Things to see and do in MEATH

The town of Kells in County Meath is one of the highlights of any tour of Ireland’s historic Boyne Valley. Boasting great religious significance, Kells Monastery originally included four high crosses built in the 9th century by the monks of St Colmcille’s of Iona, Scotland in 804. The famous Book of Kells was completed at the monastery, which also features a round tower. The 9th century sandstone Market Cross, known as the “Cross of the Gate” has carvings which signified that a fugitive could claim sanctuary once inside the boundary of the monastic area. The South Cross, or the Cross of St. Patrick and St. Columba is closest to the roundtower and thought to be the earliest of the Kells crosses. Standing 3.3 meters high, it is carved from a single block of sandstone. Visit Kells in Co. Meath to examine the details of these monuments to the monastic age of Ireland.

Meath County Crafts is housed in Trim Visitor Centre which is one minute’s walk from King John’s Castle. The centre has an excellent audiovisual show about the medieval past of Trim and Co. Meath. Meath County Crafts stock a huge range of crafts from the Boyne Valley region and the rest of Ireland, North and South. Many makers are Crafts Council of Ireland approved. The range includes pottery, leather, textiles, metalwork, ceramics, jewellery, wood, soaps and much more. To visit the workshops of some of the Meath craft workers, it is advisable to make an appointment prior to visiting. clancybrothersfestival.com

Malahide Castle is a magnificent medieval castle just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport. The castle is set on 250 acres of parkland with a story dating back to the 12th Century. Enjoy daily tours of the castle, visit the ornamental walled gardens, fairy trail, exotic butterfly house and dine or shop at the Avoca Café and Retail store. We look forward to your visit.

Malahide Castle was home to the Talbot family for nearly 800 years and with a history dating back to 1185, there are plenty of stories to be told. Enjoy a guided tour of Dublin’s most loved medieval castle just 10 minutes from Dublin Airport and 13 km from Dublin city centre. See the splendour of Lord Milo Talbot’s walled botanical garden, the butterfly house and West Lawn. Take a break and breath of fresh air on Avoca’s café terrace, overlooking the walled garden, or engage in some retail therapy in the Museum Shop in the visitor centre. For more visit www.malahidecastleandgardens.ie