Day Tours of the Boyne Valley

Looking for an adventure into the rich heritage and history of the Boyne Valley? Explore County Meath and County Louth with a Private Day Tour from Boyne Valley Tours. Whether you prefer a recommended tour or a customized experience, our tours offer an array of fascinating destinations.

Discover the Meath megalithic monuments at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, explore Fourknocks, marvel at the high crosses at Monasterboice, and witness the grandeur of Trim Castle. Immerse yourself in the legends of the Hill of Tara and the Hill of Slane, explore the grounds of Slane Castle, or visit the historic site of the Battle of the Boyne. With so many incredible heritage sites, castles, and ancient ruins to choose from, the adventure is just waiting for you!

Make your touring experience truly one-of-a-kind with our personalized tours! We'll pick you up from your accommodation or cruise ship in the Meath, Louth, or Dublin area, ensuring that you can explore the Boyne Valley in comfort and style. You'll be transported in either a Skoda Superb Sedan or a luxurious Mercedes MVP, providing you with the perfect vehicle to suit your needs. No need to worry about logistics or transportation - we've got you covered!

Day Tours by coach from Dublin

Mary Gibbons runs an excellent coach tour of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara. There are a number of convenient pickup points in Dublin city. The Tour runs daily, price of 75 Euro covers access to the actual Newgrange monument.  More ...

Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for a visit to Newgrange and Knowth. Access to the actual sites is only available through a shared guided tour with the onsite guides. This applies to visitors arriving by their own transport or on a private tour.

The knowledgeable onsite guides will take you on an informative and engaging tour, providing insight into these ancient monuments.

The first step in planning a visit is to book tickets online. Tickets are available 30 days in advance, the Brú na Bóinne Tour visiting Newgrange and Knowth takes about 3 hours. The Newgrange only tour takes about 2 hours.

Slane Historic Trail

There is a wealth of heritage sites in Slane and visitors to the town can follow a trail commencing at the Slane Cottages to learn more about the estate village of Slane, County Meath.

Slane Cottages

The Slane cottages are situated at Canon row. Often called Cavan Row which got its name from the labourers who came from Cavan to work at the Slane Estate. Locals say it was called Lilac Lane due to the Lilac tree located at the end, now gone. These cottages were gifted to Meath County Council by Lord Henry Mount Charles in 2009.

The Village Square

Slane is one of the most attractive villages in Ireland and it was the Conynghams, a military family rising to prominence at the time of William of Orange, who created this Georgian village. The centre of the village, known as the Square has four identical Georgian houses built during the 1760s on land leased to private individuals by Viscount Conyngham.

Slane Castle

The building as it stands today dates from 1785 and James Wyatt, James Gandon and Francis Johnston were all commissioned by William Conyngham to assist in the design. The estate was purchased by the Conyngham family in 1701 after the lands were forfeited by the previous owners, the Fleming family in 1641, and it remains in the Conyngham family to the present day. In 1984 U2 lived in Slane Castle while recording 'The Unforgettable Fire'. Ironically, in 1991 much of the castle was severely damaged by fire, but it has been restored to its former glory by Lord Henry Mount Charles.

Saint Patrick

It was on the Hill of Slane, according to ancient manuscripts, that Saint Patrick lit the Paschal Fire on Easter Eve in AD 433. St. Patrick's fire challenged the Pagan law that forbade the lighting of any other fire while the festive fire at Tara still burned. King Laoghaire was alarmed to see a fire lit on a prominent hill within sight of Tara and said that Patrick was not to be honoured in any way.

Saint Erc

Erc was the only member of King Laoghaire's retinue to break ranks and pay homage to Patrick. Patrick baptised Erc and later consecrated him first Bishop of Slane. Tradition ascribes the foundation of the original monastery on the Hill of Slane to Saint Erc. In the graveyard stand two stones, the remains of a tomb of great antiquity known as Erc's Tomb. Saint Erc's foundation thrived in Slane and had an honourable history for at least six hundred years.

Dagobert

Legend has it that Slane Monastery was a place of sanctity and scholarship during the quieter centuries before the arrival of the Vikings and Normans. In 653, the King of Austrasia (a kingdom in eastern Gaul) died aged 21 years leaving his two year old son Dagobert as heir. His chief ministers assumed control over the affairs of state and young Dagobert was sent to Slane Monastery to be educated. After twenty years Prince Dagobert returned home to become king.

The ruins on the hill today consist of a Franciscan Church and College. They were erected by Christopher Fleming in 1512, the Fleming Family were Lords of Slane for over 500 years.

Slane Mill

The flour mill and mill-house at Slane are two of the finest examples of industrial architecture in Ireland, completed by 1766. The mill was initiated through a business transaction between William Conyngham of Slane Castle, Blayney Balfour of Townley Hall and David Jebb, an engineer for the Boyne Navigation Company.

The local farmers supplied the mill with wheat and once the wheat had been milled, the flour could be transported via the Boyne Navigation to Drogheda and further on to home or foreign ports. From 1880 the mill was used as a coal depot. Towards the end of the first World War, flax scutching machinery was installed by Messers. Leitch, an Ulster firm. In the 1930s flour bag cloth was produced. The new weaving factory was opened in 1954. In 1959 a spinning mill was added. Weaving ceased in 1978, spinning in 1982 and the mill finally closed in 1983.

The Millhouse

In the early 20th century, the millhouse ceased to be used as accommodation for the managers and operated as the Boyneville Hotel, catering for tourists who enjoyed the pleasure trips operating along the canal which ran from Oldbridge to Navan from 1905 to 1914. Since 1980 it has been owned by The Quigley family from Dundalk who developed the Millhouse Hotel in 2006.

Slane Historic Trail Map in PDF format

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now