Where prehistoric wonders, royal legends and remarkable history are waiting around every corner.
If you like your history ancient, your castles impressive and your Irish legends just a little bit mysterious, County Meath is going to be right up your street.
Known as the Royal County, Meath was linked with the High Kings of Ireland, and its landscape is packed with extraordinary places: monuments older than the pyramids, mighty Norman castles, ruined abbeys and hills that have inspired folklore for thousands of years.
It isn't all ancient stones, either. There are pretty villages, riverside walks, a sandy coast and plenty of places to stop for a bite, and it's close enough to Dublin for a day trip or a lazy weekend.
Newgrange and Knowth can only be visited on guided tours from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre near Donore, and tickets need to be booked in advance through Heritage Ireland. Don't drive to the monument itself, as there's no public access there.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in Europe. Newgrange was built around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramid of Giza.
It's famous for its winter solstice alignment, when the rising sun lights up the inner chamber. Nearby Knowth holds the largest collection of passage-tomb art in Western Europe.
Why visit? Archaeology, Irish heritage and a genuinely once-in-a-lifetime visit.
The ceremonial heart of ancient Ireland, linked in tradition with the High Kings. Today you walk among earthworks, burial mounds and the Lia Fáil, with huge views across the Meath countryside.
Why visit? Ancient Ireland, mythology and a leisurely walk.
The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, begun by Hugh de Lacy in the 12th century and still dominating the town beside the Boyne. Film fans might recognise it from Braveheart.
Why visit? Medieval history, photography and families.
At Oldbridge House, on the site of the 1690 battle between King William III and King James II, one of the most consequential days in Irish and British history. The estate has gardens and walks too.
Why visit? History and educational visits.
Slane Castle is world-famous for its open-air concerts, and Slane village has a handsome 18th-century streetscape. Castle and distillery visits run depending on current schedules.
Why visit? Music heritage, architecture and countryside scenery.
Tradition says St Patrick lit a Paschal fire here in defiance of the High King at Tara. Today there are church and friary ruins, and wide views across the Boyne Valley.
Why visit? Early Christian history and views.
Passage tombs in the hills near Oldcastle, with sweeping views. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, sunlight lights up the carvings inside Cairn T.
Why visit? Archaeology, landscapes and ancient mysteries.
The remains of a medieval Cistercian abbey with atmospheric cloisters and towers. Part of Braveheart was filmed here too.
Why visit? Medieval architecture and photography.
The monastery here is closely linked to the Book of Kells, which is now displayed in Dublin. Look out for the high crosses, the round tower and St Columba's House.
Why visit? Early Christian history and heritage trails.
Near Ashbourne, mixing rides, a zoo and family attractions. A big day out for children and thrill-seekers.
Why visit? Families and thrill-seekers.
The Boyne flows through some of Ireland's most historic landscapes. The riverside around Trim is a lovely place to start.
Why visit? Gentle walks with history at every turn.
Yes, Meath has a coastline! Long sandy beaches for seaside strolls and fresh air, and a very different side of the Royal County.
Why visit? Beach walks and family outings.
Quieter places, some of which need access arranged in advance.
An 18th-century 'inland lighthouse' on the Hill of Lloyd outside Kells, with a fascinating history.
A small passage tomb with distinctive carvings. Access has to be arranged in advance, so check before you go.
Atmospheric castle ruins above the Boyne. Check safe and lawful access first.
A historic estate where access depends on tours and events.
A peaceful boardwalk-style walk through bogland near Kells.
An attractive village with strong rural heritage.
An enjoyable stretch of historic canal-side walking along the Boyne.
An ecology centre with gardens and environmental activities, depending on its programme and opening hours.
Our Hidden Ireland collection is where we keep the places most visitors drive straight past.
History and legend, clearly labelled.
Tara is woven into Irish tradition as the seat of the High Kings. The Lia Fáil, the Stone of Destiny, was said to roar when the rightful king touched it.
Archaeology tells a more complicated story: Tara was a ceremonial landscape used for thousands of years, rather than a royal palace in the way we'd picture one.
One legend says the Cailleach, a powerful hag-goddess, created the Loughcrew cairns by dropping stones from her apron as she leapt from hill to hill.
It's a lovely example of folklore explaining monuments long after their original purpose was forgotten.
The story goes that St Patrick lit an Easter fire on the Hill of Slane, in full view of Tara, where no fire was allowed to burn before the High King's. It became one of the founding stories of Christian Ireland.
For a few mornings around 21 December, sunlight creeps through the 'roof-box' above the entrance and along the passage to the inner chamber. It was built to do that more than 5,000 years ago.
Places inside the chamber for the solstice are allocated by an annual free lottery run by the OPW.
Our Friday Night Frights series explores ghost stories, myths and folklore from all over Ireland.
Realistic days, each focused on one part of the county.
Places with a strong local reputation. We haven't eaten at these ourselves yet, so treat this as a starting point rather than our personal picks, and check opening hours before you set off.
We've kept this list short on purpose and only included places we could confirm. Please check opening hours before you travel.
Prefer a guide, a ready-made tour or someone else to do the driving? These are good places to start:
Disclosure: GetYourGuide, Klook and TourRadar links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Tours on TourRadar are our picks, not trips we've taken ourselves. Availability and prices change, so always check the provider's page before booking.
Opening times, tours and access arrangements change, so please check official websites before you travel. Useful links: Discover Boyne Valley, Meath County Council, Heritage Ireland and Emerald Park.
Make a bigger trip of it with Meath's neighbours:
Slán go fóill, and safe travels! — Nicola & Podge