History & Heritage

Christmas Gift Ideas from the Boyne Valley 2023

Halloween in the Boyne Valley is an experience like no other. The rich history and folklore of our region come to life during this season, creating a perfect backdrop for a spooktacular celebration. With our many heritage sites, thrilling attractions, family-friendly activities, and vibrant festivals, Halloween 2023 has been a great one. Make sure to mark your calendar for Halloween in 2024 and prepare for a memorable journey through one of Ireland's most enchanting regions. Here are our highlights from 2023.

Nestled in the heart of The Boyne Valley in Meath, lies a town that holds a treasure trove of history and culture – The Heritage town of Kells. Renowned for its ancient monastic past, Kells has been a significant centre of learning and spirituality for centuries. The rich history and ancient attractions make Kells a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, culture seekers, and anyone eager to delve into Ireland's captivating past. You can now take a historic walking tour of the town every Friday in October (except the 20th) with more planned for the future.

Photo credit - Eamonn Gosling Masterpiece Aerial Photography 

Last Friday, the 29th of September, Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O Brien, announced the State’s purchase of the lands of Dowth Hall and demesne, including Netterville, in Co. Meath and the establishment of a new National Park – the Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne) National Park.

In an era where work and leisure often blend seamlessly, the concept of "bleisure" travel has grown in popularity. Bleisure travel combines business and leisure, allowing visitors to make the most of their business trips by exploring the destination's cultural, historical, and recreational offerings. The Boyne Valley in County Meath and South County Louth is a hidden gem for bleisure tourists.

The Boyne Valley in Meath and South County Louth is a beautiful and historic area, known for its ancient archaeological sites, charming villages and towns, and scenic landscapes. If you're looking to book a romantic break in Ireland this Autumn, there really is no better option. Many of our accommodation providers offer bespoke packages to make your trip extra special. Here are our top picks for your next romantic break in the Boyne Valley.

Ardboyne Hotel

2023 marks the 30th anniversary of Discover Boyne Valley. The Boyne Valley brand has been delivering a compelling offering in the leisure and business tourism markets across County Meath and more recently south County Louth. Anchored on our unique heritage and culture, our marketing strategy aims to provide an integrated and collaborative marketing approach to deliver outstanding quality experiences for our visitors, regenerating increased demand for tourism services and increased tourism revenue for the region.

As destinations go in Ireland, there are few more iconic than Slane in County Meath! Some call it the heart of the Boyne Valley with the mythical River Boyne flowing through and history around every corner. From walking trails to Castle visits and everything in between- we have the perfect bucket list for you in Slane.

Visit Slane Castle

When planning a trip to the Boyne Valley, adding the heritage town of Trim to your plans is a must. This pretty destination is filled with great things to do from walking, tours, amazing places to eat and so much more. We recommend spending at least two nights here and more if you have the time. Here are all the great things we think you should add to your Trim Bucket list this Summer and Autumn.

A trip to the Boyne Valley is filled with so much choice on where to go and what to do. To fit in all the attractions and must-see sites, you really need to plan a few trips. The County Town of Meath is Navan and this is the perfect base for a long weekend or mid-week break to the Boyne Valley. The town itself also boasts many attractions and activities, so you can park up the car and enjoy! Here is your Navan bucket list this summer!