Page 161 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 15: Valley of the Kings 159

2 Monasterboice
Drogheda, Co Louth
Founded by St Buite in the 6th
century, this monastic settlement is
one of Ireland’s most famous religious
sites. It includes two churches and
one of Ireland’s tallest round towers
at 33 m (110 ft) high, but its greatest
treasure is the three 10th-century
Celtic High Crosses. Muiredach’s
Cross, carved with biblical scenes, is
the finest of its kind in Ireland.
ª Turn left from the car park and at
the T-junction turn right. At the R168
turn left and then take the second
right for Mellifont Abbey. Go over the Above left A 12th-century Romanesque arch,
small crossroads and into the car park. 4 Battle of the Boyne site Mellifont Abbey Above The entrance to the
Oldbridge Estate, Drogheda, Co Meath main burial chamber at Newgrange
3 Mellifont Abbey Oldbridge, on the banks of the River
Tullyallen, Drogheda, Co Louth Boyne, is the site of the most iconic
The first Cistercian abbey in Ireland, battle in Irish history– the Battle of
Mellifont (open site) was founded by the Boyne in1690 – between the
St Malachy, Archbishop of Armagh, in Protestant King William of Orange
1142. He introduced the formal style and the deposed Catholic King
of architecture used in Europe, and James II of England, who sought
Mellifont became a model for other to regain his Crown by enlisting
Cistercian centres in Ireland. It is now Catholic support in Ireland. Over SHOPPING IN DROGHEDA
a ruin, but it is possible to trace the 61,000 troops took part. William’s As well as being a light and
original ground plan, including the victory led to Protestant ascendancy contemporary space for Drogheda’s
octagonal lavabo (washing house) with in Ireland and became the source municipal art collection and
four of its Romanesque arches intact. of bitter religious divisions for more temporary exhibitions, Highlanes
The visitor centre (open Jun–Aug: daily) than 300 years. The visitor centre Gallery also houses the Louth
has a display on medieval masonry. (open daily) in Oldbridge House has Craftmark, selling ceramics, jewellery,
leatherware, candles and textiles by
ª Return to the main road, turn right multimedia presentations, and living over 50 craftworkers. Millmount
(signed Newgrange), then turn right at history displays take place at the incorporates a Design Store, which
the end of the road. At the crossroads, weekends in summer. sells the work of a silversmith, knitwear
go straight over, down the hill and ª Turn right on leaving Oldbridge designer, quilter and glass designer
over the main road. Cross the river, and then right again for Donore who have studios in Millmount.
drive alongside the canal and after a village. In Donore, turn right for
small bridge turn right for the Battle Newgrange. After 2 km (1 mile), turn EAT AND DRINK IN DROGHEDA
of the Boyne site at Oldbridge. right for Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
Brú Bar Bistro moderate
This contemporary building beside the
River Boyne has a good bistro on the
ground floor and a stylish cocktail bar
on the first floor. Its floor-to-ceiling
windows offer great riverside views.
Unit 8, Haymarket Northbank; 041 987
2784; www.bru.ie
De Lacy’s moderate
The D Hotel’s classy steak and seafood
diner offers a great-value four-course
set menu.
Scotch Hall; 041 987 7700;
www.delacys.ie
Eastern Seaboard Bar & Grill
moderate
This restaurant serves up a mixture
of traditional and modern cuisines.
Dishes include grilled lamb chops, a
wide range of salads and moules frites.
Dublin Road; 041 980 2570;
Above The River Boyne, near the site of the Battle of the Boyne of 1690 www.easternseaboard.ie
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

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