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Local Tourist Attractions
Butterstream Gardens
Located at Kildalkey Road, Trim, and described by House and
Garden as the most imaginative garden in Ireland, Butterstream is a modern creation made single-handedly by its owner starting in the early 1970's.
The garden comprises a series of carefully integrated compartments
which temper drama with understatement. Hedges of beech, thorn and yew frame different areas focused on an architectural feature, an urn or a seat. Skillfully orchestrated plant themes or colour schemes enable a theatrical build up with cool refreshing respites and unexpected surprises. The place offers a plantsmans collection with herbaceous borders, in strictly controlled colour tones - considered to be among the best in Ireland.
King John's Castle
Located in Trim, the "Power and the Glory" exhibition brings to
reality the lifestyle of Norman times. King John's Castle, built in 1220, is the largest and best preserved Norman Castle in Ireland and was used as a location for the award winning film Braveheart.
Kells High Crosses
The Kells High Crosses are decorated with biblical scenes and are
regarded as the country's most important crosses. The Market Cross is located at the junction of John Street and Castle Street. Its original location was probably at the entrance to the ancient monastery.
The other four crosses are situated in the grounds of Saint
Columba's Church. The ninth century South Cross is the oldest, the twelfth century East Cross is also referred to as 'the unfinished' because its decoration is incomplete. The North Cross has been reduced to its base and the 10th century West Cross is the most decorated of the five.
The National Ecology Centre Sonairte
Located at The Ninch, Laytown, Sonairte is Irelands premier
environmental visitor centre. The centre contains an organic garden, riverside nature trail, renewable energy interactive park, wind, rain and solar exhibits. It is also Ireland's only ecology centre providing education towards a environmentally friendly lifestyle.
The Hill of Slane
The Hill of Slane is one of the most historic sites in Meath, and is
associated with Saint Patrick. It is believed that he lit the first Paschal Fire here in the year A.D. 433.
The first monastery there was founded by Saint. Erc, the first
bishop of Slane. Various parts of this building were erected at different times and the oldest parts probably at some time in the fifth century. Saint Patrick is supposed to have consecrated the little church and for a while he lived there. There are great views from the top of the hill of the river Boyne winding its course to the sea and all around the rich green pastures of Meath, Louth and the Boyne Valley. Directly south is the Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
The Loughcrew Cairns
Located at Dunore, The Loughcrew Cairns (Slieve na Calliagh) are a
group of Passage Tombs dating from the Neolithic period (c.3,000BC). Cairn T, one of the largest in the complex, has impressive examples of prehistoric art, and is also the site of the famous "Hag's Chair".
There is a panoramic view of the rich lands of Meath and the
lakelands of Cavan among the 14 counties that can be seen from Carnbane East. Loughcrew is the birthplace of Saint Oliver Plunkett and the Plunkett family church is still standing.
Newgrange Open Farm
Located close to Clane, a traditional working farm where you can
enjoy a unique hands on experience. Visitors can hold and feed farm animals, view demonstration displays of crops, vintage farm machinery, tractor and trailer rides. There's also a Coffee shop, picnic area
and car park.
Heritage Sites
The Hill of Tara - Trim
Embraced as the spiritual capital of Ireland, the roots of Irish legend
and folklore are entrenched in mystical domain of Tara. It was on the Hill of Tara that the Ard Rí, or high king was crowned, hence its title as the Seat of the High Kings of Ireland. The Tuatha de Dannan are said to have been the first race to settle in Tara. This tribe of fierce warriors and sorcerers were believed to have brought the Lia Fail, or Destiny Stone with them. Legend has it that this mythical stone could determine the identity of the true high king. It would let out three loud roars once touched by the man fated to be ruler.
Bru Na Boinne Centre (Newgrange)
Located a t Donore, this centre is designed to present the
archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Visitors to Newgrange and Knowth must begin their visits at the Visitor Centre.
There is no direct access to either of these monuments and access
is by guided tour only.
Loughcrew Corstown, Oldcastle
The Loughcrew Cairns, also known as the Hills of the Witch, are a
group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000BC. The tombs are located on three different hills and Cairn T, one of the largest tombs in the complex, is situated on Carnbane East. This tomb has inside a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland. During the Vernal and Autumnal Equinox, people gather at dawn in Cairn T to watch sunlight enter the chamber and illuminate the inside of the tomb.
Trim Castle
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Hugh de
Lacy began construction of the castle in about 1172 but the central tower - the keep - was not completed until the 1220's. This twenty sided tower is three storeys high and was protected by a ditch, a curtain wall and a moat. Inside the tower were living quarters, a great hall and a small chapel. The curtain wall was defended by five D-shaped towers and entry to the castle was only through either of the two gates. The Towngate had a portcullis to protect it as well as a 'murder hole'. |
