Brú na Boinne & the Boyne Valley

If you are backpacking in Ireland, and want to explore Irelands amazing history, visit County Meath. Many Ireland backpacking tours offer hiking trips to this spectacular place. Created from the eastern section of the kingdom of Mide, the county is located in the province of Leinster. It has a rich history that is compounded by the fact that it was the High King of Ireland’s seat. Some of the places that visitors frequent when they go backpacking through the county are Loughcrew and Hill of Tara, two beautiful historic sites; Teltown, which has mound structures that date back to 2,500 years ago; and Bru na Boinne, a place designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brú na Boinne – A Historic Site

Brú na Boinne is one of Europe’s most important megalithic prehistoric sites. It comprises of several henges, chamber tombs (Neolithic) and standing stones. Spread over 780 hectares, this site is best explored on foot. This way, you will get to take in the various details that have gone into creating the structures that pre-date even the famous Stonehenge. Also known as the Bend of the Boyne, the structures here have been constructed with a level of sophistication quite unique for the period in which it was built – from the 35th to 32nd century B.C.

Brú na Boinne Passage Graves - Dowth, Knowth and Newgrange

Three sites that you should visit when you go to Brú na Boinne are Dowth, Knowth and Newgrange. The megalithic art collections in these passage graves are monumental. Visitors with an interest in astronomy will be intrigued by these sites. They have been built to align with the winter solstice and Equinox. A few other ceremonial sites that you will find in Brú na Boinne are the passage graves of Townleyhall, Cloghaliea Henge and the ritual pond and henge at Monknewtown.

Brú na Boinne – Other Impressive Sites to Visit

Brú na Boinne has several impressive sites that you can visit when in the region. One of them is Old Mellifont Abbey, which was established in 1442. It is located on the banks of Mattock - one of the rivers in the Boyne Valley - and has some of the carvings from the period when it was constructed. The site has a visitor centre which features some of the interesting works that masons in the Middle Ages have created. Stroll through the beautiful garden and small farm situated on the grounds.

Two other places that you should visit when you go to the Boyne Valley are the Trim Castle and Hill of Tara. Of the many castles built in Ireland, the Norman ones are very valuable, and the Trim Castle is the biggest of them all. The Hill of Tara has a spectacular fort made nearly 1000 years ago located on its peak.