This Spring, Discover Boyne Valley have launched the #myboynevalley series. Three amazing videos showcasing the great places to visit, eat and stay in the Boyne Valley in Meath and Louth. The third video in the series is the historic town of Drogheda, and you can watch the full video here:
Drogheda is the perfect destination to start your trip of the Boyne Valley. Dusty Flanagan tells us about The Boyne Valley Camino and his favourite places to visit around this vibrant town. Here is a full list of the great things to do, places to visit, stay and eat in Drogheda.
Battle of the Boyne Site and Oldbridge House
The perfect destination for a day out just outside Drogheda. The Battle of the Boyne site visitor centre includes Oldbridge House and Walled Gardens. The centre contains original weapons and a laser model of the battlefield. It is a treasure trove for anyone who wants to find out more about this pivotal episode in Irish and European history, with staff on-hand to answer any questions. After a visit to the house, spend the afternoon among the beautifully restored walled gardens and finish up with a coffee and cake at Brambles Café.
Beaulieu House and Gardens
Situated on the north bank of the river Boyne between Drogheda and the Irish Sea, Beaulieu House is one of the first unfortified houses built in Ireland. The House and gardens are open by appointment only for groups.
Brú na Boinne
An unmissable heritage site when you visit Ireland is Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The new state of the art, immersive visitor experience focuses on the monuments of the World Heritage Site during the Neolithic period. It transports visitors back 5000 years to the pinnacle of passage tomb building tradition. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and entry is through the visitor centre only.
Collon House
Collon House, steeped in history, is full of character and charm; its gracious rooms are exquisitely furnished with period antiques and paintings, retaining the atmosphere of early Georgian living, making this a rare opportunity to experience. Group tours are welcome (minimum 6 guests) by appointment only. A tour of the house is followed by tea/coffee and homemade cake.
Drogheda Museum at Millmount
Millmount Cultural Quarter is a must visit on your next trip to Drogheda. The site offers a wide ranging experience including the museum, martello tower and an array of craft shops, artists' studios and more.
St Lawrence's Gate
St. Laurence's Gate is widely regarded as one of the finest of its kind in Europe. It consists of two lofty circular towers, connected by a wall, in which there is an archway. Visitors can appreciate the spectacular dimensions of the mediaeval walls south of the gate at Featherbed Lane. The gates and walls not only protected the town but also controlled access to the markets; traders had to pass through the gates and pay taxes on their produce.
St Peters Church
Famous for housing the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett, St Peters Church and is among the finest Gothic Revival Churches in Ireland. The lavish interior includes a special chapel which houses the preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett (1625 – 81), the last Catholic martyr to die in England.
Townley Hall
Just outside of Drogheda, 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.
Boyne Boats
Join Ross for this amazing experience on the Boyne combining historical facts, myths and legends and Game of Thrones trivia to make an unforgettable, family-friendly boating day out.
Boyne Greenway
Running from Dominic's Park on the south bank of the River Boyne near the Bridge of Peace in Drogheda, the Boyne Greenway takes you along the river close to the Mary McAleese Cable Bridge and then along the Boyne Canal to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge House. This is approximately 4.5km long and presents some lovely views as you walk along the waterside.
Boyne Valley Camino
One for the bucket list, The Boyne Valley Camino is a self-guided, 25km looped walk from Drogheda, which forms part of the Celtic Camino series. It was created by the Boyne Valley Walking and Drogheda Walks teams.
County Louth Golf Club
Situated just North of Drogheda, this championship course features natural unspoilt links with towering sandhills, testing rough and a variety of great holes that demands accurate hitting and strategic thinking.
DRAWDA
A fantastic Urban Art Trail throughout Drogheda that focuses on key figures and moments from our mythological past. Discover six murals that focus on key figures and moments from mythology, with an Audio Trail!
Drogheda historic trail
Steeped in history, Drogheda is a town with a story around every corner. Take an hour or so to explore the historic trail and visit 8 historical sites around the town. You can download the brochure here.
Droichead Arts Centre
Between Stockwell Street and Barlow House, Droichead Arts centre is always a hive of activity. This is a multi-disciplinary centre in the heart of Drogheda Town, providing an extensive curated arts and cultural programme of theatre, music, film, visual arts, opera, dance, comedy, literature, family/children, outreach.
Funtasia Waterpark
The best family day out you will have all year! Funtasia waterpark features a waterpark, interactive kids zone, crazy golf, bowing and so much more!
Highlanes Gallery
Highlanes Gallery is a public art gallery and visual arts exhibition centre in the heart of Drogheda. The gallery opened its doors on October 4, 2006 and was the culmination of many years planning to deliver a dedicated visual arts space for the Irish north east region, of an International standard in terms of design, management and environmental control. This is a must visit on your trip to the town.
Laytown and Bettystown Golf Club
A traditional links with undulating fairways, riveted bunkers and fast greens, Laytown and Bettystown Golf Course is situated on the south bank of the River Boyne in the seaside village of Bettystown, with views of the Cooley and Mourne mountains.
The Barbican Centre
The Barbican Centre (St. Peter’s Parish) is located on William Street in the heart of Drogheda adjacent to the Laurence Town Shopping Centre. The Barbican Centre is a multi-functional building equipped for Entertainment, Education and Enterprise. Keep an eye on their website for events.
79 West Street
4 venues both indoor and outdoor in the same building all with their own unique style to cater for all needs. 79 West Street is the place to be for the best in food, drinks and atmosphere in Drogheda.
Brambles at Brú na Boinne
Come and enjoy the great taste of artisan hand produced food, and award-winning coffee from their trained baristas, in the great atmosphere of Brambles café at Brú na Bóinne visitor centre. The café is open 7 days a week so you can enjoy on your visit to Newgrange, Knowth or Dowth.
Brambles at Oldbridge House
You can also enjoy Brambles café at Oldbridge House. After a visit to the house or a stroll around the gardens, this is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch or a lite bite.
Clarkes Bar Drogheda
Serving the people of Drogheda since 1900, Clarkes bar is well worth a visit. The pint of Guinness is the main tipple and its said that no better pint can be had for miles around.
Il Forno
Il Forno is a charming restaurant in Drogheda that exudes a continental vibe. Open 7 days, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Specialising in wood-fired pizza, along with pasta dishes, world wines, cocktails and beers. Dine-out food and coffee service available. Always an elegant dining experience.
Monasterboice Inn
Situated just outside of Drogheda, The Monasterboice Inn is highly regarded by many as the place to go for a relaxing and delicious meal, a great venue for events and family occasions and a place where the customer is always made to feel welcome and well looked after.
Odd Mollies
Situated beside Clarkes Bar, Odd Mollies is the place to go for live music, craft beers and fine wines. Keep an eye on their social media pages for upcoming acts.
Scholars Restaurant
Scholars Townhouse Hotel is renowned for its award-winning food, with the majority of their ingredients sourced within the Boyne Valley region. Their food has been awarded two AA rosettes for culinary excellence, making it one of the most well-known food destinations in Drogheda. They also stock a selection of fine wines, craft beers, spirits, liquors and barista-style coffees; and offer signature cocktails as well.
The Punt Pub
Another great bar to discover in Drogheda is the Punt Pub! Open 7 days a week with music on some nights!
Scholars Townhouse Hotel
Steeped in over 150 years of history, Scholars Townhouse Hotel is a destination that is truly at the heart of the Drogheda community. Originally a Christian Brothers monastery, the family-run hotel is now renowned for its award-winning food, friendly atmosphere, and beautiful setting. Its restaurant, bar and gastro lounge, 16 boutique bedrooms, and private function rooms, serve as the ideal destination for a variety of occasions. Whether it be a wedding, holiday, or social visit, their warm and welcoming staff will ensure your experience is a memorable one.
There is so much to this vibrant town in Ireland’s Ancient East and we can’t wait to welcome you in 2023.
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