Towns

The heritage town of Kells contains many fine examples of early medieval Christian architecture.

History of Navan

The burgeoning town of Navan lies at the confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater. It is the county town, or administrative capital, of Co. Meath. The name Navan has long confused etymologists. It is thought that it may take its name from the Irish An Uaimh, meaning ‘the cave' or perhaps from Nuachongbhail, meaning ‘new habitation'. Navan was accredited Purple Flag in 2015 promoting a well managed vibrant town with an impressive nighttime economy.

(Nobber mediveal church ruin and modern Church of Ireland church, now George Eogan Cultural and Heritage Centre: Photo, Henry Cruise)

Nobber: from the prehsitoric to the present day

The town of Nobber and its surrounds is an ancient settlement that can trace its roots back to Mesolithic Ireland, c.6,000 BC. The name Nobber come from the Irish word “an Obair” ('the work'), which refers to the Norman motte at the north end of the village.

The town of Oldcastle was the 18th century creation of the Naper family, who received parts of the Plunkett estate following the cromwellian wars. Due in part to the continuation of a Gaelic way of life, the area, suffered badly during the Great Famine (1845-‘9) in comparison with richer, more arable areas in the southern part of  Meath. The poorest inhabitants were obliterated by starvation and emigration. Nonetheless, land patterns still visible today reveal a strong attachment to pastoral farming of ‘Gaelic Culture'.

The popular Boyne Drive passes through Slane. For those with sporting interests the Boyne provides excellent fishing. Horse-riding, racing, golf, tennis, walking and canoeing are all available locally or lie within easy driving distance. Less than 20km to the coast where there are safe sandy beaches and miles of dunes to walk. In Slane and its environs you will find an increasing number of specialist food producers, small restaurants and craft workshops-modern gems among the ancient treasures of County Meath

Medieval Trim

Trim has one of the best preserved collections of medieval buildings in Ireland, from town walls to monastic sites, as well as the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland.  Trim is situated on the banks of the River Boyne in an area of fertile plains. The town developed around Trim Castle, straddling the river to the north and west of the castle. In the 13th century the town was enclosed within a circuit of stone walls. Augustinian (1140s, 1202), Franciscan (1260), and Dominican (1263) friaries were established, indicating the growing prosperity of the town.