The Boyne Valley’s beautiful landscape and heritage walking routes, along with scenic canal and river trails, provide a diverse set of outdoor escapes for visitors of all fitness levels. With freedom now to explore within your own county why not dust off your walking boots or maybe float through time to experience the magic of this unique destination.
The Oldbridge Estate, location of the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, boasts over 5km of scenic walks on the historic battle site and links with the Boyne Greenway and Boyne Canal Walk. Enjoy the spectacular gardens as you stroll through the estate.
If you prefer to explore the area from the water, contact Boyne Boats which reopens on Saturday June 20th. Along with your guide, you will paddle along the Boyne Canal while you hear stories of local history, myth and legend in a traditional Kerry Naomhog currach which featured on the Game of Thrones TV series.
The grounds of Old Mellifont Abbey are open for a stroll around what remains of this beautiful 12th century Cistercian Abbey. With the great weather we are having, the beautiful beaches of Bettystown and Laytown are perfect locations for chilling out in the sunshine. Beach lifeguards return to full-time duties in July and August, and there may be restrictions on parking and toilet facilities in the short term.
Navan is the starting point for the 8km Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk to Stackallen Bridge. There are interpretive panels along the route and Navan provides opportunities for some retail therapy and some top-class food once you’ve completed this 16km return trip. Within the town itself, visitors can take the self-guided 4km “Points of Pride” walking tour at their leisure.
The town of Drogheda, the gateway to the Boyne Valley, can be explored in a series of self-guided walks which start from The Tholsel and there are further walks entitled, Bridges, Spires, Walls and Steps. Millmount Museum and Martello Tower has spectacular views over the town and indeed much of the Boyne Valley. Fortified as a motte by the Normans in the 12th century, it was at Millmount that Cromwell met his strongest resistance when he laid siege to the town in 1649.
Nearby, the village of Slane can be explored using its self-guided historic trail which is brought to life through a series of plaques and panels placed at points of interest along the route including the beautiful Hill of Slane with its stunning views. Rock Farm Slane is open for a farmer’s market and farm walk from 10-2pm, check Rock Farm facebook for updates.
The heritage town of Kells can also be explored on foot and a self guided walking tour is available. Just 5km away, the Girley Bog Eco Walk is a looped route through forest and bogland; a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature. Also, close to Kells, Loughcrew Cairns with their breathtaking views are well worth a visit, especially by those who enjoy hill walking. This area boasts a stunning and unspoiled landscape. It really is a site to behold.
Visitors to Trim will be spoiled for choice. The Boyne Blueway runs from Longwood through Trim to Bective Mill. An 8-hour trip for experienced paddlers. If staying on dry land is preferable, the Trim Castle River Walk and the Trim Historic Trail are scenic, short routes which can be followed up with a visit to the spectacular Castle, with the grounds now open. Just a 5 minute drive from Trim, you can visit Bective Abbey where the grounds are open to the public and if you would like to keep going, only 5 minutes further is the Royal Site of Tara, from where the High Kings ruled Ireland. While in Trim, there are some wonderful spots for lunch on a takeaway basis: Trim n Healthy has lots of lovely healthy food and supplements and is open daily 11-5pm while The Olive Tree, Trim is also open for takeaway lunch, coffees and treats.
The possibilities are endless and each trip is unique. So if you’ve visited already come back to retrace your steps and relive some memories. If you haven’t discovered the Boyne Valley yet- what are you waiting for?
Visit www.discoverboynevalley.ie for more information or download our 2020 Holiday Guide here.
