The Fertile and wooded landscape of the Boyne Valley is without doubt Ireland's most historic area and contains some of Europe's most significant and most spectactular prehistoric sites. The area is a World Heritage Site.

 

The Prehistoric inhabitants of the area built huge burial tombs on the banks of the river Boybe and on hilltop sites such as Loughcrew. Today, the Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth which are older than the pyramids of Egypt and pre date Stoneheng by 1000 years continue to attract huge numbers of visitors from all around the world. The area is believed to contain around 40 passage tombs in total.

 

This are was also hugely important in pre Christian times when the Hill of Tara seated the High Kings of Ireland and the Feast of Samhain was celebrated by the druids on the Hill of Ward near the town of Athboy.

 

Christianity was bought to the region by St Patrick, forever associated with the Hill of Slane on which he lit a fire on Easter Eve, 433 to challenge the druids who were holding a Festival of Tara. The Christian influence can be seen at the early monastic sites of Kells and Monasterboice.

 

In the middle ages, the Norman settlers from Wales and England built castles such as Navan Motte and the impressive castle at Trim as defense againest the Native Irish. The Castle at Trim is the largest remaining Norman Castle in Europe and is noted for the part it played in the filming of Braveheart.

 

The area also hosted probably the most infamous battle in British and Irish history. The battle of the Boyne took place on July 1st 1690 and saw William III gain victory over James II. The battle continues to play a role in Irish politics to this day.

 

 Click Here for a copy of The Meath Tourism Guide 2012