Newgrange Lodge is superbly located as a base from which to explore all that the Boyne Valley region and Ireland’s Heritage Capital has to offer. From Cultural and Heritage Activities to beautiful forest and river walks along the Boyne River, cycling trails, famous fishing rivers, arts and crafts, beaches within a 15 minute drive, Funtasia and Tayto Park plus a fantastic choice of artisan food cafes and restaurants throughout the county, you’re spoilt for choice!

ATTRACTIONS – cultural and historic

Newgrange Hostel is located opposite the world famous UNESCO Heritage site of Newgrange, an ancient temple over 5000 years old – that’s 500 years older than the Great Pyramids and 1000 years older than Stonehenge! Visit the burial chamber in Newgrange where the whole tomb lights up on only one day a year for 17 minutes on the Winter Solstice, showing the advanced thinking of the time.  There’s a huge lottery list of people for this event – add your name you might get lucky!

Staying at this Newgrange hostel, you’re just 15 minutes from the Battle of the Boyne Heritage Centre, the historic town of Drogheda with its wonderful Churches and Martello tower dating from Norman times, the Hill of Tara from where the High Kings of Ireland once ruled the country. There’s also Trim Castle – Ireland’s largest example of a Anglo-Norman Castle, Monasterboice which contains two of the finest High Crosses in Ireland, Mellifont Abbey and the quaint village of Slane. Slane is home to the impressive Slane Castle famous for hosting some of Ireland’s most famous and legendary rock concerts. Past concerts include U2, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, the Kings of Leon and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.

Walking Trails: There are plenty of walking trails through out the county including the Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk which is a 5mile/8km walk along the River Boyne. Forest walks can be taken nearby at Littlewood Forest or at Townley Hall. Both walks are well signposted and comprise of a varied mix of conifer and broadleaved tree species. Littlewood Forest also displays interesting information detailing the flora and fauna in the woods for the curious nature-lover!

There are also plenty of Eco Trails throughout the county and local guides are available.

Cycling: Free bike hire is provided at the hostel. Newgrange hostel is happy to provide a map outlining a number of cycling trails around the county that take in many of the historic attractions en route as you cycle around the lush, country scenery of Meath.

Local guided tours around Newgrange

The staff at the lodge will be delighted to assist you in arranging a tour of the area. We also have a list of recommended, qualified guides who are experts in the local history of the area should you wish to organise your own private tour at a small price.

Family Activities

Families can enjoy a mix of culture and fun for the kids. Visit Red Mountain Open Farm located only 5 minutes from the Lodge. This farm provides an ideal opportunity for the kids to meet the animals in the petting farm.

Alternatively you could splash out in Funtasia, Ireland’s largest indoor water theme park and amusement centre. Located in Drogheda, Funtasia is a 10 minute drive from the Lodge.

Or if you like your crisps, then you have to visit Tayto Park, Ireland’s newest theme park based on Ireland’s most popular potato! It’s only located 20 minutes drive from Newgrange Lodge.

Group Activities for School & Youth Groups

Just launched this year Newgrange Lodge are excited to offer Full and Half Day Activity packages to youth groups on site in the adjoining 7 acres at Newgrange Lodge.

Packages will include the following activities:

•    Archery

•    Paint Ball Shooting Gallery

•    Team Games

•    Air Rifles

•    Orienteering

•    Climbing Wall

•    Learn to Play Gaelic Games

•    Treasure Hunt

•    River Studies

As well as the outdoor activities we also have a variety of activities for groups including:

•    Half and full day guided tour of the Boyne Valley

•    Learn to play Gaelic Games (in local GAA pitch 200 yards away) including hurling, gaelic football and Pog Fada with fully qualified & insured instructors provided. These are also available in full or half day packages

•    Irish Dancing Classes

•    Irish bread making

•    Old Irish Crafts

•    Myths and Legends of Ireland – an evening of Irish story telling

Nightlife and Eating Out

The Town of Drogheda is only a 10 minute journey from the hostel which contains a wide variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. There is also our local traditional pub in Slane called Boyle’s Pub which often hosts Irish traditional music nights as well as also hosting number of famous Irish music performers.

Ask at the Reception for some ideas on where to go during your time in Newgrange!