Newgrange & The Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley, the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East, spans Co. Meath and south Co. Louth, offering rich history, stunning landscapes, waterways, and cultural treasures. The Hill of Tara, dating back to the late Stone Age, became the seat of Ireland’s high kings in the Iron Age and was visited by St. Patrick in the 5th century, with only earthworks remaining today. Nearby, Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman fortress, was built from 1172 by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, featuring a massive cruciform keep, curtain walls, and moat. Monastic highlights include Mellifont Abbey, Ireland’s first Cistercian monastery (1142), and its daughter house, New Abbey (1147), both reflecting elegant simplicity. Newgrange, built around 3,200 BC, predates Stonehenge and the Pyramids; this passage tomb, aligned with the Winter Solstice sunrise, features 97 kerbstones with megalithic art and a 19 m passage leading to a chamber with three alcoves, accessible via Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (tickets extra).