Boyne Valley

North of Dublin, the River Boyne winds its way through counties Louth and Meath. Along its banks, the rolling green hills and scenic valleys hold some of Ireland's most ancient historical attractions. More than 50 megalithic sites have been discovered in the area, none more famous than the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, with its enormous passage tomb at Newgrange, dating to 3000 BC. Fascinating guided tours run to Newgrange and the tombs at Knowth from the visitor center (book ahead). The Hill of Tara was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, while St. Patrick lit the paschal fire on the Hill of Slane to announce the arrival of ...

North of Dublin, the River Boyne winds its way through counties Louth and Meath. Along its banks, the rolling green hills and scenic valleys hold some of Ireland's most ancient historical attractions. More than 50 megalithic sites have been discovered in the area, none more famous than the World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, with its enormous passage tomb at Newgrange, dating to 3000 BC. Fascinating guided tours run to Newgrange and the tombs at Knowth from the visitor center (book ahead). The Hill of Tara was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, while St. Patrick lit the paschal fire on the Hill of Slane to announce the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century. Important early Christian remains include Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice with its fine high crosses, and St. Colomba's monastery at Kells, with more high crosses and a round tower. The impressive Anglo-Norman castle at Trim was used in the film Braveheart. At Oldbridge, the English victory at the Battle of the Boyne led to the repression of Irish Catholics. Historic Drogheda makes a good base for touring the area.

About the Expert

Donna Dailey is the author of Thomas Cook’s Ireland driving guide, coauthor of DK’s Back Roads Ireland and several other titles, as well as the author of Thomas Cook’s HotSpots Costa Blanca and a contributor to AA Publishing’s Key Guide Spain.