Guide to County Meath in Ireland

County Meath

Meath is located on the eastern side of Ireland to the northwest of Dublin and within the province of Leinster. Its close proximity to Dublin has made the county one of the premier commuter locations resulting in Meath's population expanding rapidly to over 160,000 in the last census. This quick-fire development has shot this once primarily agricultural county into the top ten of Ireland's most densely populated areas. The county town of Navan alone has increased its population by 28% over the years 2002 to 2006, and with over 25,000 people now residing there, it is the Republic's fifth largest town. Despite this, Meath is a moderately large county and it has managed to retain its traditional landscape of lush green fields and rolling hills for the most part.

County Meath is often informally referred to as the Royal County, indicating its centuries-old links to ancient Irish tribal kings and invading monarchs. Navan is located close to the Hill of Tara, an archaeological site said to be the seat of the High King of Ireland in ancient times. Trim, the former county town, boasts being the home of Ireland's largest Norman castle as well as being the site of parliaments of that era. The town of Kells is famous for its ancient monastery, as well as being the scene of many battles between Anglo, Irish and Norman armies. Meath is also home to Newgrange, an amazing prehistoric complex of such importance that it has been designated as a World Heritage Site. At the other end of the historical spectrum, we should not forget to mention Slane (near to which the Battle of the Boyne was fought) and its castle which now hosts modern-day rock concerts.

Other larger towns close to Dublin are Ashbourne, Dunboyne, Clonee and Dunshaughlin, but a list of Meath's towns also includes Athboy, Ballivor, Clonard, Donore, Drumcondra, Duleek, Enfield, Gormanston, Julianstown, Kentstown, Kildalkey, Kilmainham Wood, Kilmessan, Laytown, Bettystown, Mornington, Longwood, Nobber, Oldcastle, Rathmoylon, Ratoath, Stamullen and Summerhill.