Spring is always a beautiful time in the Boyne Valley, as new growth and life returns to the rolling landscape, from the beaches stretching out for miles to the ancient ruins atop grassy hills. One hill in particular is important to the Easter story; according to legend St Patrick lit his Easter Paschal fire on the Hill of Slane, in defiance of the High King at the Hill of Tara.
Out and about
When you’re getting out and about this Easter there are many walks, tracks and trails to enjoy, including the Royal Canal Greenway, the Nobber and Castletown loops of the Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway or Kells Girley Bog Eco Walk. If you fancy some heritage in your local town have a look at Drogheda Walks, Navan Points of Pride, Slane Historic Trail or Trim Historic Trail.
At the moment we still have to keep to our 5km and hopefully you’ll have something nice to explore over the Easter weekend. If you live further away don’t worry, these great places will still be there when we can travel again.
Fairyhouse Easter Festival
Fairyhouse is home to the famous three-day Easter Festival which is taking place from Saturday 3rd - Monday 5th April 2021. Easter Monday features the Boyle Sports Irish Grand National, the richest chase in the Irish calendar and one of the most anticipated dates of the Irish racing calendar.
The Fairyhouse Easter Festival is normally filled with glamour, festivities, music, entertainment and of course top-class National Hunt Racing will unfortunately be ran with no spectators this year, but rest assured that there will be lots of ways for you to #BeInvolved from the comfort of your own homes.
Easter treats in the Boyne Valley
After all that walking, cycling or running why not treat yourself to something tasty? Many businesses in the Boyne Valley are now offering takeaway snack, lunches and dinners.
- In Trim you have a wide variety of choices including the Stockhouse Restaurant, Brogans Bar and Grill and Franzinis Restaurant, as well as the Barista Café at Trim Castle Hotel, Knightsbrook Hotel and the Castle Arch Hotel. Meanwhile Harvest Home Bakery offers freshly baked goods for all the family. A little further south at Johnstown Bridge the Hamlet Court Hotel has takeaway dining options, a special treat after walking the Royal Canal Greenway.
- If you’re in Drogheda why not try some takeaway dinners at Scholars Townhouse Hotel or Henry’s at the Glenside Hotel, or some coffee, treats and brunch from Five Good Things café.
- Balreask Bar and Restaurant in Navan offers some amazing lunch and dinner options, or takeaway afternoon tea at the Newgrange Hotel and the Ardboyne Hotel. A little further north is the Cross Guns Gastropub, try their Steak at Home Saturday! Or south of Navan Maguires Hill of Tara has some lovely takeaway options.
- For those on the go in Kells Park Rí Destination Stop & Food Court has all you need before enjoying your 5km while in the town Vanilla Pod at the Headfort Arms also offers tasty dinner takeaways, as well as Afternoon Tea and treats. An Stór in Baile Ghib offers some nice takeaway options as does the café at Loughcrew Estate.
- In the south east of the Boyne Valley you have so many options if you live nearby. In Dunshaughlin Plate and Palette has breakfast, brunch and snack options, you can sample some baked goodies (including Easter Eggs!) at Sage and Stone in Duleek, or pick up some afternoon tea at CityNorth Hotel Gormanston. The Lime Kiln Gastropub and Pantry Shop in Julianstown is doing wonderful takeaway meals, as well as lots of delicious local produce and freshly baked bread and treats. Likewise Dunboyne Castle Hotel has some amazing takeaway dinner options.
Make sure to check ahead, some places require ordering the previous day. Get your order in early and don’t go hungry!
- And to challenge your taste buds with a little local craft drink, you can buy online or find in a local store– Dan Kelly Cider, Boann Distillery, Slane Whiskey and Listoke Gin.
As always keep up to date with all things #BoyneValley on social media.
Read more about Easter in the Boyne Valley
