A major attraction near Ballybin is Newgrange, a neolithic passage tomb, which is a UNESCO heritage site. Visitors start off in the interpretation centre, which has a museum and educational films, as well as a restaurant and a shop. Then they are brought by bus to Newgrange and get to go down the passage tomb, which is only lit by sunlight on winter solstice each year.
It’s a good idea to book online and to get there early, as tours fill up quickly.
After visiting Newgrange, it’s only a short drive to Slane, a beautiful village, which has a range of great restaurants. Slane is the intersection of the River Boyne and the Boyne Navigation (canal) and there are walks all along the river and canal.
Our favourite spot for dinner is The Snailbox, which is on the road between Ashbourne and Slane. It is famous for its great food and the collection of baseball caps displayed on the ceiling. If you bring your own baseball cap you can trade it for a Snailbox hat.
