The Boyne Valley is one of Ireland's richest regions for history and heritage, where ancient stories live on through winding trails, sacred ruins, and timeless landscapes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker, a casual stroller, or a history lover, these walking trails offer a unique way to step into the past and feel the spirit of Ireland underfoot.
This summer, discover some of the Boyne Valley's most remarkable walking routes.
Athboy Heritage Trail
Athboy, once known as "the Yellow Ford," is steeped in pre-Christian and monastic history. This short trail through the heart of the town reflects centuries of stories, from Druidic times to medieval life.
- Length: Approx. 30 minutes
- Highlights: St. James Church, The Fair Green, remains of Athboy Castle
- Fun Fact: The nearby Hill of Ward (Tlachtga) is said to be the birthplace of Samhain, the ancient festival that inspired Halloween.
Take the full tour and map: Follow the Athboy Trail here
Batterstown & Kilcloon Heritage Trail
This trail, curated by the local Heritage Keepers, covers sacred wells, ruined churches, ancient castles and more. Each stop unveils a forgotten gem of local folklore and community pride.
- Length: Self-guided across several sites
- Highlights: Rathregan Church, Mulhussey Castle, Rodanstown Motte
- Fun Fact: The Rodanstown Motte is one of the best surviving examples of Norman defensive earthworks in Ireland.
Discover each stop and its stories: Explore the full Kilcloon trail
Boyne Valley Camino
A 25km loop beginning in Drogheda, this Camino route combines spiritual pilgrimage with riverside nature, history and culture. It also counts toward the official 100km for the Compostela in Santiago de Compostela.
- Length: 25km loop
- Highlights: Mellifont Abbey, Townley Hall Woods, Oldbridge
- Fun Fact: This is the only Irish Camino route recognised by the Camino Society that connects with the traditional Camino in Spain.
Plan your pilgrimage: More on the Boyne Valley Camino
Clonard Heritage Trail
This peaceful trail reveals one of Ireland's earliest centres of Christian learning. Founded by St. Finian, the monastic school here once drew students from across Europe.
- Length: Self-paced
- Highlights: Remains of ancient monastic settlement
- Fun Fact: At its peak, Clonard Monastery hosted over 3,000 students, including several future saints.
Walk through history: Discover the Clonard Trail
Drogheda Historic Trail
Walk through over 800 years of Irish history in Drogheda, where medieval gates, churches, and monuments tell the dramatic story of this strategic riverside town.
- Length: 1-1.5 hours
- Highlights: Millmount Museum, St. Laurence’s Gate, Cromwell sites
- Fun Fact: Drogheda once rivalled Dublin as a potential capital of Ireland due to its size and strategic location.
Begin your journey: Explore Drogheda's Trail
Hill Walking at Loughcrew
For those seeking ancient high ground, Loughcrew Cairns offers a mystical hill walk with breath-taking views and passage tombs older than the pyramids.
- Length: 3–4km
- Highlights: Cairn T, views over Meath, prehistoric carvings
- Fun Fact: On the equinox, sunlight illuminates inner carvings inside Cairn T, just like at Newgrange.
Climb into the past: Plan your Loughcrew visit
Kells Historic Trail
Kells is renowned as the home of the Book of Kells and a spiritual beacon in Irish monastic history. Its streets are filled with stone crosses, round towers, and echoes of its scholarly past.
- Length: 1–2 hours
- Highlights: Round Tower, St. Colmcille’s House, High Crosses
- Fun Fact: The Book of Kells was written and illustrated here before being moved to Iona.
Explore the sacred town: Follow the Kells Trail
Slane Historic Trail
With tales of saints, rock concerts and Georgian elegance, Slane’s trail showcases one of Ireland’s most charming towns. Walk from the village square to the Hill of Slane and discover layers of history.
- Length: 2.2km (approx. 45–60 minutes)
- Highlights: Slane Cottages, Hill of Slane, Conyngham Arms
- Fun Fact: St. Patrick lit the first Paschal Fire on the Hill of Slane, a defiant act that helped convert Ireland to Christianity.
Uncover Slane’s story: View the Historic Trail
Trim Historic Trail
Trim boasts more medieval ruins than any town in Ireland, with Trim Castle at its heart. The walking trail weaves through streets, churches, abbeys, and echoes of saints, scholars, and soldiers.
- Length: Self-paced, approx. 1.5–2 hours
- Highlights: Trim Castle, Yellow Steeple, Newtown Monuments
- Fun Fact: Trim Castle was a major filming location for Braveheart, starring Mel Gibson.
Discover Trim's treasure trail: See the full Trim Trail
Whether you’re walking in the footsteps of monks, climbing ancient hills, or tracing the legends of warrior queens and saints, the trails of the Boyne Valley offer much more than scenic strolls. They’re living history underfoot.
Take the time this summer to explore, reflect, and reconnect with Ireland’s past on these remarkable routes.
Don’t miss out on anything that is happening in the Boyne Valley!
