Hill of Ward
Tlachtga, now known as the Hill of Ward, is an important prehistoric site near the town of Athboy in Co. Meath. It comprises a quadrivallate enclosure (with four banks and ditches). From the hill views may be enjoyed towards the other important hills of Meath, including Tara, Loughcrew and the Hill of Lloyd. Excellently located, just under 2kms from Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Tower of Lloyd
This inland lighthouse, located just outside Kells, approx. 15kms drive from Darnley Lodge Hotel, was designed by Henry Aaron Baker designer of the King’s Inn, Dublin for Thomas Taylour, First Earl of Bective, in memory of his father (also Sir Thomas Taylor) in 1791 and provided work during the time of a local famine. As a large monument visible from miles around, it was also a symbol of Lord Headfort’s wealth and power. Guided tours of The Spire of Lloyd will run daily from March – September. Book your ticket using the following link:
The High Cross
The High Crosses of Kells, County Meath, are fascinating symbols of the historic Boyne Valley and part of one of Ireland’s greatest monastic settlements. Four high crosses with fine historical details survive to this day in the town with the base of a fifth still visible in the grounds of St Columba’s Church. Located just 15kms drive from Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Hill of Tara
The Hill of Tara is the jewel in the crown of the Boyne Valley landscape. A site that has been in use for more than 5000 years as a place of burial and assembly, it grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. From its rolling slopes one can see all the way to the other great sites of the Boyne Valley, including Loughcrew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond. In later centuries it remained the focus of Gaelic identity and remains to this day the beating heart of Ireland. Located just under 22kms from Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Newgrange
Newgrange is the most important the of passage tombs and megalithic monuments to be found at Bru Na Boinne, a sacred site along the banks of the River Boyne in County Meath. The monument sits on a low hill on a bend in the river about five miles inland from the old Norman city of Drogheda and a couple of miles upstream from the site of the Battle of The Boyne. Located approx. 40kms drive from Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Knowth
Knowth is both the largest and most remarkable ancient monument in Ireland. Though Newgrange is more famous and Dowth is probably older, Knowth is a fascinating and important site with a collection of more than 400 engraved stones and some finely carved artifcts dating from the middle to the end of the Irish neolithic. Located just under 40kms from Darnley Lodge Hotel.
Dowth
Visit beautiful Dowth, a passage tomb that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Brú na Bóinne. Over 5,000 years old, the ancient Dowth once had two burial chambers and a ritual basin. Discover Dowth, a magnificent burial tomb in the Boyne Valley, in County Meath. One of three great tombs of the Brú na Bóinne Megalithic Cemetery, marvel at this ancient grassy mound. Located just under 40kms drive from Darnley Lodge Hotel.