Page 163 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 15: Valley of the Kings 161

Above left Cairn T, Loughcrew’s largest cairn
9 Trim Trim Visitor Centre (open Mon–Sat; Sun Above centre View of Trim across the Boyne
Co Meath pm only) is on Castle Street. Nearby St Above right Ruins of 12th-century Bective
This pretty, historical town hugs Patrick’s Cathedral on Loman Street is Abbey, visible on the way to the Hill of Tara
the River Boyne and is dominated built on the site of a medieval church
by Trim Castle (open Easter–Oct daily; reputedly founded by St Patrick. The
Nov–Easter weekends only), Ireland’s stained glass in the west window is
largest Anglo-Norman castle, the first ever designed by Pre-
founded by Hugh de Lacy in 1173. Raphaelite artist Edward Burne-Jones.
Extensively restored, the castle is a ª Take R154 (for Athboy), then turn
breathtaking sight and was used as right onto R161. After 5 km (3 miles),
the set for the 1995 film Braveheart. turn right at crossroads for Bective.
Across the Millennium footbridge About 1 km (half a mile) past the abbey
over the Boyne stands the Belfry turn left, then right after another 5 km EAT AND DRINK
Tower (38 m/125 ft high), which is (3 miles), and left after a further 1 km
also known as the Yellow Steeple. (half a mile). Turn right for the Hill of SLANE
Built in 1368 for the original Tara after 700 m (750 yards). George’s Patisserie inexpensive
Augustinian Abbey, it later served as A terrific spot to rest up with a cup of
a watchtower. Beside the steeple 0 Hill of Tara coffee and slice of sachertorte, or light
is Talbot Castle or St Mary’s Abbey, Co Meath meals of soups and sandwiches.
Chapel Street; 041 982 4493;
built in 1415 over the original abbey. The Hill of Tara (guided tours mid-May– www.georgespatisserie.com
In the 18th century, it became an mid-Sep daily) was, according to
exclusive Protestant school. Sheep tradition, the seat of Ireland’s High TRIM
Gate is the last surviving gateway of Kings, who ruled until the Norman Marcie Regan’s
the medieval town and further east takeover in the 12th century. Some Well-known pub beside one of
the oldest bridges in the country.
along the river are the remains of 142 kings were supposedly crowned Traditional music on Friday evenings.
the 13th-century Gothic cathedral, here. The tour explains the myths and Lackanash Rd, Newtown; 087 310 4304;
Newtown Abbey. legends around the hilltop enclosure open from 9pm, closed Wed
St Peter’s Bridge, thought to be and its Stone of Destiny, said to cry HILL OF TARA
the second oldest bridge in Ireland, out when touched by the new king.
leads to the ruins of the Hospital The hill offers outstanding views and O’Connells Pub
Characterful pub in tiny village.
of St John the Baptist, founded by it is said that on a clear day 23 of Skryne Hill, near Tara; 046 902 5122;
monks in the 13th century. Ireland’s 32 counties can be seen. open from 4pm, Sun also lunch
DAY TRIP OPTIONS St Patrick challenged the High Kings. High Cross: 5.5 m (18 ft) high and
Drogheda is a good base for these richly carved with biblical scenes.
excursions into the Boyne Valley. Take R132, then N51 to the Boyne battle
site. Next follow the drive instructions Follow drive instructions there and back.
Historical trio to Brú na Bóinne, then on to Slane, and Medieval Trim
Combine three sites charting key return to Drogheda on the N51.
periods in Ireland’s history – the Explore Trim’s 9 splendid medieval
churches, castle and monastic hospital.
Battle of the Boyne site 4, the High Crosses and round towers
passage tombs at Brú na Bóinne 5 Monasterboice 2 has one of Ireland’s Take R132 and N51 to Navan, then R161
and the Hill of Slane 6, where tallest round towers and its finest to Trim. Retrace route to Drogheda.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

158-161_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 161 11/09/17 12:30 pm