not mere mortals. At the Hill of Tara, Irish myth, legend and history are one - this magical site has been home to gods and goddesses, to druids and warriors, and to Ireland's High Kings." - Meath Tourism

The Tara Brooch was found at Bettystown in 1850. Often copied in modern jewelry designs, the brooch is one of Ireland's finest pieces of early Christian gold-filigree work, embellished with amber and glass. It's on view at the National Museum in Dublin.