Royal Meath & Hill of Tara

Meath was once the fifth province of Ireland - the sacred royal centre from which High Kings ruled. This route explores the Hill of Tara and the ancient landscape that made Meath the spiritual heart of Celtic Ireland.

Why This Route?

Royal Meath speaks to Ireland's pre-Christian soul:

• Hill of Tara - Seat of 142 High Kings
• Spiritual landscape - Sacred sites aligned across the land
• Ancient assembly - Where kings were crowned and laws proclaimed
• Mythological - Every hill has legends attached
• Accessible mystery - Visible remains and invisible power

Where to Stay

This 121km route runs northwest from Dublin through the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle, and Bective Abbey before reaching Kells and Slane. While you could day-trip from Dublin, basing yourself in Trim places you at the geographic heart of Royal Meath and avoids the commute back to the capital each evening.

Trim

Trim's accommodation scene has grown steadily, with heritage hotels, riverside guesthouses, and B&Bs all within walking distance of Ireland's largest Norman castle. The Hill of Tara is barely 20 minutes east, Bective Abbey is five minutes north, and Kells is a short drive further on. After a full day of ancient sites you can walk along the Boyne from your hotel to Trim Castle, floodlit after dark.

The Hill of Tara

Tara (Teamhair) was the inauguration place of the High Kings of Ireland for over 2,000 years. Though the visible remains are subtle (grass-covered earthworks), the site's importance cannot be overstated.

What You'll See

• Rath of the Synods - Earthwork where St Patrick confronted the druids
• Mound of the Hostages - 4,500-year-old passage tomb
• Rath na Rí - The Fort of the Kings, central enclosure
• Stone of Destiny - The Lia Fáil, said to cry out for the true king
• Banqueting Hall - Processional avenue (not actually a hall)

Visitor Centre

The church houses an excellent audio-visual presentation explaining Tara's significance.

The Route

Starting from Dublin

Take the N3 northwest toward Navan, turning off at Dunshaughlin.

Dunshaughlin

An ancient church site, though the modern town has little of historic interest.

Tara

Allow at least 1.5-2 hours for the hill and visitor centre. Walk the full site for the best understanding.

Skryne (Achall)

A village with a medieval church and tower. Legend says Queen Maeve is buried in the nearby mound.

Hill of Slane

Where St Patrick lit the paschal fire in 433 AD, challenging the High King at Tara. The hill offers excellent views and atmospheric ruins.

Navan

The county town, at the confluence of the Boyne and Blackwater rivers. The town has good facilities but limited historic interest.

Kells

A monastic town of major importance:

Kells Monastery

Famous for the Book of Kells (now in Trinity College Dublin), the monastery preserves:

• Round tower
• High crosses (5 survive)
• St Columba's House (9th-century stone-roofed oratory)

Market Cross

An unusual cross in the town square.

Loughcrew (Optional Extension)

The Slieve na Calliagh hills host a remarkable passage tomb cemetery - see Hidden Meath route.

The High Kings

Over 142 High Kings were inaugurated at Tara, including legendary figures:

• Conn of the Hundred Battles
• Cormac Mac Airt - The Solomon of Ireland
• Niall of the Nine Hostages - Ancestor of the O'Neills
• Lóegaire - Who confronted St Patrick

The last High King to use Tara was Máel Sechnaill II (died 1022).

Mythology

The Lia Fáil

The Stone of Destiny would shriek when the rightful king touched it. Some believe this stone was taken to Scotland (the Stone of Scone), while others say it remains at Tara.

The Feast of Tara

Every three years, a great assembly (feis) was held at Tara to proclaim laws, settle disputes, and celebrate. The gathering could last weeks.

Walking

Tara Loop

• Distance: 3km
• Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: All major monuments

Hill of Slane

• Distance: 1km
• Time: 30 minutes
• Difficulty: Easy
• Highlights: Ruins, views to Tara

Practical Tips

1. Tara is exposed - Bring layers for wind and rain
2. Interpretation panels - Read them to understand the landscape
3. Quiet visit - Go early or late for atmosphere
4. Kells is a working town - Monuments scattered through streets
5. Combine with Boyne Valley - They complement each other

Before You Drive This Route

At 121km the Royal Meath & Hill of Tara looks like a 2.5 hours drive on paper. Allow 1 day and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. For what a trip like this costs in 2026, from fuel to beds, see the budget guide. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Meath page, and the Boyne Valley UNESCO Trail pairs naturally with this one.