Long summer days, scenic landscapes, and great local food, there’s no better time to enjoy a perfect picnic in the Boyne Valley.
Whether you’re planning a family picnic, a beach day, or a quick coffee stop on your adventure, this guide brings together the best spots to park up, sit down and enjoy the beauty of the Boyne Valley.
Beaches with a View
The Boyne Valley is home to several stunning beaches that are perfect for a picnic or seaside stroll. Here’s where to roll out your blanket this August:
Bettystown Beach (Meath)
Stretching from the River Boyne to the River Nanny, Bettystown is a favourite for locals and visitors alike. This Blue Flag and Green Coast Award-winning beach is ideal for sandcastles, sea breezes, and takeaway treats.
Laytown Beach (Meath)
Connected to Bettystown Beach and home to the historic Laytown Races, this wide stretch of sand is ideal for quiet walks and beach picnics.
Mornington Beach (Meath)
A peaceful estuary beach near Drogheda, just a short stroll from Mornington village. Don’t miss the Maiden Tower and the Lady’s Finger landmarks nearby.
Gormanston Beach (Meath)
A long and quiet beach stretching to Laytown, perfect for peaceful picnics or a barefoot wander.
Annagassan Beach (Louth)
A quaint seaside village with a Viking past and views across Dundalk Bay. Calm, scenic, and ideal for history lovers and beachgoers alike.
Clogherhead Beach (Louth)
Lifeguarded and Blue Flag certified, with dramatic coastal walks and stunning views. You might even spot grey seals at the harbour.
Seapoint Beach (Louth)
A local favourite accessed via Termonfeckin or Baltray, with shipwreck views and a peaceful vibe.
Port Beach (Louth)
Located just north of Clogherhead, this Blue Flag beach is popular for its dunes and wide sandy stretches.
For more information about the beautiful beaches in the Boyne Valley press HERE.
Nature Walks and Picnic Spots
If you’re heading inland, the Boyne Valley is full of charming greenways, forest trails, and riverside walks perfect for an outdoor bite.
Boyne Valley to Lakelands Greenway
This 30km route from Navan to Kingscourt is ideal for cyclists and walkers, with several picnic-friendly stops like Wilkinstown, Nobber, and Kilmainhamwood.
More info
Trim Porchfields and River Walk
Soak in medieval history while walking along the River Boyne and enjoy a moment of calm with a coffee or snack in hand.
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Dalgan Park
A quiet 7km forest and riverside walk near Navan with gravel trails and nature all around — great for a peaceful picnic.
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Park Beo Greenway Hub
Located just off the Greenway in Wilkinstown, Park Beo offers picnic areas, accessible toilets, parking, and a well-stocked deli.
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Royal Canal Greenway
Stretching through Enfield, this 130km towpath is packed with scenic picnic spots and ideal stop-offs for walkers and cyclists.
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Hill of Tara
Ireland’s most iconic ancient site offers panoramic views and grassy slopes that make for a memorable picnic setting.
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Boyne Ramparts Walk
This riverside heritage trail is perfect for a reflective stroll or a scenic jog. Steeped in myths, legends, and rich local history, it winds from Navan toward Drogheda alongside peaceful waterways.
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Balrath Wood
A favourite for families, this forest walk offers an easy loop trail with changing colours each season. Visit in late summer or early autumn to catch woodland fruit, insects, and flowers in bloom.
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Batterstown Kilcloon Heritage trail
Journey Through Time: Discovering the Rich Heritage of Batterstown and Kilcloon. Find a spot surrounded by history and nature and enjoy some valuable time together.
Slane Historic Trail
Enjoy history, green fields and fresh air. The perfect blend of calm and intrigue makes this one of the best places in the Boyne Valley to enjoy a quick bite to eat.
Where to Grab Coffee, Sandwiches, and Treats
Need a bite before your beach walk or a caffeine boost mid-cycle? Here are some great takeaway-friendly cafés grouped by location:
Near the Greenway:
Trim:
Near the Hill of Tara:
Navan:
Near Bettystown Beach:
Near Clogherhead and Coastal Walks:
In Drogheda:
Wherever your summer plans take you, there’s an outdoor dining spot in the Boyne Valley to match. So pack a basket, plan your route, and make the most of August’s sunshine with fresh air and flavour.
Ready to explore? Discover more local guides and outdoor ideas!
