The Boyne Valley - home to some of the finest golf courses in all of Ireland. From the challenging parklands at Headfort, Royal Tara and Co. Meath Golf Club to the historic old links at County Louth Golf Club (Baltray) or at Laytown & Bettystown, golfers of all ages and standards will find a course to suit their game.
The hosting of the 2011 Solheim Cup at the magnificent Jack Nicklaus-designed championship course at Killeen Castle and the PING Junior Solheim Cup at Knightsbrook only enhances the Boyne Valley’s reputation as a great place to play golf and explore some of the regions’s wonderful heritage.
This itinerary has been designed with the idea of playing any number of the nine Boyne Valley golf courses listed below. They have been grouped into areas and information on nearby things to see and do are included. The courses can be played in any order; here we have arranged them in a clockwise route around the Boyne Valley Drive. You can start at any area and take as many days as you wish!
Suggest: 5-day itinerary
Accommodation: The Boyne Valley offers a great range of first-rate accommodation for visitors to choose from, ranging from luxury hotels to cosy B&Bs and guesthouses, as well as self-catering and camping/glamping options. Accommodation providers have the health and wellbeing of their guests to the forefront at all times, working to new guidelines issued Fáilte Ireland. For a full listing of accommodation in the Boyne Valley click here.
Day 1: Kells
Discover the rich heritage of Kells, one of the most important towns in Early Medieval Ireland. From its monastery (which produced the famed Book of Kells), to modern festivals and food events, Kells has something for everyone. Stop by the Kells Courthouse Tourism and Cultural Hub for more information.
Headfort Golf Club is a 36-hole parkland facility, set on the historic grounds of Headfort demesne. Headfort Old, opened in 1928, is one of the best examples of a traditional parkland course with superb trees gracing its fairways and greens. Headfort Championship Course is a splendid course set among ancient woodland with native and Asiatic specimens, it was designed by Ryder Cup hero, the late Christy O’Connor Jnr. After trying your mettle on both courses stroll back into town for a delicious dinner at the Bective Restaurant or Vanilla Pod Restaurant.
Plan your visit to Kells and surrounding areas here.
Day 2: Boyne Valley links
The Boyne Valley coast boasts some amazing links courses, just north and south of the port town of Drogheda. The town itself is full of heritage and character and many walking routes and heritage trails help you navigate the town, which also acts as the gateway to the Boyne Valley, including the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site at Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange and Knowth). Find out more at the Drogheda Tourist Information Office, in the historic Tholsel on West Street.
County Louth Golf Club, also affectionately known as ‘Baltray’, it is situated 7km north from Drogheda at the mouth of the River Boyne. The course is laid out in two nine-hole loops covering 190 acres and consistently ranks among the top 10 courses in Ireland.
Laytown & Bettystown Golf Club is a traditional links with undulating fairways, riveted bunkers and fast greens, situated south of the mouth of the Boyne at Drogheda. First played in the 1880s, the club was formed in in 1909 and has produced some of Ireland’s best golfers, notably Ryder Cup participants - Des Smyth and Philip Walton.
After your day on the links make sure to return to Drogheda for a delicious meal in Scholars Townhouse Hotel.
Plan your visit to Drogheda and surrounding areas here.
Day 3: Explore East Meath
The following day get ready to explore east Meath. A hidden gem in this area is the 5,000 year old passage tomb of Four Knocks; borrow the key from a nearby farmhouse and let yourself in, bring you back into Ireland’s stone-age. Your next golf course is Julianstown Golf Club, a 9-hole parkland course located along the R132. The course offers a real challenge to the most experienced golfers, boasting five par 4’s and four par 3’s with a lake and many difficult bunkers. There is also an 18-hole pitch and putt course. Club hire, teas and coffees available.
Following on, your next stop is Bellewstown Golf Club, a challenging but fair golf course suitable for all levels of golfing ability. The course boasts USGA greens, mature trees and many exciting water features and breath-taking views up to the Mourne mountains and over the Boyne Valley, including the adjacent Bellewstown Racecourse. Relax in the warm and friendly clubhouse for light refreshments.
In between rounds call by The Lime Kiln Gastropub in Julianstown for a fantastic and locally-sourced cuisine, and later make sure to returning for a well-deserved dinner at the Glenside Hotel or CityNorth Hotel & Conference Centre.
Plan your visit to East Meath here.
Day 4: A royal welcome in South East Meath
The south east of the Boyne Valley offers a rich variety of things to see and do. For thrills and family fun Tayto Park near Ashbourne is a must while Killeen Castle Golf Club is a truly memorable experience. Previously the seat of the Earls of Fingall, Kileen Castle hosted the prestigious Solheim Cup in 2011, well as the Ladies Irish Open 2011-2013. One of only two Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses in Ireland, it offers a championship golf experience, but suitable to golfers of all abilities. It is a magnificent test of golf, showcasing modern golfing excellence in terms of design and presentation. Once you’ve built up an appetite Peter’s Pub in nearby Dunshaughlin serves food all day.
Not far away, Royal Tara Golf Club is an enjoyable and conveniently located (just off M3 Motorway) golf retreat. One of the finest inland complexes with 27 championship holes set in mature parkland complete with new practice and driving range facilities.
The golf course is nestled at the base of the Hill of Tara, a place steeped in myth and legend as well as a royal inauguration site of the High Kings of Ireland. The hill may be visited for free throughout the year, don’t forget to stop by Maguires Coffee Shop for a hot drink and one of their famous home-baked scones.
Having spent the day on the fairways reward yourself with a delicious dinner at the nearby Dunboyne Castle Hotel. The vibrant town of Navan is also nearby, tourist information may be found at Solstice Arts Centre.
Try The Central restaurant, Balreask Bar and Restaurant, the Newgrange Hotel or the Ardboyne Hotel for dinner.
Plan your visit to Navan and the south of the Boyne Valley here.
Day 5: History meets luxury in Trim
Trim was one of the most important towns in Medieval Ireland. Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland and Trim Visitor Centre, located in the historic town hall, offers tourist information, brochures and gifts.
Situated on the eastern side of Trim, Knightsbrook Golf Resort offers superb accommodation and an 18-hole championship golf course designed by former Ryder Cup Legend, the late Christy O’Connor Jnr. Challenging and creative, the course enjoys a stunning location with views over undulated fairways, testing greens and demanding water features. Enjoy the clubhouse with Gulliver’s lounge and restaurant.
Afterwards pop next door to the main Knightsbrook Hotel and Spa for lunch or try Trim Castle Hotel or Harvest Home Bakery & Café in the town.
For your afternoon head out of Trim towards County Meath Golf Club. Established in 1898, this parkland course showcases tree-lined undulating fairways, strategic bunkering and subtle, well-maintained greens that ensure an interesting test of golf for the discerning golfer. Modern clubhouse with full bar and catering facilities.
For dinner you will be spoiled for choice in Trim. Franzinis, The Stockhouse Restaurant, Khan Spices Indian Restaurant and Brogan’s of Trim all offer a first rate dining experience in close proximity to the town centre, as well as the hotel restaurants in the Castle Arch Hotel or Trim Castle Hotel. Relax for the night in one of Trim’s many hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses or self-catering options.
Plan your visit to Trim and surrounding areas here.
For more holiday inspiration, view all of our “Rediscover Boyne Valley” itineraries here.
Note: Opening hours and booking requirements should be confirmed with individual attractions and restaurants in advance of visiting.