There is no where more exciting to spend a few days in Ireland this summer than the Boyne Valley. Our location in the counties of Meath and South County Louth means there is always plenty to do and lots of events to attend for the entire family. This July, the Boyne Valley will host concerts, exhibitions, race fixtures and so much more. Here are our top events happening in the Boyne Valley for you to enjoy.
There is a great line up of events at Solstice Arts Centre in Navan this July. There are summer camps for musical theatre, artistic explorers, ballet, sewing and more. Hammerheads exhibition will take place over the month also and is free of charge. Learn more on our website here.
Cottage Market Drogheda
The Cottage Market Drogheda will take place at Scotch Hall Shopping centre on Saturday the 1st of July. Enjoy Artisan breads, cakes, cheese, chutneys, Indian street food, olive oil, honey, kombucha, savoury treats, organic veg, plants and zero waste market stall. Candles, bespoke art, jewellery, books, vinyl records, woollen and fabric creations, food trucks and live music too!
Boann all female retreat at An Tobar
Experience the power of sound at An Tobar retreat centre outside Navan from the 1st to the 4th of July. All women are welcome and no experience is needed for the 4 day event. Participants use the Irish frame drum for both drumming circles and as a reflective tool. With a world champion bodhrán player to lead the way, those new to drumming are in safe hands. Participants can also look forward to excursions to historical and sacred sites in the Boyne Valley with expert anthropologist Dr. Ciara Crawford. Find out more on our website here.
Droichead Arts Centre
DRAWDA murals walking is running every Saturday during July from 12pm. On the 2nd of July, The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett will be performed at the Oldbridge House outdoor theatre, there is a film making summer camp with Frank Kelly, a Drama Summer Camp with Grainne Rafferty at Beaulieu Gardens and so much more. Find out more on our website here.
Grill and chill is happening at Fairyhouse Race Course on the 12th of July. Alongside the exciting Darley Brownstown Stakes, you can book their grill and chill package that includes a BBQ, live music and a great atmosphere. Find out more here.
Navan Racecourse
The Cusack Hotel Group Family Fun Day takes place on the 15th of July at Navan Racecourse. They will have a dedicated family fun area jam packed with oodles of kids’ entertainment as well as plenty of family food offerings including main meal, fruit pot and drink for just €6.50. There will be face painting, bubble fun, magic shows, interactive racing experiences and more! You can be guaranteed a great day out. Find out more here.
Painting Courses with Emily McCormack
Artist Emily McCormack will run a Beginners Introduction to Oil Painting on July 15th and 20th. Emily supplies all the materials you need for the courses. Find out more here.
Bellewstown Races
The races in Bellewstown are synonymous with top class racing and glorious summer evenings with the friendly atmosphere tempting punters from far and wide to enjoy a picnic on the hill or relax and meet friends in one of our many food and beverage outlets within our enclosure. Racing this July takes place from Thursday the 6th to Saturday the 8th. Find out more here.
Book your tickets for Rhythm and Sticks on the 8th of July at the Headfort Arms Hotel. The Boys are returning due to popular demand following their sold-out show at the hotel in December. Catch them live on Sat July 8th.
Kieran Slyne Exhibition at Toradh Gallery 2
An exhibition of work by Kieran Slyne entitled "Angles" takes place in the Toradh Gallery 2 at Kells Courthouse and Cultural Tourism Hub until the 21st of July. This collection looks at how we impose on nature both consciously and unconsciously. Find out more here.
Kells TypeTrail brings together a wide range of artforms, highlighting our unique heritage of lettering as a form of communication. Each year, one word is translated into a variety of languages, reflecting the diversity of the community in Kells, with the aim of providing a means to bring individuals and groups together. As this is what Arts, Culture and Heritage does, this year’s word is ‘Connect'. Find out more about the trail on our website here.
Love Drogheda Family Fun Days
Every Saturday afternoon in July (except July 1st), bring the family for a fun afternoon of free entertainment outside St. Peter’s Church, West Street. Enjoy street artisits, face painting and more. Learn more on our website here.
International Baseball Festival
Ashbourne Baseball Club play host to 2 big tournaments this July in the Boyne Valley. The International Baseball Festival (IBF) will be a 4-team international tournament running from 6-9 July in Ashbourne and featuring teams from the Irish Baseball Academy, the Irish Baseball League, the U.K., and Australia. The U18 Baseball European Championship Qualifier on 27th -30th July will see the host nation- Ireland, compete against Poland, Croatia and Slovakia.
Otherside Festival
Otherside festival returns to Rock Farm Slane again this year from the 7th to the 9th of July. Get ready for three days of magic, mischief and connection along the River Boyne. Headline acts include Boybay Cycling Club, CMAT and SBTRKT. Find our more here.
Join Ross from Boyne Boats on the 7th and the 21st of July for his Lands at Dowth Neolithic Experience. The tour includes a paddle along the Boyne Canal and river, a walk through the lands at dowth, and an artisan picnic. Find out more here.
Drive and Jive at Meath Steam Run
Moynalty Steam threshing will host a Truck, Tractor, Car, and Bike Run/Show on July 8th, at the parkland in Moynalty Steam Threshing Museum. There will be trophies for the best category in each class, and a full bar on site. To top it all off, they will have live music from Paul Kelly, Meadhbh Walsh, and Chelsea Kelly after the run.
Join Paddy at Beewise Nature Trail on the 9th of July for their Open day or the 23rd of July for the story of honey. Take a walk through their nature trail, learn all about the bee’s in their observation hive and so much more. Find more information on our website here.
Bettystown Beach
Bettystown Beach will be a hive of activity this July with beach handball, rounders and beach volleyball on the 12th of July and their annual Sandcastle Competition on the 29th of July. Find out more on our website here.
Join the fairies for a fun-filled adventure at Slane Castle from the 14th to the 16th of July. Learn all about the magical world of fairies, unicorns, mermaids and so much more. This non-stop, interactive show includes fairy wings, magic wand and fairy crown for every child, plus refreshments and sweet treats. Find out more on our website here.
Boyne Valley Tasting event
Make your way to the Station House Hotel in Kilmessan on the 15th of July for their latest Boyne Valley Tasting event. The evening begins at 6.30pm with a pre-dinner cocktail or glass of Prosecco Frizzante. That’s followed by seven courses carefully curated and prepared by their head chef. It’s an opportunity for the team to share a passion for good food and fine wine – and to show off the local produce. Find out more here.
The 82nd Award winning Oldcastle Agricultural Show is on Sunday the 16th of July 2023 in Gilson Park. On the day there will be competitions in Farm Animals such as Sheep, Cattle, Poultry, Horses and Dogs. They also welcome entries into the Hall Industry Classes, which cater for Arts, Crafts and Baking goods.
Loughcrew Estate Fairy Festival
Experience a magical weekend at Loughcrew Gardens, on the 22nd and 23rd of July from 12:00pm - 6pm, inspired by Fairies, Enchantment and Ancient Legends. The festival includes fairy disco, vintage fair games, food and craft stalls and more. Find out more on our website here.
The 10th annual Boyne Music Festival takes place at Townley Hall and other venues around the Boyne Valley from the 26th to the 30th of July. There is a full day of family programming on 29th of July as well as tours and culinary offerings to cater to all your senses. Find out more here.
PGA Challenge Tour
Headfort Golf Club in Kells play host to the prestigious PGA Challenge tour from the 27th to the 30th of July. The Championship Course, designed by Ryder Cup hero Christy O’Connor Jr, takes full advantage of Ireland’s natural beauty and is renowned for its majestic native trees and natural undulations. The Christy O’Connor Jr Memorial Trophy will be awarded to the highest placed Irish player at the end of the week. Spectators tickets are now available to book. Find out more here.
"Adrift" by Els Dietvorst at Highlanes Gallery
Opening on July 1st and running until August 19th, "Adrift" by visual artist Els Dietvorst will be on exhibition at Highlanes Gallery. The work comprises drawings, prints, sculptures, installations, films and documentaries, performative actions, and one-act plays. The motivating factor behind this activity is the desire to connect, develop relationships, and collaborate with others. Also Highlanes Gallery will be opening on Sundays for the summer (until August 27th) from 10.30am to 3.30pm.
One thing is for sure, you will not be stuck for something to do this July in the Boyne Valley. We can’t wait to welcome you!
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