Townley Hall is a magnificent Georgian mansion built just over 200 years ago on a hilltop setting. Today it is surrounded by 60 acres of rolling parkland overlooking the Boyne Valley, very close to the site of the famous battle. The location is strikingly beautiful and peaceful.
Built in 1799, Townley Hall is regarded as a masterpiece in the classical style of Francis Johnston, the foremost Irish architect of his day. It sits in quiet seclusion of private grounds, approached by a long wooded avenue. Commissioned as a private home for the Townley Balfour family, it was designed to impress on the visitor not only the wealth and sophistication of a substantial landlord, but the craftsmanship available in the local area. Having undergone only minor alterations in over two centuries, this house is one of Ireland's hidden architectural gems.
The House is an architectural jewel. It is renowned for its exquisite interior, wonderful proportions, the quality of the materials and craftsmanship used in its construction and, in particular, its magnificent staircase – of which Country Life magazine once said: “I have seen many Irish houses, but I know none at once so dignified, so restrained and so original as Francis Johnston's Townley Hall”
Listen to some wonderful audio on Townley Hall - part of the Boyne Valley Drive:
Townley Hall Passage Tomb
![Townleyhall megalithic passage tomb](https://www.knowth.com/ireland/townleyhall.jpg)
Nearby is Townley Hall passage tomb. This is a small passage tomb, similar to the nearby tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. George Eogan began excavations of the site in 1960 and he would go on to excavate the tombs of Knowth. Townley Hall passage tomb is aligned with the rising sun at Summer Solstice (21 June). For more information see Boyne Valley Tours.
Telephone
+353 (41) 9838218
Email Address
info@townleyhall.ie
Address
Townley Hall (main house), Slane Road, Drogheda, Co Louth NTQ-78-DM9
Directions
View location on Google Maps here
From Dublin:
Follow the M1 going North. After the toll station, continue on the M1 until you cross the Boyne suspension bridge. Immediately North of the bridge, take exit 10 signposted N51 - Navan - Drogheda North. At the roundabout over the motorway take the Slane exit. After about 1.5 miles, look for railings and gates on the right hand side. A barrier inside the gate may require opening, then follow the avenue through the woods. Travelling time from Dublin airport: about 35mins.
From the North:
Follow the M1 as far as the exit 10 turn-off just before the suspension bridge, signposted as N51 - Navan - Drogheda North. Cross over the motorway and take the Slane exit. After about 1.5 miles, look for railings and gates on the right hand side. A barrier inside the gate may require opening, then follow the avenue through the woods. Travelling time from Dundalk: about 30mins.
Map: The LOC8 code for satnav devices is:
NTQ-78-DM9.
An online map can be found at: www.myloc8ion.com/NTQ-78-DM9
Opening Hours
By appointment only. Guided Tours Available: On request