Activities & Adventure Meath
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Filled with stories and legends, explore the sights and sounds of the enchanting historical region of Ireland’s Ancient East, where vibrant history and modern life meet.
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On your travels you will enjoy over 5,000 years of history, buried within the verdant meadows, bustling towns and rugged stone monuments. Enjoy memorable food experiences, wander down the cobbled streets of medieval towns and explore the gorgeous gardens of this scenic region. Discover historical treasures, stroll along beautiful beaches, rivers or lakes, and experience an Ireland from another lifetime. Whether you are out enjoying the view from windswept hills, ambling by small green fields, or simply at a bend in the road, stories are never far away.
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Monaghan, Louth and Meath share in this enchanting region. Discover Monaghan with its rolling hills, broad lakes, pretty towns, forest paths and drumlin dotted landscape that inspired the poetry of Patrick Kavanagh. Louth is steeped in heritage with a wealth of historical sites to explore. Adorned by coastal beauty, you can enjoy golden sandy beaches or experience adventures on the water. Meath at the heart of the Boyne Valley is full of treasured monuments and ancient landscapes. Explore prehistoric gems, historical towns, archaeological finds, castles and monasteries dotted across the county amidst lush green fields and legendary hills.
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As you journey through the region look out for the branded Ireland’s Ancient East orientation signs to find great experiences within 60 minutes drive from your location.
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Just south of Navan, visit the impressive 15th century ruins of Bective Abbey, originally founded in 1147. Explore historic Kells, a picturesque small town with a variety of shops, restaurants and cafés and boasting centuries old history, including the High Crosses, Kells Round Tower, St. Columba’s Church, St. Colmcille’s House, the Spire of Lloyd and more. Visit Kells Courthouse, built in 1801, where you will find a heritage centre featuring a special Boyne Valley exhibition. Its most celebrated export, the Book of Kells, is now preserved in Trinity College, Dublin. Lying west of Kells, close to the village of Oldcastle is Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery, another archaeological wonder. Along the way, take time to visit the atmospheric historic Loughcrew Estate and Gardens, where you will experience an oasis of calm and mystery.
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© Tourism Ireland
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Trim Castle on the Boyne Blueway, Co. Meath
For personalised advice and information, talk to us or visit us online!
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On the edge of Carlingford Lough and at the base of the Cooley Mountains is picturesque Carlingford. The small medieval streets of Carlingford hold many surprises including the Mint, the Tholsel, the Dominican Priory and the magnificent remains of Carlingford Castle. Take off on a walk up Slieve Foye on part of the Táin Way and watch the ferry sail across Carlingford Lough below before strolling along the water’s edge on the panoramic Carlingford Greenway. Take to the water on a kayak or enjoy the many land adventure activities on offer. Ireland’s last Leprechaun Whisperer invites you to visit the Leprechaun Cavern close to the shores of the lough on Ghan Road, where young an old can delight in the folklore and tales in a unique location.
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The village of Slane lies on the River Boyne and is bursting with history. Although synonymous with the iconic Slane Castle, take time visit the Hill of Slane and the Francis Ledwidge Museum. Wander around the charming village or enjoy a walk along the River Boyne on the peaceful Littlewood Forest Walk.
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Discover the rich heritage of Trim with its magnificent Norman castle. Explore the narrow winding streets and admire the impressive architecture of St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Take a stroll on the scenic riverside walk through the medieval Porchfields or paddle the Boyne Blueway. The Boyne Blueway is a beautiful 35km stretch of water from Inchamore Bridge near Longwood through the picturesque town of Trim, on to Bective Mill. Explore it in sections and at your own pace taking in all the river has to offer.
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Extending across all of County Meath and the southern region of County Louth the area is brimming with stories, culture, attractions, festivals and fun. With some of the world’s most mythical landscapes at Brú na Bóinne, a World Heritage site and the Hill of Tara, the rich valley is home to a range of heritage sites and monuments.
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Inniskeen Village, Co. Monaghan © Fáilte Ireland
Clogherhead, Co. Louth © Fáilte Ireland
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R158, Summerhill (10km) Kilcock (22km)
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Discover coastal Laytown, Bettystown and Gormanstown with beautiful sandy beaches and an expansive coastline. A 5km walk full of natural beauty parallel to the beach, leads you from Laytown, through Bettystown and onto Mornington. Keep your eyes peeled for the 80ft watchtower, Maiden Tower, along the way. Experience the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway and part of the Royal Canal Greenway which offer an idyllic escape for walkers and cyclists alike.
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Experience the buzz of Monaghan, Louth and Meath’s towns. Celebrate Irish art at Carrickmacross Lace Gallery or St. Joseph’s Church where you’ll see stunning stained-glass windows made by Irish artist Harry Clarke. Drop by St. Peter’s Tin Church in Laragh to see unusual Swiss Gothic architecture or discover the inspiration behind Irish poetry as you walk the Patrick Kavanagh Trail in Inniskeen. Marvel at the towering St. Laurence’s Gate which protected Drogheda from invasion in 1317 and 1649 or climb the stone stairway at Old Mellifont Abbey to see the octagonal lavabo that the Cistercian monks used over 1,000 years ago. Step back in time as you roam through the ruins of Bective Abbey and Dunmoe Castle in Navan or tour Slane Castle.
To the south is the scenic town of Castleblayney with many activities to enjoy on Lough Muckno including fishing, walking trails, water sports and more. Nearby in the pretty village of Inniskeen, learn about the renowned poet Patrick Kavanagh and see the area that inspired his poems. Explore the thriving market town of Carrickmacross, experience the delicate craft of Carrickmacross Lace and admire the spectacular stained-glass windows by esteemed artist, Harry Clarke, in St. Joseph’s Church. In historic Laragh village, watch out for the quirky design of St. Peter’s Tin Church.
Walking www.sportireland.ie
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Discover the Neolithic necropolis of Brú na Bóinne, built by the pre-Celts who had settled in the valley of the Boyne in 8,000 BC. Here you can view the impressive passage tombs of Knowth and Dowth or wander through the passages of the iconic Newgrange. If you visit during winter solstice, you will experience the centre chamber basked in sunlight from a perfectly constructed window called a roof box. Explore the historical site where the High Kings of Ireland were crowned at the Hill of Tara or climb the spiral staircase to the top of Trim Castle, where you will be rewarded with stunning views of the River Boyne.
North-East of Monaghan Town is the picturesque village of Glaslough. Take a walk through this charming village on the 2km Glaslough Heritage Trail. Starting beside the Famine Monument and finishing at St. Salvator’s Church, learn the history of the area and its close links with Castle Leslie Estate for more than 350 years.
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Horse Riding www.gohorseridinginireland.ie
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These three counties offer plenty of scenic splendour and outdoor activities. The forested slopes of the Cooley Peninsula in Louth frame Carlingford Lough where you can take a refreshing dip or enjoy the waters by kayak. Follow the fenced Carlingford Greenway by foot or by bike for breath-taking views of the lough and the surrounding mountains.
© Monaghan Tourism / Monaghan County Council
Relax and stroll around Dundalk town where you can explore St. Patrick’s Cathedral and visit the County Museum that tells the stories of the wee county’s past. St. Brigid’s Shrine, a short drive north of the town is a popular place for pilgrimage with healing stones and a holy well situated on the Hill of Faughart overlooking the beauty of the surrounding countryside, making it an oasis of peace and calm. Close by, the village of Ballymascanlon is home to the Proleek Dolmen, a magnificent portal tomb where legend has it that a wish will be granted to those who can throw a pebble onto its 35-tonne capstone. Nearby in Jenkinstown you will find the magic hill, where you can stop your car and it will mysteriously roll uphill.
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Wander the narrow streets of Drogheda overlooked by the magnificent Millmount Museum & Martello Tower. In the centre of the town you can visit the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett at St. Peter’s Church where parts of an original church built in 1791 still form some of the impressive Gothic building. Nearby Drogheda at Monasterboice is a fascinating early Christian monastic settlement with an impressive round tower and two high crosses, an old graveyard, two churches and a sundial.
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The Boyne Valley combines lush green landscape and magnificent waterways, ample outdoor adventures, historical towns and villages and cultural gems, making it a special destination.
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Glaslough Village, Co. Monaghan
Golf www.golfireland.ie
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Fishing www.fishinginireland.info
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Ireland’s north-eastern corner is a fascinating contrast of ancient history and modern society. Monaghan, Louth and Meath are packed with lively towns, rolling landscapes, shimmering lakes and historic monuments.
Cycling www.cyclingireland.ie
Royal Canal Greenway, Enfield, Co. Meath
Boyne Valley Trails, Drogheda, Co. Louth
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For more info on activities, visit:
Discover More in Louth
County Louth’s coastline has stunning scenery with some of the finest local seafood to offer. Explore the roads less travelled, meet local characters and breathe in the fresh salty sea air. From Clogherhead and Port beaches to Blackrock and Templetown beaches further north, you can relax and enjoy the panoramic coastal views. Discover the Sea Louth Trail and savour the amazing tastes of the local seafood.
© Tourism Ireland
Please check with operators for opening arrangements before visiting.
www.whiteriver.ie Kart racing circuit, grand prix events. Collon, County Louth.
Coastal Louth Knowth & River Boyne, Co. Meath
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County Monaghan’s landscape is dotted with drumlins, glistening lakes, a wealth of activities, market towns and fascinating heritage sites to entice adventure and discovery. In Monaghan Town, admire the wonderful architecture of the historic 17th century Market House. Relax and catch up with the locals in the fabulous public focal point of The Church Square Performance Space. Drop by the Monaghan County Museum and learn about the idea of borders in people’s lives. Explore its urban and rural landscapes on The Monaghan Town Greenway, a 4.2km walking and cycling linear route that follows the path of the Ulster Canal. Closeby is Rossmore Forest Park, ideal for a gentle stroll or to bask in the scenic views of the Barnhill Lake Loop. North-West of Monaghan Town, explore Hollywood Lake with scenic lakeside park, nature walks and amenities. In the west of the county is delightful Clones, be adventurous and give watersports a try at Clones Marina. Visit St. Tiernach’s Church, view the magnificent 10th century High Cross, made up of two crosses and wander around the gorgeous walled gardens in Hilton Park. Discover the beautiful looped walks available in Dartrey Forest.
www.newgrangefarm.com Family activity, farm activities. Newgrange, County Meath.
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www.pirates-den.com Ball pools, rope bridges, swing ropes, slides, learning areas. Dundalk, County Louth.
www.navanadventurecentre.ie Foot golf, driving range, mini golf, adventure games. Navan Race Course, County Meath.
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© Monaghan Tourism/Monaghan County Council
www.onyerbike.ie Electric bikes, bikes, bike packages. Carlingford, County Louth.
www.walkingholidayireland.com Guided walking, hiking tours. www.carlingfordsailtrainingcentre.com Blackrock, County Louth. Sailing skills, sailing instruction, Warrior Walks sailing courses, sail camps. www.warriorwalks.ie Carlingford, County Louth. Guided Off-The-Beaten-Track walks. County Louth. Cooley Night Walks Find us on Facebook Hike at night under the light of the moon & stars. Carlingford, County Louth.
Rossmore Forest Park, Co. Monaghan
On Yer Bike
www.daltonsmusicalhistorytour.com Walking tour. Athboy, County Meath.
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Carlingford Sail Training Centre
www.louthadventures.ie Sea tours, RIB safari, bushcraft. Carlingford, County Louth.
www.causey.ie Family activity, farm activities. Fordstown, County Meath.
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www.visitlouth.ie Medieval town walking tours. Carlingford, County Louth.
Louth Adventures
Living History Walking Tour
www.longacrealpacas.com Alpaca trekking. Ardee, County Louth.
www.wakenski.ie Waterskiing, wakeboarding. Summerhill, County Meath.
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Carlingford Walking Tours
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Lough Muckno, Co. Monaghan
www.carlingfordseatours.com Boat tours. Carlingford, County Louth.
Long Acre Alpacas
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Carlingford Lough Sea Tours
www.escapehq.ie Escape rooms. Carlingford, County Louth.
www.boynevalleygardentrail.com Gardens in the Boyne Valley. County Meath.
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Find us on Facebook Canoeing, kayaking, paddle boarding, paddle biking. Clones Marina, County Monaghan.
Electric bikes, hybrid bikes, bike packages. Carlingford, County Louth.
Boyne Valley Garden Trail
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www.carlingfordgreenwaybikehire.com
Escape HQ
www.rockfarmslane.ie Ecotourism, activity centre, organic farm, kayaking. Slane, County Meath.
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www.tanaghoutdooreducation.com Canoeing, kayaking, banana boating, raft building, mud slide, archery, mountain biking, climbing wall, rock climbing. Dartrey, County Monaghan.
Carlingford Greenway Bike Hire
www.boynevalleywools.com Craft demos, spinning, weaving, wool crafts, farm activities. Boyne Valley, County Meath.
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www.monaghantourism.com Canoeing tours. Dromore West, County Monaghan.
Tanagh Outdoor Education & Training Centre
www.boynevalleytrails.ie Walks, trails, adventures. Drogheda, County Louth.
www.eastcoastadventure.com Water sports, yachting, activities. Carlingford, County Louth.
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www.clayshooting.ie Air rifle shooting, 4×4 action, clay pigeon shooting, target shooting. Lough Mourne, County Monaghan.
Boyne Valley Trails
East Coast Adventure
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Mourne Clay Shooting Ground
www.anamtours.ie Walking tours, guided hikes in the Cooley Mountains. Carlingford, County Louth.
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Find us on Facebook Quad bike, archery, shuffleboard, clay pigeon shooting. Inniskeen, County Monaghan.
Boyne Valley Wools
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www.busybeeceramics.ie Working pottery studio, workshops. Glaslough, County Monaghan.
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Irish Country Quads
Canoeing, Carlingford, Co. Louth
www.redmountainopenfarm.ie Family activity, farm activities. Donore, County Meath.
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www.boynevalleyactivities.ie Kayaking, medieval river tours, rafting, archery, ropes. Trim, County Meath.
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www.gr8entertainment.ie Bowling, soft play, arcade, golf simulator. Castleblayney, County Monaghan.
Red Mountain Open Farm
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www.awolpaintball.ie Paintball, canoeing, kayaking, archery, abseiling, orienteering. Killybrone, County Monaghan.
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Boyne Valley Activities
www.monaghan.coralleisure.ie Swimming pool with 25m flume slide, kids pool, inflatable obstacle course, tennis courts. Monaghan Town.
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Busy Bee Ceramics
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AWOL Outdoor Adventure
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Red Mountain Open Farm, Co. Meath
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Coral Leisure Monaghan
The hilly landscape of Monaghan has earned it the name of the Drumlin County. Discover the abundance of picturesque parklands, such as Lough Muckno Leisure Park or Rossmore Forest Park. Feel the wind on your face as you bike down the Sliabh Beagh mountains or explore its blanket bogs and moorlands by horseback. Just past the mountain’s highest point you’ll find the Three County Hollow, where Monaghan, Fermanagh and Tyrone meet.
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Kayaking, Clones Canal, Co. Monaghan
www.monaghanadventure.com Water & land-based activities on the banks of Lough Muckno. Castleblaney, County Monaghan.
Discovering Monaghan, Louth & Meath
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Regional Map
Monaghan, Louth & Meath
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Activities & Adventure Louth
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Activities & Adventure Monaghan
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R160 Longwood (15km)
R154,Dunshaughlin (19km) Dublin (46km)