County Meath Travel Guide

Plan your trip to County Meath with our travel guide, featuring the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and more.


County Meath, located in the East Coast and Midlands region of Ireland, is a haven of culture and natural beauty waiting to be explored. From ancient historical sites to exhilarating outdoor adventures, there is something for every type of traveler in County Meath. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you through all the top attractions, activities, and local customs of County Meath to help you plan an unforgettable trip.

Introduction to County Meath

County Meath, also known as the Royal County, is a historic region north of Dublin. It is situated in the Boyne Valley and is known for its beautiful landscapes, vibrant culture, and rich history. The area is home to numerous ancient historical sites, including Newgrange, which is older than the Pyramids of Egypt. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures or a cultural retreat, County Meath has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in County Meath

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Newgrange
  • Hill of Tara
  • Trim Castle
  • Bru na Boinne Visitor Center
  • Bective Abbey
  • Monasterboice
  • Kells High Crosses

Natural Attractions of County Meath: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Loughcrew Cairns
  • Slieve na Calliagh
  • Boyne Valley Drive
  • Royal Canal Greenway
  • River Boyne
  • St. Patrick’s Hill

Hiking/Biking Routes of County Meath

  • Royal Canal Way
  • Meath Heritage Cycle Trail
  • Boyne Valley Ramble
  • Oldcastle Loop
  • Kells Walking Tour
  • Tara Hill Trail

Best Things to Do in County Meath: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride over Trim Castle
  • Horseback Riding in Boyne Valley
  • Kayaking and Canoeing on River Boyne
  • Golfing at Killeen Castle Golf Course
  • Visiting Local Farmers’ Markets
  • Traditional Irish Music Sessions

Week-Long Itinerary for County Meath

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit Newgrange and Knowth
Day 2 Horseback Riding in Boyne Valley
Day 3 Hike Loughcrew Cairns
Day 4 Explore Trim Castle and Bru na Boinne Visitor Center
Day 5 Kayaking and Canoeing on River Boyne
Day 6 Golfing at Killeen Castle Golf Course
Day 7 Visit Kells High Crosses and Tara Hill Trail

Food and Drink Scene of County Meath

Must-Try Dishes

  • Coddle with Irish Sausages
  • Dublin Bay Prawns
  • Smoked Salmon
  • Boxty
  • Irish Stew
  • Soda Bread

Local Beverages

  • Guinness
  • Jameson Whiskey
  • Irish Red Ale
  • Traditional Irish Coffee

Where to Stay in County Meath: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Bellinter House
  • Knightsbrook Hotel
  • The Central
  • Tankardstown
  • Headfort Arms Hotel
  • The Conyngham Arms

What to Buy in County Meath: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handmade crafts from local artisans
  • Traditional Irish Aran Knits
  • Irish whiskey
  • Handmade pottery
  • Cattlehorn walking sticks

Local Culture and Customs of County Meath

County Meath is a place steeped in tradition and culture. Some local customs and practices include:

  • The significance of St. Patrick
  • Folklore and mythology
  • Traditional music and dance
  • The Gaelic language
  • The importance of family and community

Best Time to Visit County Meath

The best time to visit County Meath is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is mild and the days are longer. However, County Meath has mild weather year-round, and visitors can enjoy the attractions and activities of the area at any time of year.

Do’s and Don’ts of County Meath

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Respect ancient historical sites
  • Visit local markets and shops
  • Take part in traditional Irish music sessions
  • Be respectful of local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Mistreat animals
  • Vandalize historical sites or monuments
  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Be disrespectful to locals or other travelers

Safety and Health

Safety in County Meath

County Meath is a safe destination, with low crime rates. Visitors should exercise the same caution as they would in any unfamiliar destination.

Health in County Meath

County Meath has excellent healthcare facilities, and visitors can expect high-quality medical care if needed. Due to the current global pandemic, it is advisable to follow government guidelines and take necessary precautions.

Getting to County Meath: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near County Meath

  • Dublin Airport
  • Belfast International Airport

Bus Stations Near County Meath

  • Busaras in Dublin
  • Drogheda Bus Station

Other Options

  • Car Rental
  • Private Car Service
  • Train from Dublin

How to Get Around in County Meath

  • Car Rental
  • Taxi Services
  • Local Bus Services
  • Cycling

Where to Go Next from County Meath: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Dublin
  • Belfast
  • County Wicklow
  • Louth
  • County Cavan

Conclusion

County Meath is a destination that offers an incredible mix of outdoor adventure, cultural experiences, and history. With stunning natural landscapes, ancient historical sites, modern amenities, and friendly locals, it’s no wonder that County Meath is one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast and Midlands of Ireland. We hope our travel guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan a fantastic trip to County Meath.