| Located just north of Dublin, County Meath is an | | | | Meath as an extensive breeding and training |
| understated gem of a destination, overshadowed | | | | industry exists there. Navan and Fairyhouse are |
| by the more famous southern and western | | | | two of the most prominent tracks in the country |
| counties of Ireland for tourist attractions. The | | | | whilst the annual Laytown Strand Races are |
| proximity of the Meath to Dublin is actually a | | | | unique in Europe. The quirky and homely hilltop |
| disadvantage to tourism in the county as many of | | | | course at Bellewstown hosts two cheery festivals |
| those who come to see its sights stay only for a | | | | a year. |
| day as part of Dublin based tour, for example. In | | | | Navan is the County Town of Meath, which is a |
| doing so, the visitor only gets a glimpse of the | | | | large county, both in land mass and population. |
| county that has so much to offer it merits more | | | | Navan has a population of 25,000 and the county |
| than a day trip. Known as the "Royal County" | | | | population in the 2006 census was 162,000. Many |
| because of the association with the High Kings of | | | | residents of Dublin have migrated to Meath to live |
| Ireland at the wonderful prehistoric site at Tara, it | | | | and commute to the capital thus ensuring that |
| provides a plethora of sights and activities for the | | | | towns such as Ashbourne and Dunshauglin have |
| day visitor or better still, the long stay traveller. | | | | overtaken Navan in size. Navan lies at the |
| The most famous visitor attraction in Meath is | | | | confluence of the rivers Boyne and Blackwater. |
| Newgrange, the 5000-year megalithic tombs and | | | | Once famed for the production of its fine carpets, |
| passage grave settlement in the Boyne Valley. If | | | | it is also the location of Tara Mines, Europe's |
| possible, why not make a visit on the shortest | | | | largest lead and zinc mine. |
| day of the year and see the Newgrange Winter | | | | Navan boasts a range of quality accommodation, |
| Solstice along with its lesser known but | | | | restaurants, hostelries and bars and is a good |
| nonetheless fascinating sister sites of Dowth, and | | | | base for touring the Boyne Valley. Navan has a |
| Knowth. The visitor centre that provides a huge | | | | wonderful range of shopping facilities with several |
| wealth of information is called Bru na Boinne and is | | | | shopping centres hosting well known international |
| located south of the River Boyne just west of | | | | and Irish brands. In Bective Abbey, just outside |
| the town of Drogheda. The site is an UNESCO | | | | the town, the substantial remains of Ireland's |
| World Heritage site. Not as famous, but certainly | | | | second Cistercian monastery founded in 1147 is |
| very interesting, is Loughcrew another megalithic | | | | located. This played a part in the film Braveheart |
| site to the west of the county, near the town of | | | | where the main setting for the battle sequences |
| Oldcastle. | | | | in that film was Trim Castle, 15 kilometres south |
| The Boyne Valley area is one of the most | | | | of Navan. The castle is open to the public and is |
| interesting tourist and heritage areas in Ireland. | | | | the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland built by |
| The River Boyne, joined by the River Blackwater | | | | Hugo de Lacy over a 30-year period starting in |
| at Navan, flows into the Irish Sea at Drogheda, a | | | | 1176. |
| port town that straddles the border between | | | | The excellent retail therapy in the county capital |
| counties Louth and Meath divided by the River | | | | Navan is complemented by other towns of Kells, |
| Boyne. The Boyne River is probably the most | | | | Trim, Ashbourne (the fastest growing town in |
| historic and legendary river in the country with its | | | | Meath) and Oldcastle. Restaurant, hotel and spa |
| association with the famous Battle of the Boyne | | | | facilities abound throughout the county and beach |
| in 1690 and the mythical legend of the Salmon of | | | | lovers are catered for with one of the finest |
| Knowledge found in its waters. | | | | beaches in Ireland stretching from Mornington |
| Sporting aficionados will be spoilt for choice with | | | | through Bettystown to Laytown south of |
| superb angling, golf and horseracing facilities. The | | | | Drogheda. Many public parks and excellent walking |
| latter is more than just a pastime in County | | | | trails are a feature of the Royal County. |