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Hiking trails & Routes

Ireland

Meath

Oldbridge to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre out and back along the River Boyne

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Ireland

Meath

Oldbridge to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre out and back along the River Boyne

Moderate

Oldbridge to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre out and back along the River Boyne

02:29

9.69km

40m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.30 km

WWII Pillbox

Highlight • Monument

The threat of invasion of neutral Ireland by British forces from the north was an event that was prepared for by the Irish Government in 1940. One of the lines of defence centred around the River Boyne where a series of pillboxes were constructed on both sides of the river from Navan to Drogheda, and also in one or two places on the northern approaches. Many of them still survive; this is a photographic record of some of them - more remain to be discovered.

Tip by

1.54 km

Lower Boyne Nature Trail

Highlight • Trail

This section of the Boyne is particularly beautiful, despite being at times difficult to traverse. From Newgrange the trail is narrow and becomes waterlogged in parts with recent rains, even in summer. As you approach Oldbridge the track widens, along with the reappearance of the canal. Look out for the abundant flora in a very peaceful setting. Overall, a lovely day hike for those who can tolerate an untamed trail.

Tip by

4.85 km

Brú na Bóinne

Highlight • Historical Site

Newgrange was built by a farming community that flourished on the fertile soils of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that, together with Newgrange, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage grave, but today Newgrange is recognised as much more than a passage grave. The designation "Ancient Temple" is more fitting, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial significance, much like today's cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries can find their final rest.

Newgrange is a large, kidney-shaped mound covering over an acre of land, supported at its base by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19m (62ft) long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. The time and labour invested in the construction of Newgrange suggest a well-organised society with specialised groups responsible for various aspects of the build.

Newgrange is part of a complex of monuments erected along a bend in the River Boyne, known generically as Brú na Bóinne. The other two main monuments are Knowth (the largest) and Dowth, but there are up to 35 smaller mounds throughout the area. (Source: newgrange.com/)

Showing Translation

Tip by

9.69 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.89 km

709 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

8.51 km

709 m

331 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Friday 21 August

18°C

7°C

6 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 14.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Oldbridge to Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre out and back along the River Boyne

WWII Pillbox

Lower Boyne Nature Trail

Brú na Bóinne

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