Things to Do in Navan: The Ultimate Local's Insider Guide

Navan, the largest town in County Meath, sits at the confluence of the Rivers Boyne and Blackwater. Many visitors don't realize that Navan was once home to Aonach Tailteann, Ireland's ancient Olympic-style games that predated the Greek Olympics by over 1,000 years. These games were held near the Hill of Tara and attracted competitors from across the Celtic world. It’s also the birthplace of Sir Francis Beaufort.

Unlike many Leinster towns developed around Norman settlements, Navan's history stretches back to the legendary High Kings of Ireland. The town's Irish name, An Uaimh (The Cave), refers to ancient underground chambers discovered here, with some historians believing they were used for pre-Christian rituals before being sealed during the early Christian period.

Must-See Navan Attractions

Solstice Arts Centre

The cultural heart of Navan, Solstice Arts Centre hosts exhibitions, performances, and films that rival Dublin's cultural venues. The building's striking contemporary architecture makes it stand out among Navan's more traditional buildings.

Visitor Info: Open Tuesday-Saturday 11am-4pm. Allow 1-2 hours to explore current exhibitions. Unlike Wexford's National Opera House which focuses primarily on performance, Solstice offers a more diverse range of visual and performing arts under one roof.

Donaghmore Round Tower and Cemetery

This 10th-century round tower stands 27 meters tall and is one of the best-preserved examples in Leinster. The surrounding cemetery contains graves dating back centuries.

Visitor Info: Open daily from dawn to dusk. Allow 45 minutes to explore. Best visited on clear mornings when the light enhances the tower's ancient stonework. While Kildare's round tower might be more famous, Donaghmore offers a more peaceful, contemplative experience away from crowds.

Navan Fort (Emain Macha)

Though the actual fort structure isn't elaborate, this site holds tremendous historical significance as the ancient capital of Ulster and legendary home of King Conchobar and the Red Branch Knights.

Visitor Info: Always accessible, but best visited between April-September. Allow 1 hour. The fort is most impressive at sunrise or sunset when the earthworks cast long shadows. Navan Fort offers a rawer connection to Ireland's mythological past than the more developed Hill of Tara site.

Blackwater Park

This riverside park follows the Blackwater River with walking trails, picnic areas, and wildlife viewing spots. The park's restoration project has transformed former industrial lands into a vibrant green space.

Visitor Info: Open daily, dawn to dusk. Allow 1-2 hours for walking the trails. Spring visits offer wildflower displays along the riverbanks. The park resembles Kilkenny's River Nore Linear Park but with fewer tourists and more opportunities for spotting kingfishers and otters.

Francis Ledwidge Museum

Dedicated to the famous WWI poet and soldier from Navan, this small museum preserves his childhood home and displays his personal effects and writings.

Visitor Info: Open Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-5pm (April-October) and weekends only in winter. Allow 45 minutes. The museum is most atmospheric on quiet weekday mornings when you can hear readings of Ledwidge's poetry. Unlike Yeats' more commercialized sites in Sligo, this museum retains an authentic, personal connection to the poet.

Athlumney Castle

This partially ruined 15th-century castle combines a medieval tower house with a Tudor mansion. According to local lore, the owner Sir Launcelot Dowdall set fire to it rather than let it fall into Williamite hands in 1690.

Visitor Info: Exterior viewing only. Best photographed in late afternoon light. Allow 20-30 minutes. The castle offers a more accessible alternative to Trim Castle, though with less extensive remains.

Navan's Hidden Treasures

The Ramparts Walking Trail

Following the River Boyne from Navan to Stackallen Bridge, this 8km trail passes through ancient woodland that local ecologists have identified as containing some of the oldest oak specimens in the Boyne Valley. During spring, the forest floor becomes carpeted with bluebells in a display that local photographers compete to capture yearly.

Few tourists know that during the 1798 rebellion, this area served as a hiding place for United Irishmen, with several carved messages still visible on trees near the pathway if you know where to look (hint: about 2km from the Navan starting point, look for the lightning-struck oak).

Navan Sculpture Trail

While the park itself appears on tourist maps, the sculpture trail within it gets overlooked. Local artists contributed works that tell stories from Meath folklore, including the lesser-known tale of the Salmon of Knowledge's cousin, "The Trout of Patience," a story Navan grandparents have used for generations to teach children the virtue of persistence.

The bench near the western entrance was made from timbers salvaged from Navan's old railway station platform, dismantled in 1963, with each slat bearing the carved initials of railway workers who served there.

Kennedy Place Market

This Saturday morning market doesn't appear in guidebooks but has run continuously since 1956. The O'Mahony family's cheese stall features varieties made with milk from their farm just outside town, using a recipe their grandmother brought from West Cork in the 1940s.

The market's corner baker, Martin Fitzsimons, still uses the "crossover" technique for his soda bread that his family claims was taught to them by a traveling baker who learned it in the kitchens of the High Kings at Tara. Whether true or not, his bread sells out by 10am most Saturdays.

Bective Abbey Ruins

While technically a short drive outside Navan, these ruins rarely make it onto tourist itineraries. The 12th-century Cistercian abbey featured in the film "Braveheart" and contains unusual carvings that local historians attribute to a monk from France who incorporated elements from his homeland into the traditional Irish designs.

Local farmers tell of generations who've found ancient coins and pottery fragments after plowing the fields surrounding the abbey. Many Navan families have small collections of these artifacts, passed down through generations.

Event Calendar

Spring

apple-pressing - This three-day celebration brings choirs from across Ireland and occasionally international groups. The Saturday night candlelit performance in St. Mary's Church creates an atmosphere that even Dublin's choral events struggle to match.

Boyne River Festival (May) - Celebrating the river that shaped Navan's history, this festival includes boat races, riverside markets, and fishing competitions. The highlight is the "Currach Challenge" where teams race traditional Irish boats from Navan to Slane.

Summer

Solstice Arts Festival (June) - Coinciding with midsummer, this arts festival spills out from the Solstice Arts Centre into streets and public spaces. The "Night of a Thousand Candles" installation along the Boyne attracts photographers from across Leinster.

An Uaimh Heritage Weekend (July) - This weekend exploring Navan's ancient name ("The Cave") includes guided tours of archaeological sites, historical reenactments, and the famous "Night Walk to Tara" where participants follow ancient pathways by torchlight.

Blackwater Kayaking Competition (August) - Watch competitors navigate rapids and obstacles on the Blackwater River or register to participate yourself. The festival area includes food stalls, music, and demonstrations of traditional river fishing techniques.

Autumn

Francis Ledwidge Poetry Festival (September) - Celebrating Navan's famous poet with readings, workshops, and competitions. Unlike larger literary festivals, this intimate event allows direct interaction with established and emerging poets.

Navan Harvest Fair (October) - An agricultural fair showing Meath's farming traditions with livestock competitions, machinery displays, and a significant farmers' market. The apple-pressing demonstration uses varieties grown in Navan since medieval times.

Winter

Navan Christmas Market (December) - Taking over the town center for two weekends, this market features local crafts, food, and entertainment. The mulled apple drink served here uses a recipe developed by Navan's Abbey brewers in the 16th century.

Navan Wren Boys (December 26th) - This traditional St. Stephen's Day event sees costumed performers go from pub to pub performing music and collecting for charity. The tradition nearly died out in the 1980s but was revived by local musicians determined to preserve this uniquely Irish custom.

Family Activities

Navan Adventure Centre

Offering climbing walls, zip lines, and outdoor challenges suitable for children from age 7 upwards. The center was developed by former Irish Army Rangers who incorporate team-building elements into the activities.

Best For: Active families with older children and teenagers. Their indoor climbing facility makes this an excellent all-weather option.

Tattersalls Country Park

Just outside Navan, this equestrian center offers pony rides and beginner lessons for children as young as 4. The 2km wildlife trail with interactive information points keeps younger children engaged between riding activities.

Best For: Animal-loving families and those with younger children (4-10 years).

Blackwater Park Nature Detectives

This guided program runs during school holidays, teaching children to identify local wildlife, plants, and conduct simple river ecology experiments. Local rangers provide equipment and expertise.

Best For: Curious minds aged 6-12, particularly those interested in science and nature.

Kennedy Road Swimming Pool

This modern indoor facility includes a dedicated children's pool with water features and a main pool with inflatable obstacle courses during weekend sessions.

Best For: All ages, especially on rainy days. Their "Tiny Swimmers" sessions (Saturday mornings) are designed for babies and toddlers.

Solstice Arts Centre Children's Workshops

Running during school holidays, these workshops cover everything from pottery to puppetry, drama to drawing. Each workshop results in a take-home creation.

Best For: Creative children aged 5-15, particularly during bad weather. Workshops require booking as they frequently sell out.

Local Navan Business Highlights

Ryan's Pub

This traditional pub on Trimgate Street offers more than just pints. Ryan’s Bar "Boyne Valley Board" features locally sourced cheeses, meats, and preserves, providing a culinary tour of Meath on a platter. Their signature dish, Steak and Spud Pie, use beef from cattle raised on the owner's family farm and potatoes grown within 5km of Navan.

Bermingham's Café

Located near the courthouse, Bermingham's serves what locals consider the best coffee in Navan. Navan’s oldest pub, its signature "Tara Breakfast" features black pudding made to a recipe that owner Margaret Bermingham claims was served to the High Kings (with modern adaptations). Their "Boyne Berry Cake" uses seasonal berries foraged from along the river paths.

Lundergan's Bakery

Operating since 1927, this family bakery makes breads and pastries using traditional methods. Their specialty "Tara Round" bread incorporates grains grown on farms surrounding the Hill of Tara. On Saturday mornings, arrive early for their "Royal Iced Buns" which sell out by mid-morning despite increased production over the years.

Casey's Crafts

Showcasing work from over 20 local artisans, this shop offers everything from handwoven textiles to contemporary jewelry made from Boyne Valley materials. Their exclusive line of ceramics features glazes incorporating clay from the riverbanks, creating uniquely local pieces you won't find elsewhere in Ireland.

Visit Navan

Navan offers visitors a genuine slice of Leinster life, away from the more trafficked tourist routes. Its blend of ancient history, cultural vibrancy, and authentic local experiences provides a deeper connection to Meath than you'll find in guidebook recommendations. Whether you're tracing the footsteps of High Kings, discovering local artistic talents, or simply enjoying the flavors of the Boyne Valley, Navan rewards those willing to explore beyond the obvious.

The town continues to evolve while honoring its past, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking authentic experiences in Ireland's Ancient East. Visit once, and you'll understand why locals proudly call this town "the heart of the Boyne Valley."

Check out our guide about things to do in Dundalk.