Best Hiking Trails in Meath: Your Complete Guide to Royal County Adventures

Discover the best hiking trails in Meath from ancient Boyne Valley walks to Slane Hill climbs. Local insider tips for Ireland's Royal County hiking adventures.

Bryan Collins

10 Sep 2025 — 10 min read

Dowth via Wikipedia Public Domain

County Meath stretches across Ireland's Ancient East, where you'll find some of the country's most historically significant hiking trails. The Royal County earned its name from being the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, and today those same ancient pathways offer hikers everything from riverside strolls to challenging hill climbs. What makes Meath unique among Leinster counties is its concentration of Neolithic sites – you can literally walk the same routes used by people 5,000 years ago.

The county's relatively flat terrain means most trails are accessible to beginners, but don't mistake this for boring. Meath's hiking routes weave through working farmland, ancient forests, and along Ireland's most important river systems. The Boyne and Blackwater rivers create natural corridors that have shaped both the landscape and human settlement patterns for millennia.

Major Hiking Trails in Meath

Boyne Valley Way

This 90km waymarked trail follows the River Boyne from Trim to Drogheda, passing through the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. The Trim to Navan section (25km) offers the best day hiking experience, taking you past medieval ruins and through peaceful riverside meadows. Allow 6-8 hours for this section, or break it into shorter segments. The trail is well-maintained year-round, though spring and autumn provide the most comfortable walking conditions. Unlike the more crowded Wicklow Way, you'll often have long stretches to yourself here.

Royal Canal Way (Meath Section)

Royal Canal Way via Wikipedia Public Domain

The 15km Meath stretch runs from Kilcock to Enfield, following the restored Royal Canal towpath. This flat, family-friendly route takes 3-4 hours at a leisurely pace. The canal's 18th-century engineering includes several impressive locks and bridges. Best visited early morning or late afternoon when you're likely to spot herons and kingfishers. The surface is suitable for all weather conditions, making it Meath's most reliable year-round hiking option.

Slane Hill Walks

Multiple trails radiate from Slane village, ranging from 2km loops to 8km circuits. The Hill of Slane trail (4km, 2 hours) climbs to the site where St. Patrick allegedly lit his paschal fire in 433 AD. The ascent provides panoramic views across the Boyne Valley. Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds, especially in summer when tour buses frequent the area. The terrain can be muddy after rain, so proper hiking boots are essential.

Trim Castle Heritage Trail

This 5km loop combines castle history with riverside walking. Starting at Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle, the trail follows the Boyne downstream before circling back through Trim town. Allow 2-3 hours, including castle exploration time. The Trim Castle sections require an entry fee, but much of the trail uses public pathways. Early morning visits offer the best photography light and fewer crowds.

Tayto Park Forest Walk

Beyond the theme park, the 200-hectare site includes several marked walking trails through mixed woodland. The longest circuit (6km) takes about 2 hours and showcases native Irish trees and wildlife. These trails remain less known to hikers focused on more remote areas, but they offer excellent bird watching opportunities. Free access to walkers, though parking charges apply.

Newgrange to Dowth Walk

An unofficial but well-trodden 4km route connecting two of Ireland's most important Neolithic sites. This trail follows field boundaries and minor roads through the Brú na Bóinne landscape. The walk takes 90 minutes one way, not including time at the monuments. Best combined with pre-booked tours of the sites themselves. The exposed nature of this route makes it unsuitable during strong winds or heavy rain.

Battle of the Boyne Site Trails

Three waymarked trails (2km, 4km, and 6km) explore the 1690 battlefield site near Drogheda. The longest route follows the Boyne riverbank where King William's forces crossed. These trails combine natural beauty with significant historical interpretation. Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience including the visitor center. The site offers guided walks during summer months.

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Hidden Meath Hiking Spots

Duleek Abbey Riverside Walk

Starting from the ruined Augustinian abbey, this unmarked 3km route follows the Nanny River through privately owned but publicly accessible farmland. Local farmers have maintained stiles and gates for generations, though you won't find this walk in any official guides. The abbey itself dates to 1182, and the surrounding fields contain remnants of the medieval town walls. Best accessed through the village car park behind the abbey ruins.

Kells Heritage Trail Extensions

While most visitors stick to the town's famous round tower and high crosses, locals know the unmarked paths that continue north into the Blackwater valley. These ancient drove roads wind through small farms and past holy wells that predate Christianity in Ireland. The 5km circuit requires some navigation skills, but it reveals a landscape unchanged since medieval times. Ask at Kells Heritage Centre for informal route guidance.

Loughcrew Hills Network

Loughcrew Hills via Wikipedia Public Domain

Beyond the famous passage tombs, a network of sheep tracks connects the three main hills. Local hill walkers have used these routes for decades, creating an unofficial circuit that takes in all the major archaeological sites plus several unmarked burial cairns. The full loop covers 8km and requires serious hill walking experience. These paths can disappear in heavy weather, and mobile phone coverage is patchy.

Athboy to Yellow Furze Loop

This 7km farm track circuit starts in Athboy and heads west through working farms toward the Yellow Furze hill. The route uses old boundary ditches and field margins that farmers still maintain for livestock access. You'll encounter working sheep dogs and need to navigate several farmyard gates. The local farming community accepts walkers who respect crops and livestock, but this isn't a formal trail. Spring and early summer offer the best wildflower displays along the hedgerows.

Event Calendar

Spring (March-May)

The Meath Walking Festival runs annually in April, featuring guided hikes across the county's best trails. Local walking groups organize special heritage walks during this period, including night walks to Newgrange during the spring equinox. The Trim Swift Festival in May combines bird watching with guided walks along the Boyne, as these remarkable birds return from Africa.

Summer (June-August)

Heritage Week in August features special access walks to normally restricted archaeological sites. The Boyne Valley Opera performs in various outdoor locations, often accessible only by hiking trails. Summer also brings the Kells Fleadh, where traditional music sessions spill into the countryside, creating impromptu walking routes between venues.

Autumn (September-November)

October's Samhain Festival centers on the Hill of Ward near Athboy, with guided night walks to ancient fire sites. The autumn equinox at Loughcrew attracts both archaeologists and hikers for special sunrise walks. November sees the return of traditional fox hunting (now trail hunting), which maintains many of the county's ancient pathways.

Winter (December-February)

Winter solstice walks at Newgrange require advance booking but offer unique access to restricted areas. The Navan Christmas Tree Festival includes guided walks through nearby forestry plantations. January brings the Plough Monday traditions, where certain walking routes gain special cultural significance in farming communities.

Family Activities

Causey Farm Walking Experiences

This working farm near Navan offers structured family walks that combine hiking with traditional farming demonstrations. Children can participate in feeding animals while parents enjoy the 3km marked trail through mixed farmland. The all-weather barn facilities make this suitable year-round. Different routes cater to toddlers through teenagers, with the longest circuit taking about 2 hours including farm activities.

Trim Riverside Playground Circuit

Starting at the modern playground beside Trim Castle, this 2km paved path follows the Boyne through the town center. Perfect for families with young children, buggies, or wheelchairs. The route includes several rest areas and connects to public toilets and cafes. You can extend this into longer hikes or use it as a gentle introduction for children new to walking.

Slane Mill Activity Center

Beyond the restored 18th-century mill, the center maintains several family hiking trails through surrounding woodlands. The shortest loop (1km) suits toddlers, while the 4km forest circuit challenges older children. Indoor facilities provide weather backup, and the site offers equipment rental including child carriers and walking poles.

distractionsBeach to Mornington Dunes

This 6km coastal walk combines beach hiking with dune exploration. Children love the varied terrain, from hard sand suitable for running to challenging dune climbs. The route includes rock pools, bird watching opportunities, and historical ruins. Strong swimmers can combine hiking with beach activities during summer months.

Navan Blackwater River Walk

The 3km riverside path through Navan town center offers urban hiking with plenty of distractions for restless children. The route passes several playgrounds, bridges for water viewing, and connects to shops and cafes. Well-lit sections allow for evening winter walks, making this Meath's most versatile family hiking option.

Local Business Highlights

Vanilla Pod, Kells

This family-run restaurant specializes in locally sourced ingredients, perfect for refueling after Loughcrew hill walks. Their homemade scones and hearty soups have sustained generations of local hikers. The owners maintain detailed knowledge of nearby walking routes and often provide informal trail advice. Their packed lunches cater specifically to day hikers exploring the Blackwater valley.

McCormack's Butchers, Navan

Three generations of this family have supplied hiking provisions to Meath walkers. They prepare specialized hiking lunches including their famous spiced beef sandwiches. Local walking groups place bulk orders here before major hikes. The shop also stocks basic hiking supplies and maintains a notice board for walking partners and group formation.

Outdoor Adventure Store, Trim

Meath's only dedicated hiking equipment shop, run by experienced local walkers who know every trail in the county. They offer equipment rental, boot fitting services, and detailed local route advice. Their weekly group walks depart from the shop every Wednesday evening, providing excellent opportunities to discover unmarked trails with experienced guides.

Seasonal Considerations and Practical Tips

Meath's relatively low elevation means hiking remains possible year-round, but each season brings distinct advantages. Spring offers the best wildflower displays along hedgerows and river paths, while autumn provides comfortable temperatures and dramatic skies over the Boyne Valley. Winter hiking requires proper waterproof gear, as Meath's clay soils become particularly muddy. Summer brings the longest days but also the highest visitor numbers at popular sites like Newgrange and Trim Castle.

Most Meath trails cross working farmland, so respecting agricultural practices is essential. Many routes use permissive paths rather than formal rights of way, meaning landowner goodwill maintains access. Always close gates, avoid walking through crops, and keep dogs on leads near livestock. The county's relatively gentle terrain can be deceptive – proper hiking boots remain necessary as grass paths become slippery when wet.

The weather in Meath can change rapidly due to its inland location and river valleys. Even day hikes should include waterproof layers and emergency supplies. Mobile phone coverage varies significantly, particularly in the hillier areas around Loughcrew and along isolated river valleys. OS maps remain more reliable than GPS apps for many of the county's unmarked traditional routes.

Getting Around and Access

Public transport serves most major Meath hiking areas, with Bus Éireann connecting Dublin to Navan, Trim, Kells, and other key towns. Irish Rail serves Laytown for coastal walks. However, many of the best trails require car access, particularly for circuits that don't return to public transport nodes. Parking is generally free in Meath towns, though spaces near popular attractions can fill quickly during summer weekends.

The county's position between Dublin and the northwest makes it ideal for day trips from the capital or as part of longer Irish holidays. Most trails connect logically, allowing multi-day hiking itineraries that explore different aspects of Meath's landscape and history. Accommodation ranges from basic B&Bs to luxury hotels, with many establishments catering specifically to walking holidaymakers.

Hiking In Meath

Meath offers Ireland's most accessible introduction to historical hiking, where ancient pathways remain in daily use by both farmers and walkers. The county's trails provide physical challenges for serious hikers while remaining manageable for families and casual walkers. Unlike more remote Irish hiking destinations, Meath combines outdoor adventure with cultural experiences, allowing you to explore 5,000 years of human history on foot.

The Royal County's walking routes will continue evolving as new sections of waymarked trails open and local communities develop additional access points. Yet the fundamental appeal remains constant: these are working landscapes where hiking connects you directly to Ireland's agricultural heart and archaeological treasures. Whether you're seeking a gentle riverside stroll or a challenging hill walk, Meath's hiking trails offer authentic Irish experiences away from the crowds that define more famous destinations.

Now, check out our guide about the best hiking trails in County Dublin.

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