Co. Meath, East

Royal Meath. Meath of the pastures. Meath of the people. Meath of many people.......Any recent Census has confirmed what had been expected. The population of Ireland may have increased by 8%, but Meath is one of the fastest-growing places of all, its increase clocking in at 22.1% and counting.

The numbers arern’t huge in today's overcrowded and city-oriented world, perhaps, but nevertheless Meath is a county which finds itself living in interesting times. The proximity of Dublin - with the inevitable pressures of prosperity and population – can be challenging. But it also brings benefits. With an increasingly affluent and discerning population, Meath is able to support a wide variety of hospitable establishements ranging from glossy restaurants of international quality to characterful pubs deep in the heart of the country.

And the inevitable changes – for instance, the need to find ways through the county for new major roads - are projects which you feel Meath can absorb. For this is a county which is comfortable and confident with itself, and rightly so. The evidence of a rich history is everywhere in Meath. But it's a history which sits gently on a county which is enjoying its own contemporary prosperity at a pace which belies the bustle of Dublin just down the road.

And anyone with an interest in the past will find paradise in Meath, for along the Boyne Valley the neolithic tumuli at Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth are awe-inspiring, Newgrange in particular having its remarkable central chamber which is reached by the rays of sun at dawn at the winter solstice.

Just 16 kilometres to the southwest is another place of fascination, the Hill of Tara. Royal Tara was for centuries the cultural and religious capital of pre-Christian Ireland. Its fortunes began to wane with the coming of Christianity, which gradually moved the religious focal point to Armagh, though Tara was a place of national significance until it was finally abandoned in 1022 AD.

Little now remains of the ancient structures, but it is a magical place, for the approach from gently rising eastern flank gives little indication of the wonderful view of the central plain which the hill suddenly provides to the westward. It is truly inspiring, and many Irish people reckon the year is incomplete without a visit to Tara, where the view is to eternity and infinity, and the imagination takes flight.



Local Attractions and Information

Donore Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre  +353 (0)41 988 0300

Dunboyne Hamwood House & Gardens +353 (0)1 825 5210

Good Food Circle (Meath)
      c/o +353 (0)46 907 3426

Kells Grove Gardens & Tropical Bird Sanctuary +353 (0)46 923 4276

Laytown Sonairte (National Ecology Centre) +353 (0)41 982 7572

Navan Tourism Information +353 (0)46 907 3426

Navan Navan Racecourse +353 (0)46 902 1350

Newgrange , Dowth & Knowth Megalithic Tombs +353 (0)41 988 0300 / 982 4488

Oldcastle Loughcrew Historic Gardens +353 (0)49 854 1922

Oldcastle Loughcrew Passage Tombs (3000BC) +353 (0)49 854 2009

Ratoath Fairyhouse Racecourse    +353 (0)1 825 6167

Summerhill Larchill Arcadian Gardens +353 (0)1 628 7354

Tara Interpretive Centre +353 (0)46 25903

Trim Butterstream Garden +353 (0)46 943 6017

Trim Tourism Information +353 (0)46 943 7111

Trim Trim Castle (restored Norman stronghold) +353 (0)46 943 8619

Gardens

Rockfield House - Navan County Meath Ireland
Rockfield House
Navan, Co. Meath
Rockfield House has a particularly peaceful setting, looking over parkland sloping down to the River Dee valley, and the walled garden mimics the landscape, folding around a central stream like a half open book around its binding. The walls of th ...

Golf

County Meath Golf Club - Trim County Meath Ireland
County Meath Golf Club
Trim, Co. Meath
Course Type: Parkland
County Meath Golf Club is a 6088 metre par 73 parkland golf course that's maintained to a very high standard. Each hole tests every aspect of an individual's game from tee to green. The fairways are designed to be a challenge for golfers who aspi ...

Self Catering

Clonabreany House - Self Catering Accommodation County Meath - Bedroom
Clonabreany House
Kells, Co. Meath
The cottages surround a large car-free courtyard, with ample parking at the back of the courtyard including a cosy private country bar and restaurant suitable for groups of up to 60 people. All cottages provide luxury and comfort with modern fac ...

What's On

Castlebellingham Market - County Louth - First Sunday each month
Castlebellingham Market

Bellingham Castle Hotel, Castlebellingham, County Louth

First Sunday of month 11am - 6pm

Contact:

Irish Organic Trading Ltd.

Tel: +353 ...

Tourist Attractions

Maynooth Castle - Maynooth County Kildare Ireland
Maynooth Castle
Maynooth, Co. Kildare
Maynooth Castle was founded in the early 13th century and became the principal residence of the Kildare branch of the Geraldines. The Kildare FitzGeralds extended their land holdings and influence, emerging as one of the most powerful families in ...

Wedding Venues

Wedding
Tattersalls Country House
Ratoath, Co. Meath
This wedding venues an elegant country house which is available for exclusive event hire; it is surrounded by a terrace which can be seen from each room through huge windows, and has beautiful gardens There are many lovely stone country churches ...
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