Set right where the River Boyne and the Leinster Blackwater meet, Navan lies in the heart of Meath and is the largest town in the county, making it an epicentre for activity.  

Every busy day of discovering needs a hit of caffeine, so start your morning with a visit to Mug & Bean (which is aptly located on Brews Hill) for a cup of coffee and a breakfast sandwich. Then, head to Bective Abbey just outside of town. This 12th-century abbey was one of the country’s most significant monastic settlements, but more recently it played a starring role in blockbuster films such as Braveheart. Go back even further into the annals with a trip to Donaghmore Round Tower. Supposedly built on a settlement once founded by St Patrick himself, the 10th-century tower has withstood the test of time and has even held onto some of its original carvings and sculptures.  

A short drive up the road are the ruins of Dunmoe Castle, a four-storey castle that overlooks the River Boyne and once belonged to the notable D’Arcy family in the 15th century. Although only fragments of the castle remain, the estate’s original chapel still stands, albeit overgrown, as well as the family crypt which still contains some members of the family.  

If you’d rather take a more hands-on approach to history, book some time at An Gobha Iron Works and Experience, just outside of the town centre. Combining folklore, theatrics and iron age metal forging, this immersive experience brings you through the everyday tasks of a blacksmith and shares what life was truly like when Irish kings ruled the lands. 

If you fancy catching a race, visit the Navan Racecourse. You can grab a coffee or sit down for a meal in one of the restaurants overlooking the racetrack. They have different special events throughout the year, from the Navan Racing Festival in November to family fun days and summer barbecues.  

Where to eat and stay in Navan 

Perfect for a casual weekend lunch or a romantic dinner paired with live music, The Central in the middle of Navan town gives you the chance to set the vibe for your evening. Opt for a cocktail in their vintage lounge or stay warm with an Irish coffee on their heated rooftop terrace. Start your meal off with sticky baby back ribs, followed by fresh scampi or their Thai beef noodles.  

Photo credit: @thecentralnavan

With a focus on using fresh, local produce, Room8 showcases Irish ingredients across their diverse menu, from miso baked seabass with wilted greens to cider braised pork belly with Clonakilty black pudding and charred baby carrots.  

For a night cap, stop off at The Lantern, Navan’s oldest pub. Settle into a snug with a pint of your choice and enjoy live entertainment, including live music, set dancing and, during the summer months, storytelling sessions. 

Looking to stay the night in Navan? Explore accommodation in Meath to help plan your stay.  

With its network of narrow winding streets and well-maintained Norman architecture, Trim is one of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval towns. Along with the remaining historic buildings, Trim was also a favourite amongst notable figures throughout history, including St Patrick, who built a church in the town, as well as writer Jonathan Swift who often spent time there.  

Much like Navan, Trim rests along the banks of the River Boyne and has plenty of water-based activities that will have you starting your morning energised and ready for the day. Explore 8km of the Boyne Blueway with Boyne Valley Activities on one of their kayaking or rafting tours, taking in views of the lush riverbanks and Trim’s past as you go.  

After, warm yourself up with a coffee and an oozing chocolate pudding at Evy’s Café before visiting Trim’s most notable attraction, Trim Castle, which also features prominently in Braveheart. Built by Lord Hugh De Lacy of Meath in 1172, it is the largest Anglo-Norman fortification in the country and has undergone extensive restorations over the years. The chance to admire the castle’s inner keep is well-worth taking, especially since visitors must book a slot in one of the guided tours but be sure to check the schedule in advance as it may change depending on the season. 

For those seeking a bit of R&R, a pampering session at the River Spa at the Knightsbrook Hotel will do the trick. Don a cosy bath robe and forget about the world as you treat yourself to a relaxing facial, soothe any sore muscles with a massage or sweat it out in the spa’s herbal sauna.  

Where to eat in Trim 

For a comforting lunch in a chilled-out atmosphere, snag a bench in Coffee Works Trim, a great spot to people-watch. Pair your favourite coffee with hearty toastie, or keep it light with an açai bowl.  

Photo credit: @coffeeworkseire

Relatively new to the food scene in Trim, Flambé is a trendy restaurant and cocktail bar that showcases local producers and artisans through their colourful dishes. Try the braised lamb shank, served with a rosemary garlic red wine jus before, or tuck into their apple crumble.  

Photo credit: @flambe_trim

For a meal by a roaring fire, check out Brogan’s Bar and Hotel. Set in Trim’s oldest hotel, their menu includes roast dinners, a signature beef burger and a tasty veg curry. They also host live music every weekend for dinner with a show. 

Finish your three-day weekend with a visit to Slane, a small town on the border between Meath and Louth. Built on the slope of a steep hill, the town’s history goes all the way back to the Neolithic period – today it’s also known for its sweet shopfronts, nice cafés and friendly locals. 

Start your day off with a coffee and a packed breakfast burrito from Silly Sid’s before taking a short walk to the Francis Ledwidge Museum, built in memory of a famous Slane native. Enter the 19th-century cottage and learn about the short but impactful life of Ledwidge, an Irish poet who died in WWI, through his poetry and memorabilia from that time. 

It’s a short journey from here to Slane Castle. Unlike many other fortresses of its time, Slane Castle looks as good as the day it was built and serves as the main residence of its owner, Henry Conyngham, Earl of Mount Charles. Although the beautiful parklands and extravagant interiors are often hired for concerts and weddings, the castle grounds also have several summer walking trails, and you can’t forget about Slane Distillery.  

While on the grounds, pay a visit to the repurposed 18th-century stable block and enjoy an immersive tour of the whiskey distillery, where the wooden fermenters and handmade copper pots are still in action. No distillery tour is complete without a whiskey tasting which can be enjoyed in the bar on-site. 

Make a short journey east towards Drogheda and you’ll arrive at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, the setting for one of the most pivotal battles in Irish history. Stroll the green plains and admire the canon replicas before entering the impressive Oldbridge House where, through narrative and laser demonstrations, the story of the battle is brought to life. They also host historical reenactments so visitors can feel a part of the action. After, feel free to grab a bite to eat in the centre’s coffee shop.  

Travel further back in time by adding the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in nearby Donore to your itinerary. Dive deep into the Boyne Valley’s history before taking a guided tour to the area’s most famous landmark, the ancient burial site at Newgrange. Run your hands along the Neolithic stone carvings and learn about the unique event that takes place during the winter solstice. After, make your way to the smaller burial sites at Knowth and Dowth, both of which are over 5,000 years old.  

Where to eat and stay in Slane 

Though not quite as old as the area’s historical sights, the Conynham Arms has been a staple in Slane for many years. Serving up meals all day every day, including their traditional afternoon tea, their cosy atmosphere offers the ideal setting for a relaxing bite after a busy day exploring.  

Bringing Mediterranean cuisine to the town is Inside Out, with a spread of pizzas, salad, and plates to choose from, including spiced chickpea falafel served with olives and tzatziki.  

If you want to spend the night in Slane, make your way to Rock Farm Slane, an organic farm located on the Slane Castle estate. With a focus on ecotourism, all their accommodation options are built with the environment in mind. Sleep below the stars in one of their bell tents, yurts or shepherds' huts, all of which share a communal living and kitchen space. Or enjoy a romantic night in one of their eco-lodges made from straw bales. There’s even a natural swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub where you can reflect and choose your favourite moment from the weekend.