Things to Do in Meath: The Royal County's Hidden Treasures

Discover the best things to do in Meath, from ancient passage tombs and royal seats to family adventures and hidden local treasures in Ireland's Royal County.

Bryan Collins

18 Jul 2025 — 7 min read

County Meath, known as the Royal County, is Ireland's ancient capital and the seat of the High Kings at the Hill of Tara. What many visitors don't realize is that Meath played a pivotal role in early Irish Christianity. St. Patrick lit his paschal fire at the Hill of Slane in direct defiance of the pagan High King's festival, forever changing Ireland's religious landscape.

While often overshadowed by Dublin's proximity, Meath offers a deeper connection to Ireland's ancient past than any other Leinster county, with monuments that predate Egypt's pyramids by nearly 500 years. The county's rich farmland has earned it the nickname "Ireland's breadbasket," producing some of the finest agricultural products in the country.

Meath's Must-See Attractions

Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth)

This UNESCO World Heritage site houses megalithic passage tombs older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange's winter solstice alignment is its most famous feature – during the winter solstice, sunlight penetrates the roof-box and illuminates the passage and chamber. Visit early morning (before 10am) to avoid tour buses. Allow at least 3 hours for a proper visit. Unlike the reconstructed dolmens at Carrowmore in Sligo, these monuments have remained largely intact for over 5,000 years.

Hill of Tara

The ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland offers spectacular views across the county. The site includes the Stone of Destiny (Lia Fáil), which was said to roar when touched by the rightful king. Best visited at sunset when crowds thin out. Allow 1-2 hours. What makes Tara unique among Leinster's ancient sites is that it remained politically significant well into the medieval period, unlike many other prehistoric monuments.

Trim Castle

This imposing Norman fortress is Ireland's largest castle and was featured in the film "Braveheart." The keep stands over 20 meters tall, offering panoramic views from its top. Visit midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Allow 2 hours for the full tour. While Kilkenny Castle might be more ornate, Trim better preserves its original medieval military character.

Loughcrew Cairns

These passage tombs, known locally as the "Hills of the Witch," are less visited than Newgrange but equally impressive. During the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight illuminates intricate carvings inside Cairn T. Early morning visits provide the best light for viewing ancient art. Allow 2-3 hours including the hike. Unlike many of Leinster's prehistoric sites, you can still enter these cairns without a guide.

Kells High Crosses

The town of Kells houses several impressive high crosses and a round tower. The Market Cross in particular shows remarkably preserved biblical scenes. Visit on weekday afternoons when local experts often give impromptu tours. Allow 1-2 hours. While Monasterboice in Louth has taller crosses, Kells' crosses show finer artistic detail.

Boyne Valley Drive

This scenic route connects most of Meath's historical sites. The full drive takes you along the Boyne River and through charming villages. Best experienced in spring when the countryside is in bloom. Allow a full day to include stops. Unlike the more manicured Wicklow drive, the Boyne Valley route feels authentically rural and unchanged by time.

Battle of the Boyne Site

This well-preserved battlefield from 1690 includes an impressive visitor center in the restored Oldbridge House. The site offers costumed demonstrations during summer months. Allow 2-3 hours. While Wexford has the 1798 Centre, the Battle of the Boyne site offers superior interactive exhibits that bring history to life.

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Meath's Hidden Treasures

Loughcrew Gardens

Most tourists rush to Powerscourt or Kilruddery, missing these enchanting gardens with their grottos, water features, and medieval motte. Local families have been visiting the fairy garden here for generations. The current owner sometimes leads tours personally, sharing stories of the estate's colorful past that you won't find in guidebooks.

Rathmore Church and Cross

This quiet roadside stop contains a beautifully preserved medieval church and high cross. What makes it special is the ancient yew tree believed to be over 500 years old. According to local lore, couples who join hands around the trunk will stay together forever – a tradition Meath grandmothers still pass down to their grandchildren.

Balrath Woods

Known to locals as "the Robinstown woods," this small forest area offers pleasant walking trails and exceptional birdwatching. Few tourists know that it contains some of Ireland's oldest oak trees, with specimens dating back over 300 years. Local schools have tracked the resident red squirrel population here for decades, creating one of Ireland's longest continuous wildlife studies.

Francis Ledwidge Museum

The cottage birthplace of the WWI poet known as the "poet of the blackbirds." What many don't know is that Ledwidge's work influenced Seamus Heaney, who would often visit this cottage for inspiration. The museum's curator can show you the exact desk where Ledwidge wrote his most famous poems, and the garden still grows plants mentioned in his nature poetry.

Event Calendar

Spring

Púca Festival (Late April/Early May) This relatively new festival celebrates Ireland's ancient connection to Samhain (Halloween). Activities include harvest-themed events, folklore storytelling, and music performances in Trim and Athboy.

Kells Type Trail (May) A unique typographic festival that transforms the town with letter-based art installations, workshops, and exhibits. What began as a small local event has grown into a favorite for design enthusiasts across Leinster.

Summer

Trim Haymaking Festival (June) Watch traditional farming methods demonstrated with vintage machinery. The festival includes competitions for the best hand-scythed field – a skill that was once essential to every Meath farm boy's education.

Boyne Valley Walking Festival (July) Guided walks throughout the historically significant areas of the county, often led by local archaeologists who share insights you won't find in tourist books.

Salmon of Knowledge Festival (August) Celebrates the River Boyne with fishing demonstrations, storytelling, and boat trips. Named after the famous Irish legend, this festival features cooking competitions using recipes passed down through generations of Boyne Valley families.

Autumn

Guth Gafa Documentary Film Festival (September) An international documentary film festival held in Kells, featuring powerful films from around the world. Many screenings take place in unusual venues like restored barns and historic buildings.

Samhain at Hill of Ward/Tlachtga (October) Experience Halloween at its ancient birthplace. This authentic celebration includes fire ceremonies at the original site where Samhain was celebrated thousands of years ago. Many Meath families have attended for generations, passing down stories of ancestral connections to these rituals.

Winter

Newgrange Winter Solstice (December 21) The famous alignment of the passage tomb with the rising sun. Access inside the chamber is by lottery, but the exterior gathering has its own magic. Local farmers sometimes open their lands for better viewing spots – just ask politely.

Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival (October) A county-wide series of events celebrating Meath as the birthplace of Halloween, with particular focus on traditional Samhain customs rather than commercialized Halloween.

Family Activities

Emerald Park

Now one of Ireland's largest attractions, this theme park combines rides with a zoo and the famous Tayto crisp factory experience. The Cú Chulainn roller coaster is Ireland's largest. Best for ages 6-16. Allow a full day. Visit on weekdays during school terms for shorter queues.

Causey Farm

This working farm offers seasonal activities including Halloween experiences, Christmas events, and summer farm camps. Their bog jumping activity (jumping into muddy bog water) is a uniquely Irish experience that kids love. Best for ages 4-14. Allow 3-4 hours.

Newgrange Farm

A more traditional open farm with animals to feed and pet, plus seasonal events like lambing in spring. Their rare breed conservation program lets kids see ancient Irish animal breeds that once roamed Meath centuries ago. Best for ages 2-10. Allow 2-3 hours.

Irish Military War Museum

This hands-on museum allows visitors to handle decommissioned military equipment and even ride in military vehicles. Their collection of WWI and WWII artifacts is among the best in Ireland. The owner often shares personal stories about the veterans who donated items. Best for ages 8+. Allow 2-3 hours.

Local Business Highlights

The Vanilla Pod (Kells)

This restaurant located in a historic building serves contemporary Irish cuisine using Meath-grown produce. Their signature dish is slow-roasted Boyne Valley lamb with herbs grown in their courtyard garden. The chef's grandmother's brown bread recipe, served with every meal, has won national awards.

Copper and Spices (Trim)

This Indian restaurant blends traditional Indian cooking with locally sourced Meath ingredients. Their "Boyne Valley Biryani" using local lamb has developed a cult following among food enthusiasts from across Leinster.

The Book Market (Kells)

This independent bookshop specializes in works by Meath authors and books about local history. What makes it special is the owner's collection of rare maps showing Meath through the centuries, which visitors are welcome to examine.

Visit Meath

County Meath offers a perfect blend of world-class historical sites and authentic local experiences often missed by visitors rushing between Dublin and Galway. The Royal County rewards those who slow down, talk to locals, and venture beyond the major attractions. Whether you're tracing Ireland's ancient past, seeking family adventures, or sampling the bounty of the Boyne Valley's farms, Meath delivers experiences that connect you to the heart of Ireland's heritage.

Now, check out our guide about things to do in Louth.

🎯 For Locals

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