Discover the Flavours of the Boyne Valley- Trim and Navan Itinerary
Whether you have one day or a week to spend in the Boyne Valley, we have some fantastic Itineraries to help you experience the most from your visit.
The Boyne Valley was proud to be named as one of the ‘World’s Best Food Destinations’ in 2019 by the National Geographic Traveller, alongside the cities of Bologna in Italy and Cusco in Peru.
As the heartland of Ireland’s Ancient East and the seat of the ancient High Kings of Ireland, the Boyne Valley continues a proud heritage of producing food and drink experiences fit for a king or queen! The historic Boyne Valley is home to a bountiful supply of passionate farmers, skilled food and drinks producers, along with world-class chefs and eateries who are devoted to bringing the rich flavours of the landscape to your table.
Getting to the Boyne Valley is very direct – the M1 from the Dublin Airport will take you to the heart of it in 30 minutes and from Belfast City in just over one hour – once you arrive you can take things at your own pace, by exploring the back roads of this historic valley – discover for yourself its quaint villages and cosy pubs and mingle with the locals who are only too willing to share their stories.
The southern part of the beautiful Boyne Valley takes in the towns of Trim and Navan. Trim is an extremely historic town and is known as the Heritage Capital of Ireland, featuring Trim Castle and many more important historical sites.
While you are discovering Trim a great place to enjoy a delicious lunch is Harvest Home Bakery and for dinner The Castle Arch Hotel has a mouth watering menu full of fresh local produce.
There are also lots of great tracks and trails to enjoy in Trim find them HERE.
From Trim, you then head towards Navan and along the way you could make sure to sample some of the delicious The Wooded Pig Charcuterie.
Also be sure to stop by the Bee Wise Nature Trail. Bee Wise Nature Trail is a family owned 5 acre educational nature walk with particular emphasis on the honey bee. It is located just outside the village of Kilmessan, approximately halfway between the Seat of the High Kings at the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle. Their produce is handcrafted in small batches and is traceable from their own honey bees to the honey pot, 100% natural. Make sure you taste the different flavours and types of honey while you are here and make sure to bring some home with you!
On route to Navan you could also stop and take in the Hill of Tara which has spectacular views out over the Boyne Valley.
Once you arrive in Navan we recommend you arrive hungry as there are plenty of great eateries throughout the town! You could start with a delicious breakfast in Earl’s Kitchen or you could head for the Simply Honest Cafe.
For lunch or dinner you will find an extensive menu featuring plenty of local produce in The Central where you can either eat in the bar area if you are feeling casual or in the restaurant if you fancy a more formal setting. If you fancy a quick trip outside the town head for The Cross Guns Gastropub, which is temporarily closed at the minute, a beautifully old building serving delicious local produce in a very atmospheric setting. If the weather isn’t good park yourself at their turf fire & enjoy the live music.
Just outside of Navan you will find the historic Martry Mill which is one of the few, fully functional watermills left in the country. The mill has a picturesque setting on the banks of the River Blackwater. The first record of the mill building dates back to a Civil Survey in 1641 with the first record of a mill in the area being in 1323. The Tallon family have owned and operated Martry Mill since 1859. Martry Mill both opens for tours and sells its stoneground wholemeal flour in shops around Meath. On the tour, you can hear anecdotes about old cures, restoration work and the importance of eels back in the day but most importantly you get the chance to see genuine wholemeal flour being stoneground the way the Tallon family has been doing so since the 19th Century. Between the sound of the waterwheel, the smell of the freshly ground flour & the atmosphere of the building you can’t help but be sucked into this unique experience.
Where to Stay & Dine
Nestled in the picturesque heart of the heritage town of Trim the Castle Arch Hotel is a home from home with 21 excellently appointed ensuite bedrooms, the Arch Bar and Lounge with a beautiful new Gastro menu.
Situated on the outskirts of Navan, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring the Boyne Valley. Carefully selected furnishings and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, alongside beautifully appointed rooms, provide the very best in creature comforts. Live music every Saturday night. Hugo’s Restaurant, The Kells Bar.
While you are traveling throughout this part of the Boyne Valley make sure to keep an eye out for local produce from the area-
- The Wooded Pig
- Finnegan’s Farm
- Meade Farm
- Merci Beaucoup Cake Creations
- Coole Swan
- What's for Pudding
- Durnin's Fruit & Veg
- Deelite Bites
- Big Red Kitchen
- Martry Mill