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| County Meath |
The County of Meath has played an important role in the Irish history. In ancient times Ireland was divided into 5 provinces instead of the 4 now and Meath was a Province in itself. It was the ceremonial place where the High King of Ireland was throned and where his citadel was located. This is why there’s an image of a king on the county crest (see below). As you'll be able to see on this page, the county is rich in historical sites, which are for most of them worth a visit (particularly Loughcrew!). If you plan to stay a few days in this county, here's what you could see, do or visit. Some examples in image and in text. |
| 1. Visit Trim Castle... [    ] Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a 30-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare (also called Strongbow, see also County Laois). Construction of the massive three-storied keep was begun c. 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. Note that it was here in Trim that part of the film "BraveHeart" was filmed starring Mel Gibson. |
| 2. Walk on the Hill of Tara... [ ] Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ. Unfortunately nowadays, the site can only be genuinely appreciated seen from the sky. When you're on the ground, the hill of Tara looks more like a golf course. |
| 3. Visit the site of Newgrange... [ ] Newgrange is one of the most well-known sites in Ireland. You will see a huge Megalithic Passage Tomb. This one was built in Newgrange in about 3,200 BC. The kidney shaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19m long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber. |
| 4. Enter the passage of Newgrange... [ ] When you visit the site, you are of course invited to enter the mound via its unique entrance. The passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated during 17 minutes at dawn on the Winter Solstice and for a few mornings either side of the Winter Solstice. During your visit, this phenomenon is replicated using small lamps installed in the chamber. A draw is organised every year to select those who will have the chance to see the actual event. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years. |
| 5. Pass at Knowth... [ ] The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds (see photo). The Great Mound was build around 5000 years ago and has 2 passages with entrances on opposite sides, the western passage is 34m long and the eastern passage is 40m long, ending with a cruciform chamber. |
6. Admire the landscape in Loughcrew... [  ] This place is less popular and less well known than Newgrange. The area is free of charge and you'll be able to see stone circles and cairns, showing the site had important functions 5,000 years ago. The Hills of the area are also called Hills of the Witch. Loughcrew is probably one of my favourite sites in Ireland. It is not really well known by the tourists, maybe it's for the best? |
| 7. Admire Cairn T in Loughcrew... [ ] The tombs are located on 3 different hills and Cairn T (see photo), one of the largest tombs in the complex, is situated on Cairnbane East. Inside this tomb lies a cruciform chamber, a corbelled roof and some of the most beautiful examples of Neolithic art in Ireland. Contrary to Newgrange, the sunlight enters the chamber and illuminates the inside of the tomb, at dawn, at two periods of the year: during the Vernal and Autumn Equinox. |
| 8. Admire Cairn L in Loughcrew... [ ] and here's a photo of Cairn L, located on another hill. |
9. Visit Loughcrew Gardens... |
| County Meath in pictures | ||
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 Photo 2. Hill of Tara. |
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 Photo 3. The site of Newgrange. |
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 Photo 4. Passage of Newgrange. |
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 Photo 5. A satellit in Knowth. |
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 Photo 6. View from Loughcrew. |
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 Photo 7. Cairn T in Loughcrew. |
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 Photo 8. Cairn L in Loughcrew. |
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 Photo 9. Loughcrew Gardens. |
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Legend:
Nice; Worth a visit; Well worth visiting
Please note that this grading system is only based on my interests and personal experience as a French expat in Ireland. Feel free to visit the same locations and share your experience 
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Free or Not Applicable Entrance fee ≤€5 ; €5<Entrance fee≤€10 ; €10<Entrance fee≤€15 and so on...
These price ranges are indicative only to help you plan your holiday budget and are subject to change. Discounts generally apply for families, groups, children, students and seniors citizens.
While the admission to this site is free, a parking fee may apply.
Heritage Site managed by the Office of Public Works. Most OPW sites are free of charge on the first Wednesday of every month during 2011. A Good tip: the Heritage Card entitles you unlimited admission for one year to all OPW sites (around €21).