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County Meath 1 Day Tour

Co. Meath 1 Day Tour. Leaving Dublin on the M1 northbound take the exit for Duleek (just south of Drogheda Town) and then onto Donore and the site of Brú Na Bóinne - Newgrange (approx. 10-kms from Drogheda town). County Meath is known as the Royal County and derives its name from the 2nd century AD as a territory for the High Kings. There is an abundance of historic monuments within the present day county testifying to the ancient importance of this region. King Henry VI spent a night in Donore before the fateful Battle of the Boyne. In 1429 King Henry VI granted £10 to every castle built in the Counties of Louth, Meath, Kildare and Dublin provided they were a specific dimensions, it is likely that Donore Castle is one of these. Brú Na Bóinne Interpretive centre. In this centre you can explore the history of New Grange, Knowth, Dowth and the Boyne Valley. You start the tour from the centre by getting a shuttle bus to the monument(s). Newgrange is a spectacular passage grave built between 3500 – 2700 B.C. and recently excavated and restored 1962 – 1975. The passage graves at Newgrange belong to an era when stone was the only method used for tools and weapons. The tour of Newgrange takes you deep into its chambers, a 19 meter walk. The chamber roof is corbelled, a method to keep out the rain and damp weather. The passage opens out into a central chamber with three adjoining chambers to the west, east and north, each with large chiseled stone basins occupying the floor area which was thought to have been used for holding human remains burnt or unburnt along with funeral offerings to the gods. A most remarkable feature of Newgrange is the roof –box above the entrance. It is aligned so as to catch the first rays of the rising sun on the morning of the winter solstice on the 21st of December. The light penetrates down the passageway and illuminates the inner chamber for a short interval and is re-created for the visitor throughout the year. This is but a short introduction on Newgrange; the full meaning of its creation is explained in detail and is visually apparent when visited.

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There is a coffee shop which will cater for a mid morning snack, either before or after the tour in the Interpretive centre. The Tourist Information Office is located next to the coffee shop and has an array of literature and gifts for the visitor, the friendly staff will be there to answer any questions on the local area that the visitor may have. Depart for Slane N51 and onwards towards Navan N51 (approx. 25kms). Here you can stop for lunch in Navan town. Navan town is on the banks of the river Boyne and is an ideal shopping town for those wishing to purchase goods. Leave Navan on the N51 to the west of the town towards Fordstown, Girley and “The Causey Experience” (Approx. 20kms) Arrive at The Causey Experience. Join the Murtagh Family for fun and “craic” joining in with activities such as song, dance, sport, music, and food. During your visit expect to partake in, among others, making soda bread, turf cutting, milking a cow, hurling, bodhran lesson, weaving a sugan rope and a lively ceili. You can select your preferences before arrival. The Causey Experience offers an exciting and educational insight to “the life of the Irish” and is an experience not to be missed! A short drive from The Causey Farm is your next stop at Grove Gardens and Open Farm, just a minutes drive north on the R164. This is a garden and open farm with a difference. The gardens are set out in Victorian style. It is family run and boasts the largest clematis garden in the country. It is home to the usual farm animals including more unusual species of exotic birds and animals. There is a picnic area both indoors and outdoors for those in need of a snack. Depart Grove Gardens for the N51/N3 to Dublin

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