Kells

Start Point of Walk: Loughcrew Cairns

Guided tours in Summer months

Description of route:  Hillwalk

Length and duration of walk: 3-4km

Difficulty Level: Medium challenge

Features: The Loughcrew Complex are smaller in scale than the monuments of Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth however are 5000 years old. Stunning views await the visitor.

Proximity to tourist service facilities: Oldcastle and Kells are close by

Girley Bog Eco Walk is a 3.5 miles/ 5.6 km waymarked National Loop.  It covers varying landscape of forest and bogland.  The terrain is flat and uneven and walking boots are recommended.  The first section of this looped walk takes you through a tranquil Coillte forest, where there is a coniferous forestry plantation located on high bog. 

In the ninth century, Kells was known as ‘Áinius Érenn’ or ‘The splendour of Ireland’.

The town will be forever associated with the illuminated gospels that originated here over 1200 years ago. Even then, Kells was a renowned centre of learning and enlightenment thanks to the influence of St Colmcille who founded a monastic settlement here in the sixth century.

Loughcrew Estate & Gardens are full of history, beauty, fantasy, and atmosphere making the visit a magical experience. 

Located in the Boyne Valley and beside the 5,000 year old Loughcrew Cairns is Loughcrew Megalithic Centre. At Loughcrew Megalithic centre visitors will find Nelly’s Kitchen Café, Maggie Heaney’s Cottage and Benny’s Workshop. These traditional thatched cottages surround the courtyard where people love to sit and relax after an enjoyable hike up to the highest point in the Boyne Valley.

The Headfort Spa treatment rooms provide a haven of calm and tranquillity. Unwind to the sound of soft music, warm mood lighting, and candles and leave feeling relaxed and revitalised.

In our search to provide unique result-driven Spa Treatments, we introduce to you Skinician Ireland & The Handmade Soap Company products. Free from dyes and parabens, it is of pharmaceutical grade and suits all skin types. Most importantly, all products used in our treatments are Irish and local.

Tlachtga is the sacred hill outside Athboy where Halloween began as the Celtic festival of Samhain and also named after the ancient Goddess associated with it.

Actress, professional singer and qualified tour guide Fiona Dalton brings this local legend alive in an original living history performance of story and song that will both enthral and entertain you.