Whether you’re discovering your Irish heritage or enjoying learning about history, you should visit County Meath. The county is also home to some of the most monumental heritage sites and historic places. These places tell the tales of Christian and Irish history through their beauty.
If you don’t have a lot of time, start early in the morning and take a weekend trip to County Meath from Dublin. Here are some things you can do while you’re there.
1. Walk in the Hill of Tara
Start by walking in the historic Hill of Tara. It was most famous during the Neolithic Age and was later taken up by the High Kings of the country. While you’re there, make sure to visit the Neolithic tomb, the mound of the hostages, the ring forts (dating back to the Iron Age) and the Lia Fail.
2. Visit UNESCO World Heritage Battle of the Boyne Site
During 1690, the famous Battle of the Boyne began near Drogheda (on the east coast of Ireland) between Catholic King James II and Protestant King William III. Once the battle ended, the Protestant church won and took control of the country. Later, the site of the battle was marked as a heritage centre because of its significance in Irish and Christian history.
While you’re there, you should also visit Newgrange’s passage tomb (called Brú na Bóinne), which was made in 3,200 BC. This magnificent mound is currently preserved as a World UNESCO heritage site and has some of the most historically significant art from the megalithic era.
3. Discover the Monastery of Kells
If you’re interested in learning about Christian history, your trip will be incomplete without a visit to Kells. The famous St Columba’s Church now marks the site that once housed the Monastery of Kells. The Columban community from Iona Island shifted to Kells and made this church the primary Columban church in the country. The monastery also completed The Great Book of Kells in this church.
4. Learn About Paganism at Hill of Slane
Before 433 AD, paganism was the primary religion followed in Ireland. One of the most significant places in pagan Ireland is the Hill of Slane. If you want to learn more about the pagan culture, you should definitely visit this site. It’s where the Festival of Pagan was first announced, and it’s also the place where St Patrick lit the Paschal Fire. Eventually, he was able to begin converting the Irish population to Christianity.
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Whether you’re heading to the county for a weekend or a week-long trip, you can rest assured that we will give you a complete experience.
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