The Boyne Valley is situated in the east of Ireland and
only 20 minutes outside Dublin city.
To tell the story of Ireland’s Ancient East we must start at the beginning... 5,000 years ago in the Boyne Valley.
We present to you 5,000 years of Europe’s history in a lush green, compact and accessible landscape...
Visit places filled with unmissable experiences with Maps and Brochures as your guide and Itineraries as your inspiration, prepare for an adventure through a land of legends. From brave knights, castles and round towers to tales of emigrants, monks and ancient civilisations, Ireland’s Ancient East is brimming with stories, culture, attractions, festivals and fun. Boyne Valley is the birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East and has some of the world’s most mythical landscapes. The rich valley is home to a range of heritage sites and monuments including Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman Castle.
Walk, Sail & Cycle Boyne Valley:
Explore Boyne Valley’s abundance of heritage sites by boat, bike and foot. Take an electric bike from Rock Farm, wander around Newgrange and float along River Boyne with Boyne Valley Activities to marvel at Trim Castle.
Festivals and Events
The Boyne Valley has a packed calendar of Events and Festivals with something of interest for everyone.
From musical events, such as the International Festival for Irish Harp, Boyne Music Festival, Navan Choral Festival and Vantastival, to cultural extravaganzas such as the Hinterland Festival, the Drogheda Arts Festival and the Guth Gafa International Film Festival, there are a variety of literary, culinary and artistic experiences to be enjoyed.
For equine-enthusiasts, the Irish Grand National at the Fairyhouse Easter Racing Festival is a must.
Summer Festivals such as the Salmon of Knowledge and Trim Haymaking festivals are filled with fun for all the family.
Autumn brings Halloween which originated in Co Meath over 3,000 years ago.The Spirits of Meath festival is stuffed full of scary and family-friendly events for the Halloween period. In addition to this the new and exciting Púca Festival offers folklore, food, myth and music.
Christmas experiences at Causey Farm and Tayto Park, amongst others, provide a magical way to experience the Boyne Valley in Winter. Or perhaps you will be one of the lucky lottery winners to visit Newgrange at the Solstice!
Festival updates will be published also on our "What's On" events page.
Tours & Itineraries:
The dramatic landscapes have been the background to the film Braveheart and you can even take a trip in a paddleboat from Game of Thrones. The area offers some of Ireland’s best seasonal cuisine through the Boyne Valley Food Series and is home to an emerging number of distilleries. Try your hand at creating your own gin at Listoke Distillery or embark on a whiskey tour at Boann and Slane Castle. Find out more.
Myths & Legends of Boyne Valley:
There is 5,000 years of history at Boyne Valley, with the Brú na Bóinne monuments dating back further than Egypt’s Pyramids of Giza. Visit the site of the Battle of Boyne and relive history at Trim Living History.
Discover Boyne Valley, Award Winning Food Destination:
The Boyne Valley, once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland brings to you food experiences fit for any King or Queen. The rolling farmlands are home to a growing number of artisan producers where their products are used in a number of restaurants and eateries. For full details see the award-winning Discover Boyne Valley Flavours.
Discover Boyne Valley
Boyne Valley Itineraries - follow our suggestions for 1-2 day itineraries, each centred around a different Boyne Valley town or village.
Heritage Sites - Historic sites, historic trails, heritage towns, scenic drives
Tour Guides - Local expert tour guides, walking tours, cycling tours, chauffeur tours
Tour Organisers - Full package tours with accommodation, self-drive, private escorted and coach tours
Itineraries - Suggested 3 day & 7 day itineraries to discover the region
Plan your visit
Things to do - adventure activities, cultural experiences, heritage trails
Places to stay - Hotels, Guesthouses and Bed & Breakfast accommodation options
Food & drink - Restaurants and Pub guide for quality food & drink experiences
Special offers - Updated special offer in accommodation and activities
Getting around - car hire, coach hire, camper / motorhome hire, electric bike hire options
Tourist information - Local tourist offices in the region
Downloads
Brochures & Guides - Download PDF brochures and holiday / event guides in the region
Maps - Interactive maps showing main points of interest and suggested driving routes
Audio tour - Listen to the incredible story of the Boyne Valley
So memorable in ancient history and so rich in monuments of the past ... that the history of Ireland might be written in tracing its banks.
- William Wilde, The Beauties of the Boyne (1849)
Listen to this wonderful audio on the Boyne Valley Drive: