Vacation Guide

Ireland golf vacation guide : To do and see

MEATH

Boyne Valley Interpretative Centre - situated on the river Boyne, the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre provides information on local history and folklore including information on the famous Battle of the Boyne, which changed the course of Irish history. This centre also has a replica of Newgrange complete with simulated solstice experience and a visit is recommended.

Butterstream Gardens – is one of Ireland’s finest gardens. A gothic bridge creates a theatrical entrance to the gardens while a tower provides spectacular views over sections of the garden.

Hill of Slane – situated about half a mile from the village of Slane, legend has it that St. Patrick once lit an Easter fire here to show the light of Christianity in Ireland. Though the High King at the time forbade such acts, it is said that following a meeting with the saint, the King subsequently capitulated and allowed Patrick to continue to spread the word of Christianity.

Hill of Tara – originally the seat of the Irish High Kings, the largest section on the Hill is part of the "Royal Enclosure", where the Stone of Destiny can be found. The Hill of Tara Visitor Centre, established in a renovated Protestant church, offers a detailed history of Tara and surrounding features.

Ledwidge Museum – situated about half a mile from the town of Drogheda, this farm cottage was the birthplace of the renowned poet, Francis Ledwidge, who was killed in 1917 during the First World War. There is also a folk and transport museum located in this building.

Moynalty –an attractive village in Meath, featuring the "Steam Threshing Festival" in August each year. Almost the entire local community participates in this unique display of farming once practiced in Ireland. The festival features Irish dancing sessions and a temporary museum of antiquated farm implements and antiques.

Newgrange – is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland and was built in 3200 BC as a burial site for local chiefs. This site is older than the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge. This circular tumulus has a standing stone above the entrance and the rising sun of the winter solstice, which occurs on the shortest day of the year; floods the main passage with light for almost twenty minutes. This is truly a remarkable sight.

Trim Town – situated on the river Boyne, this handsome town encapsulates a number of important heritage sites and is one of the oldest ecclesiastical centres in Ireland. Impossible to miss, King John’s Castle is the largest Norman castle in Ireland and was visited by no less than three English kings. The castle eventually fell Oliver Cromwell in 1649. Such was the importance of Trim in medieval times that Queen Elizabeth I considered establishing Trinity College in Trim rather than Dublin.