The Boyne Valley, situated across County Meath and South County Louth, is a region brimming with ancient history, mystical landscapes, and charming towns and villages. While many visitors opt for a traditional car-based journey, embarking on a car-free trip to the Boyne Valley offers a unique and sustainable way to experience this enchanting destination. By relying on public transportation, cycling, and walking, you can immerse yourself in the rich heritage and stunning scenery while minimizing your environmental impact. Here are the best places to visit using local transport in the region!
Drogheda
Drogheda in County Louth is serviced by a Train Station and Bus Station. Take the train from Belfast or Dublin which runs several times a day or plan your route by bus to arrive at Drogheda Bus station. There are many amazing sites in the town that are within walking distance of both the bus and train station.
Visit Drogheda Museum, Drogheda Urban Arts Trail, The Boyne Greenway, Droichead Arts Centre, Highlanes Gallery, as well as all the beautiful bars and restaurants in the town. Spend the night at Scholars townhouse hotel!
The Drogheda Town Bus Service (D1 or D2) will also bring you to the pretty beaches of Bettystown and Laytown during your stay.
Trim
From Dublin, you can hop on the 111 or the 111X to get to the heritage town of Trim in just over an hour. Take the 190 from Drogheda or Athlone.
All the amazing sites of Trim are within walking distance of the bus stop. Call into Trim Visitor centre for a map and some advice on the best spots to visit first. Experience Trim Castle, The Porchfields river walk, The Yellow Steeple, and so much more. Grab breakfast, lunch or dinner in the many cafes and restaurants or stay the night with a choice of Hotels and Guesthouses all within walking distance of the town centre.
Navan
Navan is a great base for your car free trip to the Boyne Valley. From Dublin you can get the NX, 109, and 109A that will bring you to Navan in less than an hour. You can get the number 70 from Athlone or the 190 from Drogheda, Athlone, Mullingar and Trim. From Navan you can then explore all the great smaller towns by bus also! You can also rent a nextbike in Navan to explore the town. E-bikes cost €1.50 / 30min. Push-bikes cost €1 / 30min. E-cargo-bikes cost €1.50 / 30min. Details of mandatory parking racks, parking bays and flex zones can be found in the nextbike by TIER app. All journeys need to be started and finished within the flex zone at one of the parking bays or selected bike stands.
In Navan, be sure to experience the Ramparts Canal and River walk, The points of pride and the sculpture trail. A visit to The Solstice Arts Centre and the Zone activity Centre is also recommended. You will find lots of accommodation options nearby including The Newgrange Hotel which is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. You will be spoiled for choice here with plenty of bars and restaurants to choose from.
Kells
The heritage town of Kells is a must visit on your car free trip to the Boyne Valley. You can get the 109, 109A or 109X from Dublin that will bring you to Kells in just over an hour. You can get this bus from Navan/Cavan also. The 167 from Dundalk or Mullingar will also bring you to Kells.
Within walking distance of the bus stop you will find Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub, Colmcilles House, Kells Monastic sites and so much more.
The Headfort Arms Hotel is the perfect place to stay, just minutes from the bus stop and you will find more accommodation options here on our website. Enjoy all the amazing restaurants and bars in the town also.
Slane
Collins Coaches (Route 980) operate from Dublin to Slane 7 days a week. From Drogheda, Navan or Mullingar you can get the 190 bus also.
Within walking distance, you can visit the majestic Slane Castle and Slane Castle Distillery, The Hill of Slane, or take the Slane Historic Trail.
The Connyham Arms Hotel is a 2-minute walk from the bus stop and you will find more options on our website here.
Newgrange and the Battle of the Boyne
The new 188 local link from Athboy to Drogheda is a great way to see even more of the great sites in the Boyne Valley. You can pick up this bus in Ráth Chairn, Athboy, Navan, Duleek, or Drogheda and the stops include Brú na Boinne- Newgrange and Knowth as well as The Battle of the Boyne Site outside of Drogheda. Two great destinations to visit on your trip to the Boyne Valley.
Embarking on a car-free trip to the Boyne Valley provides an opportunity to engage with Ireland's rich history and captivating landscapes while minimizing your carbon footprint and seeing our beautiful region from a different perspective. By embracing public transportation, cycling, and walking, you'll not only create lasting memories but also contribute to the preservation of this remarkable region for generations to come. As you explore ancient monuments, cycle through picturesque villages, and immerse yourself in nature, you'll discover that the journey itself becomes an integral part of the Boyne Valley experience.
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