ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURIST SITES IN THE MEATH AREA
Meath is one of the richest archaeological areas in Ireland. Some sites, notably Brugh na Boinne (Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth), Tara and Kells are already established tourist attractions but there are many more in this relatively small area that are easy to locate and explore.
Within the county boundaries of Meath and a little beyond into Louth as well as North County Dublin there is much to attract the visitor with an interest in archaeology, history and heritage.
The area has considerable natural resources, good land, an accessible shoreline and fine rivers such as the Boyne and Blackwater. No doubt this was a factor that encouraged and sustained settlement from the Middle Stone Age times (c.8, 000 B.C.) down to the present day. It was during the course of the Neolithic (Late Stone Age, c. 4,000 - 2,500 B.C.) that settlement expanded. Clear evidence for this is provided by the great cemeteries of passage tombs that date from approximately 5,000 years ago. Amongst these are the massive tombs of Brugh na Boinne where a visit to the sites is enhanced by a first rate interpretive centre with excellent displays and visitor facilities.
Other passage tombs in the region include the several sites at Loughcrew near Oldcastle and the sites at Fourknocks in the valley of the Delvin River inland from Gormanston. The mounds of some of these passage tombs, such as Fourknocks and the Mound of the Hostages at Tara were reused for burial during the Earlier Bronze Age; c. 2,000 -1,500 B.C. but separate mounds were also constructed at that time as in the Fourknocks area. The next major cultural expansion took place during the Iron Age, c.200 B.C.-400 A.D.
Tara became the leading site for that period but the background to other important sites, especially Teltown (between Navan and Kells ) and the Hill of Ward (near Athboy) may go back to the Iron Age. Further changes took place around the 5th century and; in those the Hill of Slane played a key role. At that time Christianity was emerging and before long major ecclesiastical centres were established. These include Termonfeckin, Monasterboice, Kells and the less well known Castlekeeran which is near Carnaross. Each of these sites have important examples of Early Christian stone carving most notably the splendid scriptural High Crosses.
The beginning of the medieval period, 12th century, was another time of change. Rurally this led to the emergence of a new Norman secular society and an associated settlement pattern. One of the most significant sites of this era is the magnificent castle in Trim and there are several Norman mottes to be seen in other parts of the county. Ecclesiastical changes took place at this time also, notably the establishment of Mellifont Abbey by the Cistercians. The ruins of Bective Abbey near Trim are also well worth a visit.
Meath has several historic towns and villages with interesting remains. St. Lawrence’s Gate in Drogheda is the sole remaining gate of the now largely vanished medieval town walls. Millmount, also in Drogheda is a large prehistoric mound which was crowned with a fine fort in the 14th century and was stormed by Cromwell in 1649.
Another excellent attraction in this area is the Oldbridge estate between Drogheda and Slane. The house is in the heart of the Battle of the Boyne site and there is a most interesting interpretive centre there with all the usual visitor facilities.
The village of Slane is an interesting example of an estate village and contains some fine examples of Georgian architecture. To the west and on the banks of the Boyne is Slane Castle and estate which is the ancestral home of the Marquess of Conyngham. It is possible to visit the castle at certain times.
Many of the sites mentioned above are open to the public and many are free of charge. Those which have an entrance fee such as Brugh na Boinne, Tara and Mellifont generally provide a daily guide service.
See www.meath.ie for further information or feel free to browse the various reference books in our new Heritage Library.