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Home , Abbey of Kells, Athlumney Castle, Dangan Castle, Dowth, High cross, Hill of Ward

Royal Site To (120km from ) Monastery

Megalithic Tomb

Church Ardee Battle Site Dunleer Castle Tower

Period House

Slane DROGHEDA KELLS Brú na Bóinne

NAVAN

TRIM

Belfast To (50km from Drogheda)

The Boyne Area

Dublin

1 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST Every care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the completion of this brochure. Fáilte cannot however, accept responsibility for errors or omissions but where such are brought to our attention, future publications will be amended accordingly. It is recommended that you pre-check the details of events/attractions listed before travelling.

© Copyright Fáilte Ireland PRINTED IN IRELAND So memorable in ancient history, and so rich in monuments of the past is it … that the might be written in tracing its banks.

William Wilde, The Beauties of the Boyne (1849)

The Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley is located in the north by the detail of the Celtic at Kells. of continuous human settlement along The , which derives its name east of Ireland and flows through counties You can stand in awe at the gates of Trim the banks of the Boyne – stretching back from the legendary Celtic goddess Bóann Louth and Meath. The Valley is at once Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in over five millennia. So why did prehistoric (see Myths & Legends, p. 38), has long Ireland’s ancient capital and it’s most Europe, or pay your respects at the shrine people settle and thrive along the banks of been recognised as one of Ireland’s most sacred and mythical landscape. In 1849 of St. Oliver Plunkett. this river? The answer lies in the landscape important waterways. William Wilde, father of Oscar, wrote of and climate of the region. the Boyne that the history of Ireland may Boyne: River & Valley In the 2nd century AD the Greek be traced through its monuments. This The River Boyne is the principal waterway The richness of the soil in the lands geographer, Claudius Ptolemy recorded remains true today. Moreover, its sites in , the most easterly of the Irish bordering and drained by the Boyne the outline of the island of Ireland in the and monuments are amongst the best provinces. The river rises at Trinity Well, was ideal for farmers (who form of a set of coordinates showing examples of their kind in Europe and are near Cadbury, Co. Kildare and meanders began to arrive in Ireland around 4,000 different geographical features such as all within a short distance of each other. In slowly north-eastwards through the gentle BC). Moreover, the east coast of Ireland, headlands and rivers. He included on this one day you can visit the great prehistoric and fertile plains of Co. Meath before between Dublin and Drogheda, is the map, in his own language, the names tombs at Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange) entering the Irish Sea at Drogheda, Co. driest part of the country and ideally of several Irish tribes, cities and rivers, and the site of the infamous Battle of the Louth. The valley through which it flows suited to growing crops. The river was including ‘Bouvinda’ - the Boyne. Boyne. You can look out from the Hill of is a landscape of large farms, celebrated valuable as a source of food and, long Tara, sharing the view with the ancient for their fine pastures, picturesque villages before roads, its waters were vital for travel High Kings of Ireland, or be mesmerised and thriving towns. There is a long history and trade.

3 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST BOYNE V ALLEY Archaeological & Historical Timeline

Mesolithic Period Neolithic Period Bronze Age Iron Age Early Christian Period 7000 – 4000 BC 4000 – 2200 BC 2200 – 600 BC 600 BC – 400 AD 400 – 790 AD

Our journey begins c. 7000 BC c. 4000 BC Early activity at Tara 227 - 266 AD 433 AD First Mesolithic First wave of Neolithic Legendary King of Ireland St. Patrick returns to 9,000 years ago after hunter gatherers farmers arrive in Ireland Cormac Mac Airt reigns Ireland & lights Paschal the great ice sheets that arrive in Ireland from Tara fire at Hill of covered Ireland during c. 3200 BC the last Ice Age had Newgrange, 521 AD retreated. The island & St. Buite, founder of , dies was wild, uninhabited c. 3000 BC and heavily wooded. The first people – Stone Age hunters – were drawn to Irish shores in search of food.

Viking Age Medieval Period Post-Medieval Period Industrial Age Modern Age 790 – 1169 AD 1169 – 1550 AD 1550 – 1800 AD 1800 – 1900 AD 1900 – present

804 AD 1169 AD 1641 AD 1808 AD 1953 AD Kells monastery founded by Anglo-Normans arrive in Rebellion Millmount Mortello Tower is Pierce Brosnan, former James monks from St. ’s Ireland constructed Bond, & honorary OBE, is foundation, 1649 AD born in 1172 AD Cromwell’s Siege of Drogheda 1843 AD 980 AD Henry II grants Meath to One million people attend 1986 AD Battle of Tara 1681 AD Hugh de Lacy Daniel O’Connell’s ‘monster Freddy Mercury & Queen St. Oliver Plunkett martyred meeting’ at Tara play 1007 AD 1173 AD stolen 1690 AD built by Hugh 1847 AD 1993 AD de Lacy Worst year of the Great 1022 AD Newgrange, Knowth & 1699 AD Famine, known as ‘Black ‘47’ Dowth become UNESCO Tara abandoned as 1194 AD Newgrange is ‘discovered’ World Heritage sites seat of the High Kings Drogheda-in-Meath of Ireland 1855 AD granted charter and 1785 AD Boyne Viaduct railway bridge ‘officially’ founded Slane Castle is reconstructed completed 1142 AD May 2008 is Visitor Centre at the 1494 AD 1798 AD founded by St. Malachy 1887 AD Battle of the Boyne Poyning’s Law passed in Rising of Francis Ledwidge, poet, born site officially opened Drogheda outside Slane, Co. Meath by Taoiseach Bertie 1152 AD Ahern and First 1512 AD Minister of Northern Slane Abbey is Ireland, Dr. Ian Paisley constructed

5 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange)

Brú na Bóinne is one of the largest and most important prehistoric megalithic sites in Europe

Brú na Bóinne is the name given to an extensive and hugely important archaeological landscape situated on the north bank of the river Boyne, 8 kilometres west of Drogheda. The site is dominated by three large passage tombs - Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth – which were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993.

Passage tombs consist of a burial chamber At dawn on the morning of the winter reached by a long straight passage lined solstice, and for a number of days with stones, and set within a large mound before and after, the main chamber at known as a . They are usually sited Newgrange is illuminated by a beam of on hilltops and grouped in cemeteries. sunlight for 17 minutes. This alignment is Although primarily burial sites, they also too precise to have occurred by chance. It served as status symbols, focal points for is thought that Newgrange is the oldest the community, places to honour dead surviving deliberately aligned structure in ancestors and as territorial markers. the world. Did you know … Constructed around Admission: It is estimated that there are 700 Although Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth 3200 BC, Newgrange is 500 years older Visitor Centre Only (1 Hour) decorated stones at Brú na Bóinne making were constructed around 3000 BC activity than the pyramids of Egypt and 1,000 Adult: €3.00 Senior/Group: €2.00 Student/Child: €2.00: Family: €8.00 it Europe’s largest and most important at the sites continued for many millennia. years older than in England. concentration of prehistoric megalithic Knowth for example, served as a burial Visitor Centre & Newgrange (2 Hours) Adult: €6.00 Senior/Group: €5.00 art. The most famous of these stones is the site in the Iron Age, as the royal seat of Contact Details: Student/Child: €3.00 Family: €15.00 one marking the entrance to Newgrange the King of Northern Brega in the Early Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, Co. Meath where the triple spiral, unique to this site, Christian period, and as an Anglo-Norman T: +353 (0) 41 988 0300 Visitor Centre & Knowth (2 Hours) can be seen. Motte in the Early Medieval Period. F: +353 (0) 41 982 3071 Adult: €5.00 Senior/Group: €3.00 E: [email protected] Student/Child: €3.00 Family: €13.00 W: www.heritageireland.ie Constructed during the New Stone Age There is no direct access to Newgrange Visitor Centre, Newgrange & Knowth (3 Hours) Adult: €11.00 Senior/Group: €8.00 (or Neolithic Period, from Greek “neo” and Knowth; all admission is through Opening Hours: Student/Child: €6.00 Family: €28.00 meaning new and “lithos” meaning stone) the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre which is February – April (daily): 09:30 – 17:30 May (daily): 09:00 – 18:30 the tombs at Brú na Bóinne are around located near the village of Donore. The Notes: 5,000 years old. Although the people excellent exhibitions at the Visitor Centre June – mid-September (daily): 09:00 – 19:00 Newgrange is open all year round (excl. 24-27 mid – end September (daily): 09:00 – 18:30 who built these tombs were primarily include a full scale replica of the chamber December). Knowth is open from Easter to 31 October (daily): 09:30 – 17:30 October. Last admission to the visitor centre is 45 farmers they also possessed expertise at Newgrange. Visitors are brought from November – January (daily): 09:00 – 17:00 minutes before closing time. Last admission to visit in engineering, geology, art and even the centre to the monuments by shuttle any of the sites is 2 hours before closing time. astronomy. bus. Please note this site can be extremely busy during the summer months – early arrival for booking on the tours is recommended.

7 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST loughcrew

Loughcrew is roughly contemporary Did you know … Slieve na Callaigh gets with Newgrange (3200 BC). Neolithic its name from the Irish Sliabh na Callaí, communities built large communal tombs, meaning ‘Hill of the Witch’ or ‘Hag’s Hill’. or , for their dead. There are four main types of tombs, each being named Contact Details: after a particular and defining feature OPW, Corstown, Oldcastle, Co Meath T: +353 (0) 49 854 1240 / (0) 41 988 0300 (court tombs, portal tombs, passage E: [email protected] tombs and wedge tombs). The typical W: www.heritageireland.ie passage tomb is cruciform in plan with a (during Summer months) long central passage leading to a main chamber, off which there are three smaller Loughcrew Gardens Visitor Centre T: + 353 (0)49 854 1356 chambers. The dead were cremated and F: + 353 (0)49 854 1921 the remains placed in the chambers above E: [email protected] the ground. The tombs were then covered W: www.loughcrew.com in great mounds of earth and stones called ‘’, though often these do not Opening Hours: survive. From 1st June to end August, 2009 there will be a daily guide service at the site. At other times the key to Cairn T is available from Loughcrew A distinguishing feature of Irish passage Visitor Centre. tombs is the presence of – carved or picked designs on the internal or Admission: external stones of the tomb. The art is Admission is free to this site. abstract in form with circles, spirals, arcs, lozenges, triangles, zigzags and flower motifs being common. Certain symbols seem to have been favoured at particular tombs or cemeteries; spirals Loughcrew, with a concentration of at Newgrange, concentric rectangles at around 30 passage tombs, is one of the Knowth and rayed circles at Loughcrew. One of the best-preserved and most most important prehistoric cemeteries accessible tombs at Loughcrew, known as Cairn T, appears to be the central tomb of the whole complex. It faces the in Ireland rising sun at the vernal (March) and autumnal (September) equinoxes which shines through the passage to illuminate The Loughcrew complex is a megalithic cemetery containing symbols carved onto the back wall of around 30 passage tombs and is situated around the summit the chamber. This tomb is reputed to be the resting place of Ollamh Fodhla, a of three hills near the town of Oldcastle, Co. Meath. The hills legendary king of Ireland. are collectively known as Slieve na Callaigh.

9 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST t h e h i l l o f t a r a

The was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and the most sacred site in ancient Ireland

The Hill of Tara is a low-lying ridge located between Navan and in Co. Meath. It is said that a quarter of the landscape of Ireland can be seen from the hill. Tara gets its name from Teamhair na Rí meaning ‘sanctuary of the kings’ and it is important as the traditional inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. Although few of its monuments survive the test of time, it is an evocative place, much celebrated in Irish myth and legend. * An Artist Impression, as it might have looked in its heyday, illustration by Uto Hogerzeil

Tara was an important site long before One of the most interesting monuments the High Kings. A passage tomb known as at Tara is the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), Dumha na nGiall (meaning ‘the mound which is a standing stone located within In 1843 an estimated one million people Contact Details: of the hostages’) is the oldest visible an area known as the Forrad (The gathered there to hear Daniel ‘The Hill of Tara, Navan, Co. Meath monument and dates from around 3,000 Royal Seat). This was the inauguration Liberator’ O’Connell speak against the T: + 353 (0)41 988 0300 + 353 (0)46 902 5903 BC. However, Tara became truly important stone of the Kings of Tara. According to Union of Great Britain and Ireland. In in the Iron Age (600 BC to 400 AD) and tradition, when a true Irish or Scottish E: [email protected] 1902, in a letter to the Editor of The Times, E: [email protected] into the Early Christian Period. In 433 St. King placed his foot on Lia Fáil it cried Tara was described by Douglas Hyde, W: www.heritageireland.ie Patrick from the nearby Hill of Slane lit the out to announce his rightful reign. Other George Moore and William Butler Yeats, Paschal fire in defiance of the pagan king monuments include Teach Miodchuarta key figures in the Gaelic Revival, as ‘the Opening Hours: Access to the site is available all year round. of Tara (see Myths & Legends, p. 41). (The Banqueting Hall), Rath na Rí (The most consecrated spot in Ireland’. Fort of the Kings), Teach Cormaic From mid-May to mid-September (daily) Tara was the royal centre of Mide (Cormac’s House), Rath Gráinne (The Fort the Visitor Centre is open, an Audio visual is Did you know … A group of British available and guides are on site. (meaning ‘the middle kingdom’), the fifth of Gráinne), Rath na Seanadh (The Rath Israelites nearly destroyed Rath na province of ancient Ireland. It incorporated of the Synods) and Claoin Fhearta (The Seanadh (The Rath of the Synods) Admission to the Visitor Centre the present Co. Meath and what is now Sloping Trenches). between 1899 and 1902. They believed the with Guided Tour: Adult: €3.00 Westmeath and large parts of Cavan and Ark of the Covenant was buried there. Longford. The title ‘King of Tara’ always Although Tara was finally abandoned by Senior/Group: €2.00 Child/Student: €1.00 implied a special power, however, it was Mael Shechlainn, High King of Ireland, in Family: €8.00 not until the 9th century AD that the title 1022 it continued to play an important became synonymous with High King of symbolic role in Irish history into the Admission to the site: Ireland. modern period. Free of charge.

11 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST monasterboice

The of Muiredach at Monasterboice is the finest in Ireland and is highly regarded as one of the best surviving examples of Irish religious art

Christianity was introduced into Ireland, probably from Roman Britain, during the 5th century AD, around the time of the collapse of the Roman Empire. Monasterboice is one of Ireland’s earliest and best-known religious sites. Its name derives from the Irish Mainistir Bhuithe meaning ‘the monastery of Buite’.

St. Buite, Buite mac Bronaig, was an Irish conical cap. It is the second tallest round monk and follower of St. Patrick. In 480, tower in Ireland, after the one on Scattery according to legend, St. Buite on a return Island, Co. Clare. trip from Rome raised Nechtan Morbet, the King of Pictland (Scotland), from the dead. The occupied the site for a period Another legend states that he ascended until they were routed by Domhnall, King of into heaven via a golden ladder lowered Tara, in 968. St. Buite’s monastery remained from the skies by angels. St. Buite died an important centre of spirituality and on the day St. Columba was born (7th learning for many centuries until the December, 521). establishment of Mellifont Abbey in 1142. The site also contains two of the finest The site comprises two churches and a High Crosses in Ireland – the South Cross round tower. Although round towers were (or Cross of Muiredach) and the West Cross originally thought to have been places (or Tall Cross) – which date from the 9th of refuge from Vikings, the Irish name for century. The sandstone crosses are finely these towers – cloic theach meaning a bell carved and depict biblical scenes from house – hints at another possible function. the Old and New Testaments. Today the The tower at Monasterboice was burned image of the High Cross is recognised in 1097, destroying the monastic library internationally, not merely as a religious and other treasures. However, it is still in icon but also, as a symbol of Irish cultural excellent condition, though without its heritage.

13 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST monasterboice

High Crosses Did you know … The West Cross, High Crosses, also known as Celtic Crosses, appropriately named the Tall Cross, is are distinctive ringed crosses that have the tallest high cross in Ireland, standing become a symbol of . at around 7m. Kirbuddo (near Forfar, They are free standing and often of Scotland) also derives its name from St. monumental proportion. Buite and is twinned with Monasterboice. Cross of St. Muiredach High Cross (known as the South Cross, or Cross of Muiredach), Monasterboice, Co. Louth Standing almost 5.5m in height and carved Contact Details: from a single block of sandstone, the South Monasterboice Tour Guides, , Co. Louth T: + 353 (0)41 982 2813 Cross at Monasterboice is arguably the Drogheda Tourist Office, Drogheda, Co. Louth West Face (top to base) finest and best preserved High Cross in T: + 353 (0)41 983 7070 Ireland. It is often referred to as the Cross E: [email protected] of St. Muiredach because of an inscription Ascension of Christ (top of cross) at the bottom of the shaft which translates Opening Hours: Peter denying Christ (left arm) The site is accessible all year round. as ‘a prayer for Muiredach who had this Crucifixion (centre of cross) Resurrection of Christ (right arm) cross made’. It is thought that this refers Admission: to Muiredach Mac Domhnaill, who was Free of Charge to this site. Christ flanked by Peter & Paul (upper panel) Abbott of Monasterboice from 890 - 923. Thomas meeting the Risen Christ (middle panel) Soldiers arresting Christ (lower panel) Dedication to Muiredach (base)

* An Artist Impression, as it might have looked in its heyday, illustration by Uto Hogerzeil

West Face (Illustration)

East Face (top to base)

St Paul & St Anthony (top of cross) The Saved Souls (left arm) The Last Judgement (centre of cross) The Damned Souls (right arm) Adoration of the Magi (upper panel) Moses Drawing Water from the Rock (upper middle panel) David & Goliath (lower middle panel) Cain slaying Abel (lower panel, right) Adam & Eve (lower panel, left) East Face (Illustration)

15 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST kells

The heritage town of Kells contains many fine examples of early Christian architecture

Kells derives from the Irish Ceanannas Mór, meaning ‘great residence’. Long before the coming of Christianity, Kells was a royal residence associated with the legendary Conn Céadchatach (Conn of the Hundred Battles) and Cormac mac Airt.

In 550 St. Columba, also known as by the Vikings in 919, 950 and 969, and St. Colmcille, established a religious many times throughout the 11th century, settlement at Kells. In 563 he went into this time by the Irish. The most famous self-imposed exile on the isle of Iona, off treasure created by the community of the west coast of Scotland and founded St. Columba is the Book of Kells, a highly another settlement. The island was raided ornate version of the four gospels in Latin. by Viking fleets in 795, 802 and again It was written around the year 800, though in 804 when sixty-eight people were it remains unclear whether it was written steeply pointed stone roof. Contact Details: killed. Shortly after, the community of in whole or part at Kells. A facsimile copy Kells Heritage Centre and Tourist Kells Heritage Centre, The Courthouse, Headfort St. Columba’s monastery on Iona were of the book may be seen at Kells Heritage Information Point are housed in a restored Place, Kells, Co. Meath granted lands at Kells as a safe haven from Centre; the original is at Trinity College, courthouse. This building was originally T: +353 (0) 46 924 7840 invaders. Dublin. designed in 1801 by Francis Johnson, F: +353 (0) 46 924 7684 E: [email protected] who also designed the GPO on O’Connell W: www.meathtourism.ie Generally, monastic settlements were Although Kells became an important St. Dublin. The Heritage Centre includes surrounded by a circular boundary Anglo-Norman walled settlement, it is its exhibitions relating to the history of the Opening Hours: wall called a vallum, which acted as a monastic heritage that best survives. Kells’ monastic town. The of Kells, 21st April – 31st October, 2009 frontier between the holy world within round tower, though roofless, stands at which dates from the 9th century and Monday – Saturday: 10.00 – 17.00 and the secular world outside. They often a height of 25m. In 1076 Murchadh Mac depicts scenes from the Old and New Sundays & Bank Holidays: 12 noon – 16.00 contained a church, graveyard, high Flainn, who was fighting for the High Testaments, can be seen in the grounds of Admission: crosses, monk’s cells and from the late Kingship of Ireland, was murdered in the the centre. Admission for self guiding tour is free. 10th century round towers also became tower. The tower is surrounded by several Pre-arranged guided tours for groups are a feature. finely carved high crosses, in various states Did you know … The Kells Crosier, dating available – please contact the centre for details. of preservation. A stone church known as from the late 9th or 10th century, is in The first church at Kells was completed by St. Columba’s House, dating from the 9th the British Museum, . In 1850 814 and in 878 the relics of St. Columba century is possibly the oldest surviving it appeared without explanation in a were relocated from Iona, which was now structure in the town. It is a classic solicitor’s office in the English capital. prospering. However, Kells itself was raided example of an early Irish church with a

17 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST o l d m e l l i f o n t a b b e y

St. Malachy, of Armagh, along abbey in Ireland to be laid out according with a community of Irish and French to the European cloistral plan – buildings monks (trained at Clairvaux, Burgundy), constructed around a central open space. founded Mellifont Abbey in 1142 on lands Its distinguishing feature is an octagonal granted by Donogh O’Carroll, King of lavabo, constructed about 1200, which Oriel. It was the first Cistercian monastery functioned as a place for the monks to established in Ireland and over 20 other wash their hands in a symbolic gesture as Cistercian houses were founded directly or a preparation for prayer. Lavabo means ‘I indirectly from it. Mellifont also became one shall wash’. The lavabo, the chapter house of the wealthiest abbeys in Ireland with vast and the late medieval gate house remain holdings of land in the fertile Boyne Valley. partly intact. The layout of the reminder of the abbey can be seen from foundations The Abbey was consecrated in 1157 amidst revealed during excavations. great ceremony at a national synod, which was attended by the leading clergy of the Did you know … Devorgilla (often time and Murtaugh MacLochlainn, the described as ‘Ireland’s Helen of Troy’), High King of Ireland. Mellifont heralded whose elopement with Dermot a new era in Irish monasticism. Prior to MacMurrough led to the arrival of the its foundation, older Irish monasteries Anglo-Normans in 1169 is buried beneath (such as Monasterboice) were essentially the chancel pavement at Mellifont. In 1157 independent self-governed spiritual centres, she donated 60 ounces of gold, along with under the direction of an Abbott who altar cloths and a gold chalice to Mellifont. was largely his own master. These older She died there in 1193 at the age of 85. monastic sites were often not affiliated Contact Details: * An Artist Impression, as it might have looked in its heyday, illustration by Uto Hogerzeil to any other monastery or even to any Mellifont Visitor Centre, Tullyallen, religious order. Drogheda, Co. Louth T: +353 (0) 41 982 6459 / (0) 41 988 0300 Mellifont was dissolved in 1539 and passed E: [email protected] Mellifont Abbey was one of the into the hands of Sir Edward Moore who W: www.heritageireland.ie converted the abbey buildings into a residence. In 1603, following Irish defeat Opening Hours: wealthiest and most influential Access to the site is all year round. at the Battle of Kinsale, Hugh O’ Neill, the The visitor centre with guides is Earl of Tyrone, formally submitted to Lord open June – September monastic houses in medieval Ireland Mountjoy at Mellifont Abbey signing the 10.00 – 18.00 daily. (Last admission . This sounded the death 45 minutes before closing time). knell for Gaelic civilisation in Ireland. During Admission to the Visitor Centre Mellifont Abbey is situated in a tranquil valley on the banks the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 King William with Guided Tour: of the River Mattock, a tributary of the River Boyne. The based his headquarters at Mellifont. Adult: €3.00 The house was abandoned and fell into Senior/Group: €2.00 Abbey derives its name from the Latin Font Mellis meaning disrepair in the early 1700s. Child/Student: €1.00 ‘fountain of honey’. Many medieval monasteries founded Family: €8.00 Although the remains of the Abbey are by continental orders bore Latin names. Mellifont is the fragmentary, Mellifont is historically and only one that survives as a current placename in Ireland. architecturally significant. It was the first

19 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST trim castle

Trim Castle is the largest, best-preserved & most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland * An Artist Impression, as it might have looked in its heyday, illustration by Uto Hogerzeil

Trim get its name from the Irish Áth Truim, meaning ‘The Ford of the Elder Trees’, indicating that this was an important fording point on the River Boyne. Such was the significance of this crossing point that by the fifth century a chieftain’s dún (fort) and an early monastery were sited here.

In 1172, shortly after the arrival of the walls and a moat. The wall, punctuated by Anglo-, King Henry several towers and a gatehouse, fortified II granted Hugh de Lacy the Kingdom of an area of about 3 acres. Most of the castle Meath, along with custody of Dublin. The visible today was completed by 1220. King feared that Srongbow (Richard de Clare) might set up a rival Anglo-Norman The unique twenty-sided cruciform design kingdom in Ireland. of the keep (with walls 3m thick) is an example of the experimental military For strategic reasons, de Lacy decided to architecture of the period. It served as both make Trim, rather than Drogheda, the the domestic and administrative centre visitors can get the sense of security that Opening Hours: centre of his newly acquired lordship. De of the castle. By 1500 much of Ireland was would have been felt by the de Lacy family 10th April to 16th September, 2009. in a hostile landscape. Although, standing Open daily 10.00 – 18.00 Lacy converted a ringfort into a wooden back in the hands of Gaelic Chieftains and All other times – open Saturday/Sunday 10.00 – castle with a spiked stockade. This structure the territory under English control had outside the walls you can sense the 16.30 (last tour 1hour before closing). was seen as a threat by the Gaelic Irish and been reduced to an area around Dublin, intimidation that must surely have been in 1174 Rory O’Connor, King of known as ‘The Pale’. By this time Trim Castle felt by the native population. Admission: (and last High King of Ireland), attacked was in decline, however, it remained an Trim Castle with Guided Tour of the Keep Adult: €4.00 and it was destroyed. The following year important outpost protecting the north- Did you know … Trim Castle served as Senior/Group: €3.00 a ‘castle double’ for York Castle in Mel work began on a more permanent stone western frontier of The Pale. Child/Student: €2.00 replacement and over the following Gibson’s 1996 Oscar-winning movie Family: €10.00 decades Hugh de Lacy (d. 1186) and his Over the centuries Trim Castle was adapted Braveheart. son Walter constructed the largest Anglo- to suit the domestic needs of its owners Trim Castle Only Norman castle in Europe. and the changing political climate. Contact Details: Adult: €3.00 Trim Castle, Trim, Co. Meath Senior/Group: €2.00 However, much of its fabric has remained T: + 353 (0)46 943 8619 Child/Student: €1.00 Initially a stone keep, or tower, replaced unchanged since the height of Anglo- + 353 (0)41 988 0300 Family: €8.00 the wooden fortification. The keep was Norman power in Ireland. Even today when E: [email protected] remodeled and then surrounded by curtain standing within the walls of the castle W: www.heritageireland.ie

21 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST drogheda

It was once believed that the town Twice the walls and gates of Drogheda of Drogheda was founded in 911 by held strong against invasion, firstly when the Vikings. However, due to a lack of Edward Bruce attacked the town in 1317 archaeological evidence scholars now and again in 1642 when Sir Phelim O’Neill dispute that the Vikings had any role in attempted to take Drogheda. the foundation of the town. In 837 the Irish annals (chronological lists of significant In 1494 Parliament met at Drogheda events) record that a fleet of 60 Viking and enacted the infamous Poynings’ ships appeared on the Boyne. A temporary Law, (introduced by Lord Deputy Edward longphort (defended enclosure to protect Poynings) which subjected the Irish ships) may have been established near Parliament to the control of the English Drogheda but nothing remains today. king and council. Poynings’ Law remained in force until 1801 when The Act of Union Drogheda proper began as an Anglo- made it redundant. In 1649 Cromwell Norman port founded by Hugh de Lacy breached the walls and sacked the town, after whom the de Lacy Bridge in the town massacring 3,500 soldiers, civilians and is named. Around 1180 as two settlements clergy, and deporting captives as slaves on opposite banks of the Boyne estuary, to Barbados. Drogheda surrendered to downstream from the ford from which it King William after the Battle of the Boyne gets it name. Drogheda was granted its in 1690. Millmount Tower & Museum and charter in 1194. The Anglo-Normans made St. Peter’s Church, housing the shrine of St Drogheda one of their primary strongholds, Oliver Plunkett are also within the town. completing the town walls in the mid 13th century. The walls enclosed and fortified an Did you know … Drogheda, having area of 43 hectares, north and south of the recently surpassed its near neighbour Drogheda was an important Boyne, making it one of the largest walled , is the largest town in Ireland towns in Medieval Ireland. Drogheda-in- with just over 35,000 inhabitants (2006 Louth was the larger of the two towns with Census). The Boyne Viaduct at Drogheda Anglo-Norman settlement and one a walled area of 32 hectares. After years of is Ireland’s greatest example of Victorian conflict and rivalry, the two boroughs were industrial architecture. The bridge, which of the largest walled towns in conjoined as a single town in 1412, and in carries the Dublin-Belfast railway line, was 1898 the southern portion of the town was opened in 1855. transferred from Co. Meath to Co. Louth. Medieval Ireland Contact Details: St. Laurence’s Gate, which led to the Friary Drogheda Tourist Office, Mayoralty St, of St Laurence, is widely regarded as one Drogheda, Co. Louth Drogheda derives its name from the Irish Droichead Átha of the finest of its kind in Europe. It consists T: +353 (0) 41 983 7070 of two lofty circular towers, connected F: +353 (0) 41 984 5684 meaning ‘Bridge of the Ford’. It is the largest town in E: [email protected] together by a wall, in which there is an W: www.drogheda.ie Co. Louth – Ireland’s smallest county – which is named archway. It was originally known as the east gate but it was renamed in the 14th century after , the great god of the . Although the origins Opening Hours: because the street led to the Hospital of Monday to Friday: 09.30 – 17.30 of the settlement are obscure, the town certainly owes its St. Laurence. Visitors can appreciate the Saturday: 09.30 – 17.00 spectacular dimensions of the medieval development to the coming of the Anglo-Normans. walls south of the gate at Featherbed Lane.

23 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST navan

Situated in the heart of the Boyne Valley, Navan is an ideal base from which to explore the nearby attractions of Brú ná Bóinne, the Hill of Tara, and the historic towns of Kells and Trim

The burgeoning town of Navan lies at the confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater. It is the county town, or administrative capital, of Co. Meath. The name Navan has long confused etymologists. It is thought that it may take Solstice Arts Centre its name from the Irish An Uaimh, meaning ‘the cave’ or perhaps from Nuachongbhail, meaning ‘new habitation’.

Navan lies at the confluence of the rivers tower house built in the 15th century and Boyne and Blackwater which has long a Tudor mansion built around 1600. The been a site of strategic importance. house was burned by the Maguire’s in A burial site close to where the two 1649 rather than allow Oliver Cromwell rivers meet has been identified as Dún shelter within its walls. Dubchomair, where a Viking fleet is reputed to have landed. The Anglo- Navan is famous for being the birthplace Navan is also the childhood home of Did you know … Navan is the only Normans also recognised the importance of Francis Beaufort (1774 - 1857), Pierce Brosnan, the fifth actor to play the palindromic place in the Republic of of this location and around 1185 Joselyn who developed the Beaufort Scale of acclaimed role as James Bond. Comedians Ireland, meaning that its name is spelled de Angulo converted a nearby glacial wind force. In 1805 Commander (later Dylan Moran and Tommy Tiernan, the same from left to right, or right to left. mound into a motte and bailey castle. Admiral) Beaufort published a method and television personality Hector Ó Europe’s longest palindromic placename Legend tells that this mound was the of measuring the wind at sea based on hEochagáin also hail from the town. is Assamassa, Portugal and the shortest is burial site of Odhbha, the wife of Éremón, the sails a frigate could safely hoist. The Ee, Netherlands (Holland). a Milesian invader from Spain (see Myths Beaufort Scale, as it came to be known, Navan, offers a variety of quality & Legends, p. 38). In the later medieval was adopted by the Royal Navy in 1838 accommodation, restaurants and bars, Contact Details: period Navan was a walled town and, like when it became mandatory for all ship’s and is an ideal base for touring the Boyne Solstice Arts Centre & Tourist Information Point Trim, was an outpost of The Pale. log entries. The 13-point scale ranges from Railway St, Navan, Co. Meath Valley. There are enjoyable walks around 0 (calm) to 12 (hurricane); with this scale T: + 353 (0)46 909 2300 the town, particularly along the Boyne The ruins of Athlumney Castle facing also came descriptions of the state of the E: [email protected] River and canal at the Ramparts. Navan across the Boyne are located a sea. From this standard, sailors were able Opening Hours: short distance from the town. It consists to predict how ships would react in certain Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 17.00 of two distinct buildings; an original wind speeds.

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Aside from Trim Castle, which dominates served as Prime Minister of Great Britain the town, the fragments of the medieval (1828-30). Don Ambrosio O’Higgins (1720 town are still clearly visible. The wall – 1801), the Spanish Viceroy of Peru and which circled the settlement is visible in Chile, was born at Dangan Castle. His son, part, mainly around Castle St. and Emmet Bernardo O’Higgins, went on to become St. west of the castle. The Sheep Gate is the ‘Liberator of Chile’. the only surviving of several medieval gateways to the town. The jagged Yellow Housed in the Old Town Hall building Steeple was formerly a seven-storied Trim Visitor Centre has an audio visual church tower belonging to St Mary’s presentation titled “The Power & the Augustinian Abbey, it gets its name from Glory”. Here visitors can learn more about the colour of the stonework in the evening life in medieval Trim and sun. St Patrick’s Church (Church of Ireland) as well as more about how the coming of is primarily a 19th century structure, the Normans affected the area. The visitor though with medieval remains. The tower centre also has a tourist information point, on its west face incorporates the arms of gift and coffee shop. Richard, Duke of York, Lord of Trim and Viceroy in Ireland from 1449. Interestingly, Did you know … There is a small Ireland’s oldest complete and unaltered Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking community) bridge (dating from 1393) crosses the at Ráth Cairn (Rathcarne), near Trim. Boyne at Trim. In the 1930s a total of 443 people from Trim contains more Medieval buildings Connemara in the west of Ireland A few kilometres downstream of Trim were resettled on land acquired by the stand the ruins of Newtown Trim – a large Land Commission. It received official than any town in Ireland medieval cathedral, two monasteries and recognition as a Gaeltacht in 1967. a small church. These ruins symbolise the failed attempt by the first English Bishop Contact Details: Trim is situated on the banks of the River Boyne in an area of Meath, Simon de Rochfort, to establish Trim Visitor Centre, Castle St, Trim, Co. Meath T: + 353 (0) 46 943 7227 of fertile plains. The town developed around Trim Castle, a rival town to de Lacy’s Trim. F: + 353 (0) 46 943 8053 E: [email protected] straddling the river to the north and west of the castle. In During the early 1700s Jonathan Swift, W: www.meathtourism.ie the 13th century the town was enclosed within a circuit author of Gulliver’s Travels, lived at Lacacor, near Trim, where he served as Opening Hours: Monday – Saturday 9.30 – 5.30 of stone walls. Augustinian (1202), Franciscan (1260), and vicar to a small congregation. Arthur Sunday/Bank Holidays – Seasonal Opening. Dominican (1263) friaries were established, indicating Wellesey, better known as the Duke Hours 12.00 – 17.30 of Wellington or ‘the Iron Duke’, was the growing prosperity of the town. In the later medieval educated at Trim and spent much of his Admission: period Trim became an increasingly exposed frontier, childhood at the nearby Dangan Castle, Admission to the Visitor Centre is Free. his father’s country house (now in ruins). Admission to the Power & the Glory Audio Visual standing between the hostile worlds of the Anglo-Normans is: Adult: €3.20 Child: €1.50 Senior/Student €2.20 He is credited with Napoleon’s defeat at Group Rates from €1.50 and the Gaelic Irish. the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, and later

27 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST b e a u l i e u h o u s e

Beaulieu House is a 17th Century house and gardens with a collection of classic racing cars

Beaulieu House is situated on the north bank of the river Boyne between Drogheda and the Irish Sea. The estate was originally owned by the ‘St. Oliver’ branch of the Plunkett family and was acquired about 1650 by Sir Henry Tichbourne, who was Marshall of the Army in Ireland and Governor General of Drogheda at the time of the Restoration of Charles II.

Beaulieu House was turned into the house Did you know … The current owner of we see today by the Tichbournes in the Beaulieu House, Gabriel DeFreitas, had a mid 17th and early 18th Century and very successful career in motor racing in has remained largely unchanged since. the 1960s and 1970s under the name of Originally a stone Plunkett Castle, the Gabriel Konig. present structure is a mixture of brick and stone which was rendered in the late 19th Contact Details: Century, leaving exposed the Dutch brick Beaulieu House, Gardens & Car Museum, Drogheda, Co Louth surrounds to windows and doors. The T: + 353 (0) 41 983 8557 Dutch style is unique in Ireland. F: + 353 (0) 41 984 5051 E: [email protected] The walled garden is believed to have W: www.beaulieu.ie been designed by Dutch artist Willem Van Der Hagen, who settled in Ireland in the Opening Hours: Beaulieu House, Gardens & Museum are open 1720s, and is one of the earliest examples from May until mid-September of a walled garden in Ireland. Monday to Friday: 11:00 – 17:00 Weekends (July & August only): 13:00 – 17:00 Gabriel DeFreitas, the current owner of Beaulieu House, is a tenth generation Admission: Guided Tour of the House: €8 descendant of Henry Tichbourne. There Visit to the Garden: €6 is a museum on site which displays a Entry to the Museum: €6 collection of classic racing cars and All three attractions (plus guide book): €20 memorabilia. Guided tours of the house, four-acre walled garden and museum are available.

29 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST st. peter’s church

The imposing façade of St. Peters is of the Dominican Convent at Drogheda. Gothic Revival in style and is built of local They are presently on view, enshrined in limestone. The interior of the church is St. Peter’s . The church lavishly decorated. The west transept also contains the door from Plunkett’s of the church contains a special chapel prison cell at Newgate, London. St. Oliver which houses the preserved head of Plunkett was beatified in 1920, and St. Oliver Plunkett (1625 – 81), the last canonised in 1975 by Pope Paul VI. Catholic martyr to die in England. Did you know … When the Roman Oliver Plunkett was born in 1625 at Catholic Church canonised St. Oliver Loughcrew, near Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Plunkett on October 12th 1975, he became He was sent to be educated by the the first Irish saint for more than 700 years. Jesuits at the newly established Irish St. Malachy, founder of the Cistercian college in Rome where he was ordained. Abbey at Mellifont, was canonised in 1199. In 1669 Oliver Plunkett was appointed and Primate of Contact Details: All-Ireland. He was arrested in Dublin in Drogheda Tourist Office, Mayoralty St, Drogheda, Co. Louth 1679 on trumped up charges of plotting T: + 353 (0) 41 983 7070 to bring a French Army into the country E: [email protected] and of organising Irishmen for rebellion. W: www.drogheda.ie An initial trial at Dundalk collapsed in 1680. He was then transferred to England Opening Hours: Open daily all year. where, despite several petitions, he was 8.00 hrs to 18.00 hrs Winter found guilty of high treason. On the first 8.00 hrs to 19.30 hrs Summer. of July, 1681, Oliver Plunkett was hanged, St. Peter’s Church is among the finest disembowelled, and quartered at , Notes: England. His remains were recovered A Mass in honour of St. Oliver Plunkett is held in immediately after the execution and were St. Peter’s Church on the last Saturday of every month at 18.15. Gothic Revival churches in Ireland and eventually entrusted to the Sienna Nuns is famous for housing the shrine of St. Oliver Plunkett

St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, situated on West St., is one of the most notable buildings in Drogheda. The first church on this site was constructed in 1791. The present building was built in the 1880s and incorporates part of this earlier structure.

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The Battle of the Boyne is one of the most significant events in Irish history

The Battle of the Boyne was fought between King William III and his father-in-law King James II on 1 July 1690. The kings were rival claimants to the English, Scottish and Irish thrones. Protestant King William (of Orange) had deposed Catholic King James in 1688.

William’s army (called Williamites), outnumbered Jacobite forces defended numbered some 36,000 men and was their position against the advancing made up of English, Irish, Scottish, Williamites. William himself crossed at Dutch, Danish and Huguenots (French with 3,500 mounted troops. The Protestants). The opposing army (called Jacobites retreated across the river Nanny Jacobites) were mainly Irish Catholics, at and regrouped west of the reinforced by 6,500 French troops sent by Shannon to carry on the war. King Louis XIV. The Jacobites chose the River Boyne as the best defence against William’s victory at the Battle of the the Williamites progress south towards Boyne was the turning point in James’ Dublin. Drogheda was garrisoned and unsuccessful attempt to regain the Crown a force of 25,000 men was positioned at and ultimately ensured the continuation Oldbridge, the most likely crossing point. of Protestant supremacy in Ireland. Of the The armies camped on opposite sides of 61,000 men that fought in the battle, a Contact Details: Admission: the river. relatively small number were killed: 1,000 Battle of the Boyne, Oldbridge Adult: €4 Jacobites and 500 Williamites. Drogheda, Co. Meath Senior/Group: €3.00 William’s battle plan was to trap the T: + 353 (0) 41 9809950 Child/Student: €2.00 Jacobite army in a pincer movement. He The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre F: + 353 (0) 41 9849873 Family: €10.00 E: [email protected] sent a force of 10,000 men towards Slane is located in the recently restored 18th W: www.battleoftheboyne.ie Notes: which drew the bulk of the Jacobites century Oldbridge House, which is on the Last admission is one hour before closing. upstream in opposition. With 1,300 battlesite. Opening Hours: Average Length of Visit: Jacobites posted in Drogheda, only 6,000 March-April (daily): 09:30 – 16:30 Visitor Centre, 1 hour were left at Oldbridge to repel 26,000 Did you know … The Battle of the Boyne May-September (daily): 10:00 – 18:00 Self-Guiding Walks, 1 hour October-February (daily): 09:00 – 17:00 Williamites. All the fighting took place was the largest ever assembly of troops on Site closes Christmas and New Year on the south side of the river as the vastly an Irish battlefield.

33 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST slane castle

Following the Williamite War (1689 – 91) a Did you know … U2 recorded part of their half a million Irish acres were confiscated fourth studio album, The Unforgettable from those who supported James II. The Fire, in Slane Castle; the Drawing Room Conynghams purchased the estate in 1701 was converted into a recording studio. following the Williamite Confiscations. The video for the song Pride (In the Name Prior to this the lands were in the of Love) was shot in the Gothic Revival posession of the Flemings, Anglo-Norman Ballroom which was created for George Catholics who supported the Jacobites. IV’s State Visit in 1821.

Slane Castle in its existing form was Contact Details: reconstructed under the direction of Corporate Solutions, Slane Castle, Slane, Co. Meath William Burton Conyngham, together T: + 353 (0) 41 988 4400 with his nephew the first Marquess F: + 353 (0) 41 982 0847 Conyngham. The reconstruction dates E: [email protected] from 1785 and was undertaken by the W: www.slanecastle.ie most distuinguished architects of the Tours 2009: day, most notably James Gandon who 17 May – 11 June inclusive. designed The Custom House and The Four 28 June – 27 August inclusive. Courts in Dublin and Francis Johnson who Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and is responsible for the GPO, in Dublin. The Thursdays: 12.00 hrs to 17.00 hrs. parklands were laid out by the renowned Last tour admission: 16.30 hrs. landscape architect, Capability Brown known as “England’s greatest gardener”. In 1991, a fire in the Castle caused extensive damage and completely destroyed the eastern wing facing the River Boyne. It re-opened to the public in 2001 following a ten-year restoration programme funded Slane Castle is the residence of by the family. Over the last quarter of a century Slane Ireland’s most famous aristocrat, Henry Castle has become internationally famous for its summer concerts. Its natural amphitheatre attracts 80,000 music fans Conyngham, Earl of Mount Charles annually. Queen, Thin Lizzy, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie, Guns N’ Roses, Neil Young, Slane Castle is set on the grounds of a 1,500 acre estate REM, Bryan Adams, U2, Stereophonics, Red through which flows the River Boyne, a few kilometres Hot Chili Peppers and Madonna have all performed under the shadow of the Castle. upstream from the site of the Battle of the Boyne. Oasis have been confirmed to headline Slane on 20 June 2009.

35 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST millmount museum

Millmount Museum and Martello Tower are situated on high ground in the heart of Drogheda near to where the river Boyne finally meets the sea

Shortly after the Anglo-Norman King Henry II granted him the Kingdom of Meath in 1172, Hugh de Lacy constructed a motte and bailey on a huge mound overlooking the River Boyne. A more substantial stone fort replaced the earlier structure.

According to , the mound exhibitions dealing with archaeology, was the burial place of Amergin mac folklife, local history, geology, industry Míled, , bard and judge of the and military history. The museum . Amergin was the son of Míl also contains one of the four surviving Espáine and brother of Éremón (see Myths examples of an ancient type of fishing & Legends, p. 38). The true origin of the vessel, called a coracle, that were once mound is unclear, however, it is thought a common sight on the Boyne. Coracles that it may be a large passage tomb, were made of wicker and covered with similar to those at nearby Brú na Bóinne. animal hide, or more recently with canvas. It was almost square but with rounded This castle formed part of the defences corners and was operated by two people of the town during Cromwell’s siege of – one paddling at the bow, the other Contact Details: Admission (Museum and Tower): Drogheda in 1649. The garrison were manning the nets. Millmount, Drogheda, Co. Louth Adult: €5.50 massacred when they surrendered to T: +353 (0) 41 98 33097 Senior/Child: €3.00 Parliamentarian troops on September Did you know … The fort at Millmount F: +353 (0) 41 98 41599 Student: €4.00 11th, 1649. In the early 1800s the earlier was considerably damaged during the W: www.millmount.net Family: €12.00 fortifications were demolished and Irish Civil War (1922-23) when it was * Family admission covers two adults & two children Opening Hours: replaced by a Martello Tower as part of a occupied by Anti-Treaty forces and was Monday to Saturday all year: Notes: series of defences erected along the Irish shelled for several hours by the Irish Free 9.30 hrs – 17.30 hrs Please note last tours are 60 minutes coast by the British in expectation of an State Army. It was restored by Drogheda Sundays: 14.30 hrs – 17.30 hrs before closing. invasion by Napoleon Bonaparte. Corporation and opened to the public in Site closes Christmas, New Year and Good Friday. Millmount Museum houses various 2000.

37 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST myths & legends

Myths & Legends

The Boyne Valley is central to many of Ireland’s most The Cattle-Raid of Cooley - Illustrations of www.celticcolor.com courtesy famous and fantastic myths…

Boyne: Mythical Origins 1000 BC). He is the ancestor of the Úi Néill and the rulers of Leinster, Connacht and The River Boyne derives its name from Airgiallia. the legendary Celtic goddess Bóann (or Bóand). The story goes that there was While in Spain, Éremón (son of Míl once a magical well – the Well of Wisdom Espáine) married Odhbha, who bore him (Tobar Segais in Irish) – which belonged three sons. After a time he abandoned her to Nechtain, King of Leinster and husband in favour of another woman (Tea, who to the goddess Bóann. Nechtain was would later give her name to Tara). When very protective of his magical well and Éremón invaded Ireland, Odhbha followed no one but he and his three cup bearers him but died of grief soon after arriving were permitted to visit it. One day Bóann on account of her husband’s rejection. Her decided to visit the well and see for herself its wonders. Some say she walked around three children raised a mound in which the well three times counter sun-wise, to bury her. It is thought that Navan may others say she merely peered into its take its name from the Irish word for cave magical depths. Whatever the case, the (An Uaimh) – the cave within the mound waters of the well rose up – blinding, in which Odhbha’s remains have rested for mutilating and drowning the goddess – the past three thousand years. and then rushed seawards turning into a river. Though nothing remains of the The Cattle-Raid of Cooley mythical well, its waters remain in the The Cattle-Raid of Cooley (in Irish Táin form of the River Boyne, named after the Bó Cuailgne, pronounced – Tawn Bow drowned goddess Bóann. Cool-in-ya), written more than 1,200 years ago, is Ireland’s greatest legend and one The Milesians of Europe’s oldest epics. In this saga Queen According to Irish mythology a man by Maeve of Connacht and her husband the name of Míl Espáine is the common Ailill decide one night to compare their ancestor of all of the Irish. The story goes possessions. After much discussion, it that there was a tribe in the north of Spain becomes evident that Ailill owns a great known as the Milesians, or the Sons of white bull, Finnbennach, of which Maeve Mil. They invaded Ireland, dispossessing has no equal. There is only one bull in the Tuatha Dé Danann, and divided Ireland of equal to Finnbennach, the great Ireland into provinces: in the north, brown bull of Cooley. Cooley is a peninsula Munster in the south, Connacht in the in modern day Co. Louth. Maeve decides west, Leinster in the east and, at the centre, she must have the Brown Bull and so Tara. According to tradition, Éremón begins the story of the Táin. Maeve and mac Míled was the first Milesian king of her armies set off from the Royal Palace at all Ireland, and a contemporary of King , Co. Roscommon (passing David (biblical King of Israel, who ruled c. near modern-day Kells, Co. Meath) in

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pursuit of the Brown Bull. The only thing an instant he acquired all its knowledge. that stands in her way is Cúchulainn, the When Deimne brought the cooked meal greatest of all Celtic heroes, who defends to Finnegas, his master saw something

The Salmon of Knowledge - of Knowledge The Salmon the Brown Bull and the lands of Ulster, as in the boy’s eyes that had not been there his fellow warriors lie asleep under a spell. before. When asked by Finnegas, Deimne The Boyne Valley is associated with many denied that he had eaten of the fish. When of the tales central episodes: Cúchulainn pressed, he admitted his accidental taste. intercepted Maeve’s army at the village of What the old poet hadn’t known was Crossakeel, Co. Meath to try to delay their that Deimne had another name, given march to Ulster. to him by his mother – Fionn, meaning

Illustrations of www.celticcolor.com courtesy her fair-haired one. It was this incredible The Salmon of Knowledge knowledge and wisdom gained from the The Salmon of Knowledge (in Irish, Salmon of Knowledge that allowed Fionn An Bradán Feasa) is a creature from mac Cumhaill to become the leader of the the Fenian Cycle of Irish Mythology. It Fianna, the famed heroes of Irish myth. He features in the narrative The Boyhood was killed at Áth Brea or ‘Ford of Brea’ on Deeds of Fionn, which recounts the early the Boyne. adventures of the legendary Irish hero Fionn mac Cumhaill. The Coming of Christianity According to Irish mythology the Fir Bolgs According to Irish mythology the first thing were one of the races that inhabited to ever come into creation was a hazel Ireland before the Milesians, from whom tree, and in its branches was contained all the Irish are descended. The Hill of Slane is the knowledge of the universe. This hazel said to be a burial mound for their leader, tree flourished over the Well of Wisdom King Sláine, and it was from him the hill (Tobar Segais) within which lived a great is named. speckled salmon. The story goes that the salmon ate the hazel nuts which on occasion fell into the well, thus acquiring However, the Hill of Slane is most closely all the wisdom of the universe. It was associated with St Patrick. According to foretold that the first person to catch and tradition, in 433, as the prepared eat the salmon would gain this knowledge to celebrate the Feast of Tara, St. Patrick and that a man by the name of Fionn celebrating Easter lit the Paschal Fire in would be the one to do so. Nonetheless, direct defiance of the pagan ritual. The many tried and failed, until a poet named fire was observed from the Hill of Tara Finnegas having spent seven years fishing and the druids told King Laoghaire that the Boyne caught it. He is believed to have unless it was extinguished that same caught the salmon at Féc’s Pool (Linn Féic), night, it would never be put out. The king known as the ‘Pool of the Boyne’, near was outraged, but every time he and his Slane, Co. Meath. druids challenged St. Patrick with their magic they were defeated. Eventually, Finnegas instructed his apprentice, a and reluctantly, the king and his followers young boy named Deimne Maol, to converted to Christianity. St. Erc, who was prepare it for him. Deimne burned his the only person to pay due homage to St. thumb bursting a blister on the cooking Patrick during the stand-off, founded a salmon. Instinctively he put his thumb monastery on the Hill of Slane. into his mouth to ease the pain and in

41 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST suggested itinerary - one

Getting to the Boyne Valley could not be easier – the M1 will take you there in no time from either Belfast or Dublin - once you arrive you can take things at your own pace, by exploring the back roads of this historic valley - discover for yourself its quaint villages & cosy pubs and mingle with the locals who can share their stories with you…

M Morning L Lunch A Afternoon D Dinner

Distance Covered in Kilometres: 44 km

M After a hearty Irish breakfast at your A Leaving Drogheda and going north chosen accommodation, explore the about 6 kilometres, visit Monasterboice streets of Drogheda, with a guided tour Round Tower and Muredach’s High Cross of this historic walled town. You will (see p.12). Just a short distance away visit ‘Traditional Irish Night’ find out about the impact that historical Mellifont Abbey (see p. 18). In May 2008, a Learn about live Irish culture the fun way figures such as Oliver Cromwell and St. new interpretive centre opened at the site Oliver Plunkett had on this town and of the seminal Battle of the Boyne (see p. at The Causey Farm. visit the many sites of interest. Hear 32). Here you can learn about this famous

too some little-known facts from your battle in Ireland & Europe’s history. Take a The highlight of a holiday - Friday nights at Causey Farm, come to knowledgeable tour guide. For instance, stroll along the banks of the River Boyne this evening of lively music, ancient songs, ceili dancing and all in the did you know that a horse named and you may even catch a glimpse of the old stone barn around the warm turf fire. Practice your one, two three “Drogheda” won the famous Aintree famous Salmon of Knowledge!! (see p.41). dances or challenge your inner drumming ability as you learn some Grand National in 1898! Complete your rhythms on the bodhran. All this at your own pace - you can sit back tour with a visit to Millmount Museum D and be entertained, or participate at your leisure. We’ll take a break After your busy day why not relax & Martello Tower (see p. 36) and enjoy in the music to have tea and the freshly baked scones. with dinner at the Forge Gallery restaurant spectacular views of the town and the Every Friday from Mid June to end of August 7.30 - 9.30pm in Collon, Co. Louth. Enjoy pre-dinner River Boyne estuary. drinks while admiring the work of local Causey Farm, Girley, Fordstown, Navan, County Meath artists displayed in the upstairs gallery. L t: +353 46 9434135 Enjoy a leisurely lunch at Scholars If you still have some energy left there is f: +353 46 9434960 Town House Hotel, which was built in 1867 sure to be a traditional Irish music session e: [email protected] and has been tastefully renovated in a going on in Drogheda - a perfect end to Admission: €12.50 adult / €6.00 children modern style while retaining much of the your day in the Boyne Valley!! original features including stained glass Book online at www.causey.ie window and high coved ceiling.

43 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST suggested itinerary - two suggested itinerary - three

M L A D M Morning L Lunch A Afternoon D Dinner Morning Lunch Afternoon Dinner

Distance Covered in Kilometres: 51 km Distance Covered in Kilometres: 95 km

on the local flora and fauna displayed M A M Starting off in the picturesque village No visit to Trim would be complete In the afternoon take a leisurely drive along the walk. Check out the Solstice Arts of Slane visit the famous Hill of Slane without visiting the imposing Trim Castle from Kells to Athboy and drop off at the Centre in the centre of the town for details (see p. 10) and walk in the footsteps of (see p. 20 and front cover). Learn about the Hill of Ward, where the great Celtic festival of what’s on during your stay. St. Patrick himself, Ireland’s , history of this magnificent of Halloween was first celebrated, and where he challenged the Pagan King of Anglo-Norman castle and enjoy the views then onwards to the Loughcrew Cairns A Ireland by lighting a fire to signal the After lunch set out for the Hill of Tara from the top which look out over this near Oldcastle (see p. 8). arrival of . Then (see p. 10) seat of the ancient High Kings of fertile countryside. Set off mid morning follow in a famous Irish man’s footsteps, Ireland. Travelling onwards stay in Trim for to the heritage town of Kells (see p. 16) D Choose from restaurants in Kells for Bono and U2, and visit Slane Castle the night. Explore this medieval town and where part of the famous Book of Kells dinner and if it’s a Friday have some fun (see p. 34), home to world famous rock the banks of the Boyne by following the was written. The experienced guides based and a night of “craic” with the Murtagh concerts, for a guided tour. Before you signposted walking routes. in the Heritage Centre can take you on a family at Causey Farm just outside Kells. leave Slane, drop in to George’s Patisserie walk of this town, visiting the round tower, Here you can learn a musical instrument celtic crosses, St. Columb’s house and the for a Tea Break and choose from a D The Knightsbrook Hotel is just on the or enjoy Irish dancing – all taking place on Hill of Lloyd. Afterwards take in the audio delightful selection of cakes and pastries – outskirts of the town and you can enjoy a working farm. visual history of Kells in the heritage centre forget the diet for one day! Then continue dinner here while discussing all the days itself. on to the Brú na Bóinne Interpretive Centre events and sites you have seen or perhaps and visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site check out some of the other restaurants L at Newgrange (see p. 6). An experience you in the town. If you are up to it there is sure The Headfort Arms Hotel is a family will remember long after your visit to the to be some live traditional music available run hotel in the centre of the town and you Boyne Valley is over. for you to enjoy and who knows you might are sure of a warm, friendly welcome there even end up joining in and singing too!! so drop in for lunch and say hello! L Set off from Slane to Navan Town, the County town of Meath, for lunch at the Ardboyne Hotel. Spend a while strolling along the banks of the Boyne at the Ramparts in Navan and enjoy information

45 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST ACCOMMODATION, PUBS & RESTAURANTS ACCOMMODATION, PUBS & RESTAURANTS

hotels Newgrange Hotel Bridge St. Navan Ardboyne Hotel Co. Meath Dublin Rd. Telephone: + 353 (0)46 907 4100 Navan Email: [email protected] Co. Meath Website: www.newgrangehotel.ie Telephone: + 353 (0)46 902 3119 Email: [email protected] Scholars Town House Hotel Website: www.ardboynehotel.com King St. Drogheda Court Hotel Co. Louth Bettystown Telephone: + 353 (0)41 983 5410 Co. Meath Emai: [email protected] Telephone: + 353 (0)41 981 2900 Website: www.scholarshotel.com Email: reservations@bettystowncourthotel. com Trim Castle Hotel Website: www.bettystowncourthotel.com Trim Co. Meath Castle Arch Hotel Telephone: + 353 (0)46 948 3000 Summerhill Rd. Email: [email protected] Trim Website: www.trimcastlehotel.com Co. Meath Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 1516 Westcourt Hotel Email: [email protected] West St. Website: www.castlearchhotel.com Drogheda Co. Louth City North Hotel Telephone: + 353 (0)41 983 0965 Gormanston Email: [email protected] Co. Meath Website: www.westcourt.ie Relax and enjoy the Telephone: + 353 (0)1 690 6666 Email: [email protected] Website: www.citynorthhotel.com bed & breakfast ‘ceol agus craic’! The “d” Hotel Scotch Hall Cranmor Bed & Breakfast Drogheda Cranmor House Co. Louth Dunderry Rd. Telephone: + 353 (0)41 987 7700 Trim Email: [email protected] Co. Meath Website: www.thedhotel.com Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 1635 Accommodation in the Boyne Valley region offers a variety Email: [email protected] Headfort Arms Hotel Website: www.cranmor.com of choices for visitors. From cosy cottages to luxury hotels Kells Co. Meath Highfield House Bed and Breakfast and guesthouses it is easy to find the perfect place to Telephone: + 353 (0)818 222 800 Trim Email: [email protected] Co. Meath call “home” during your stay. Visitors can be assured of Website: www.headfortarms.ie Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 6386 Email: [email protected] exceptional standards of quality and service and, of course, Knightsbrook Hotel & Golf Resort Website: www.highfieldhouse.com Dublin Rd. a warm Irish welcome. Famed for the excellence of its local Trim Teach Cuailgne Co. Meath Village produce, a result of the lush valleys and bountiful waters Telephone: + 353 (0)46 948 2110 Kells Email: [email protected] Co. Meath of the Boyne, visitors will wax lyrical about indulging Website: www.knightsbrook.com Telephone: + 353 (0)46 924 6621 Email: [email protected] themselves in the local restaurants, cafés and bars. Website: www.teachcuailgne.com

47 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST ACCOMMODATION, PUBS & RESTAURANTS ACCOMMODATION, PUBS & RESTAURANTS

Teltown House Teach Tealteann Slane Farm Hostel Rathgillan Farm Romanza Teltown Harlinstown House Rathgillan Distillery House Navan Slane Dyer St. Co. Meath Co. Meath Co. Meath Drogheda Telephone: + 353 (0)87 665 9022 Telephone: + 353 (0)41 988 4985 Telephone: + 353 (0)46 905 2476 Co. Louth + 353 (0)46 902 3239 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Telephone: + 353 (0)41 980 4800 Email: [email protected] Website: www.slanefarmhostel.ie Website: www.rathgillanfarm.ie Email: [email protected] Website: www.romanza-ireland.com The Yellow House self catering Slane Farm Cottages 1 Springfield Glen Harlinstown The Vanilla Pod Dublin Rd. Slane Kells Navan Balrath Courtyard Co.Meath Co. Meath Co. Meath Balrath House, Telephone: + 353 (0)41 988 4985 Telephone: + 353 (0)818 222 800 Telephone: + 353 (0)46 907 3338 Balrath, Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Navan, Website: www.slanefarmhostel.ie Website: www.headfortarms.ie Website: www.theyellowhouse.ie Co. Meath Telephone: + 353 (0)41 982 5749 Tankardstown House & Cottages Email: [email protected] Windsor Lodge Rathkenny traditional music sessions 1 The Court Website: www.balrathcourtyard.com Navan North Road Co. Meath Drogheda Beechwood Lodge Holiday Homes Telephone: + 353 (0)41 982 4621 Lenehans (James Griffin Pub) Co. Louth Readstown Email: [email protected] High St. Telephone: + 353 (0)41 984 1966 Trim Website : www.tankardstown.ie Trim Email: [email protected] Co. Meath Co. Meath Website: www.barwindsorlodge.com Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 6926 Mondays and Wednesday nights Email: [email protected] Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 1295 restaurants Website: www.beechwood-lodge.com Website: www.jamesgriffinpub.ie guesthouses The Cottages Bru Bar Bistro Sarsfields Bar Seabank Haymarket Complex St. Laurence Gate Dunsany Lodge Bettystown Drogheda Drogheda Batterjohn Cross Co. Meath Co. Louth Co. Louth Dublin Rd. Telephone: + 353 (0)41 982 8104 Telephone: + 353 (0)41 987 2784 Telephone: + 353 (0)41 983 8032 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Dunsany Website: www.cottages-ireland.com Website: www.bru.ie For full up-to-date listings of Traditional Music Co. Meath Sessions in the area, check with the local tourist Telephone: + 353 (0)46 902 6339 Decoy Country Cottages The Forge Gallery information office or your accommodation Email: [email protected] Decoy House Church St. provider when you arrive. Website: www.dunsanlodge.ie Garlow Cross Collon Navan Co. Louth Newgrange Lodge Co. Meath Telephone: + 353 (0)41 982 6272 Staleen Telephone: + 353 (0)46 902 6960 Email: [email protected] Donore Email: [email protected] Website: www.forgegallery.ie Co. Meath Website: www.decoycountrycottages.ie Telephone: + 353 (0)41 988 2478 Franzini O’Brien’s Email: [email protected] Kiltale Cottages French’s Lane Website: www.newgrangelodge.com Kiltale Trim Dunsany Co. Meath Co. Meath Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 1002 hostels Telephone: + 353 (0)46 943 6679 Email: [email protected] George’s Patisserie & The Poets Rest Website: www.meathselfcatering.com Chapel Hill The Green Door Budget Accommodation Slane 13 Dublin Rd. The Quoin Stone Telephone: + 353 (0)41 982 4493 Drogheda Email: [email protected] Co. Louth Navan Website: www.georgespatisserie.com Telephone: + 353 (0)41 983 4422 Co. Meath Email: [email protected] Telephone: + 353 (0)41 685 4162 Website: www.greendoorireland.com Email: [email protected] Website: www.drumconrathselfcatering.com

49 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST BOYNE VALLEY FESTIVALS & EVENTS BOYNE VALLEY FESTIVALS & EVENTS

Bord na Mona Navan Choral Festival & National Le Cheile: Oldcastle Arts & Music Festival, Choir of the Year Competition Navan, Oldcastle, Co. Meath Co. Meath 28th July – 3rd August, 2009 23rd – 26th april, 2009 Email: [email protected] Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)46 924 0345 www.lecheile.com Email: [email protected] www.navanchoralfestival.com Annagassan Viking Festival, Annagassan, Dunleer, Co. Louth Drogheda Arts Festival, Drogheda, Co. Louth. 9th – 10th August, 2009 29th April – 4th May, 2009 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)42 937 2350 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)41 987 6165 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.annagassanvikingfestival.com www.droghedaartsfestival.ie Taste of Drogheda, The Waterfront, Scotch Hall, Loughcrew Opera Festival, Loughcrew Gardens, Drogheda, Co. Louth Oldcastle, Co. Meath 14th – 16th August, 2009 29th – 31st May, 2009 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)41 983 7070 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)49 854 1356 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.drogheda.ie www.loughcrew.com Heritage Week In Ireland. Art in Action, , Drogheda, Co. Louth 22nd – 30th August, 2009 30th May – 1st June, 2009 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)56 777 0777 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)1 660 3886 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.heritageweek.ie www.artinaction.ie Strand Races, Laytown, Co. Meath Drogheda Samba Festival, Drogheda, Co. Louth 1 st S e p t e m b e r , 2 0 0 9 26th – 28th June, 2009 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)41 984 2111 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)41 983 8332 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Festivals and events www.solo.ie/samba O’Carolan Harp, Cultural & Heritage Festival, Nobber, Co. Meath Meath International Festival, Navan, Co. Meath 2nd – 4th October, 2009 celebrating our culture! 2 8 t h J u n e , 2 0 0 9 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)46 905 2115 Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)46 906 7337 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] www.carolanfestival.com www.meathfestival.ie Ardee Baroque Festival, Ardee & Collon, Trim Swift Festival, Trim, Co. Meath Co. Louth The Boyne Valley is long renowned for its great festivals. In 2nd – 5th July, 2009 20th – 22nd November, 2009 Email: [email protected] Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)41 685 3234 pre-historic times the Tailteann Games – Ireland’s Olympic www.trimswiftfestival.com Email: [email protected] www.createlouth.ie Games – involving athletic and artistic competition were Adelaide Kells Road Races, , held near Kells, Co. Meath. In continuance of this great Kells, Co. Meath 17th – 19th July, 2009

tradition visitors to the region today will find an array of Contact: Telephone + 353 (0)46 924 0972 Email: [email protected] festivals and cultural events to suit all tastes and ages. www.kellsroadraces.com

51 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST 53 FOR MOREINFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/EASTCOAST Baggot Street Bridge,Street2 Baggot Dublin F: (01) 602 4100 / 855 6821 855 / 4100 602 (01) (01) 602 4000 / 884 7700 884 / 4000 602 (01) Amiens Street,1 Amiens Dublin www.discoverireland.ie www.failteireland.ie T: 1890 525 525 525 1890 Fáilte Ireland, Fáilte For further information please contact: please information For further W: W: + 353 (0)44 9348761 www.discoverireland.ie/eastcoast E: E: [email protected] Bru na Boinne na BruTourist Office T: + 353 (0)41 9880305 (0)41 353 + VisitorCentre Co.Meath Donore

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