Navan Live Cam

Welcome to the World's most famous Archaeological Valley, the Boyne Valley, which for the most part is based in County Meath, Ireland. This tour traces the development of the Valley from Neolithic to modern man and his beliefs from Pagan via Christian through to a Monastic age. The Anglo-Norman period also features strongly in this tour.

The tour can commence at any point. However, if you are travelling from Dublin we suggest that you start in either Trim or Newgrange, near Slane.

Older than the Pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge and Mycanae one must marvel at the antiquity and complexity of this United Nation's World Heritage site, which in Irish is referred to as Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne). Brú na Bóinne comprises of the Neolithic age burial chambers of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. The most famous, being the great megalithic tomb at Newgrange which is over 5,500 years old. Their survival through more than 5,500 years reflects the sophistication of their design, and ingenuity of the Stone Age man which constructed them.

They rest on the banks of the River Boyne located only eight kilometres east of the picturesque village of Slane. Sited on the summit of a low hill that commands glorious views of the Boyne Valley, its dominant location and architectural magnificence clearly illustrate that Newgrange was indeed a burial place fit for Kings.

There is a superb view of the Boyne Valley from the top of the hill. Legend has it that on the hill, according to the early accounts, Patrick lit the Paschal fire on Easter Eve. Fire played a prominent part in pagan Ireland and was recognised in the Brehon Laws as an indication of challenge in cases of territorial dispute, so that King Laeghaire might well have been alarmed to see a fire lit on a prominent hill within sight of Tara.

Furthermore, we are told that in 433 AD a great fire was kindled at Tara, as part of some festival, and while it was burning no other fire should be kindled in the country all round, on pain of death. So it is not surprising if legend asserts that Laeghaire, seeing the fire on Slane Hill, drove over in his chariot to see who had defied him and summoned Patrick to appear before him and give an account of himself.

At Slane, we are told, only one man Erc, stood up to show respect and refused " to obey the words of the Druids" who had said that Patrick was not to be honoured in any way. Erc was converted and became Patrick’s servant, and later his breitheamh or judge and one of his greatest and most trusted friends. Patrick made him the first Bishop of Slane and he died in AD 512 or 514. Muirchu connects Erc particularly with the Church of Slane, where, he says, "his remains are still honoured".

Trim Castle is the largest and finest example of an Anglo-Norman Castle still remaining in Europe. It was built in 1173 by Hugh de Lacy from which to oversee his Kingdom. He was granted the Kingdom of Meath from King Henry II. This territory extended from the River Shannon to the Sea. As a result of recent day excavations, finds dating from post 1210 were located. Ten human skeletons were found dating from the 17th century showing evidence of beheading and of the head's being set up on spikes!

There was also evidence found of structures which predated the castle-keep, probably the old Motte and bailey system.

The Book contains the Four Gospels and depicts the Evangelist as a Man, an Eagle, a Lion and a Calf. The Book, described in the Annals of Ulster as "The Chief Treasure of the Western World" was stolen in the year 1006 and the beautiful golden cover was never found. Also missing were the 60 pages of John's gospel. It was placed in the library of Trinity College in 1661 by the then Church of Ireland Bishop of Meath, Rev. Henry Jones, and it has remained there ever since. Legend has it that the elaborate designs in the Book were shown to the Scribe by an Angel, who each night instructed him as to what he was to do on the morrow so "in this manner the Book was composed, an Angel furnishing the design, St. Brigit praying, the Scribe copying".

Standing on Cairnbane East, (one of the tombs) it is said that you can see up to 14 counties on a fine day and some of the most beautiful scenery of North Leinster and south Ulster. Finds from the Loughcrew Cairns include burnt bones, beads, pendants, stone balls and bone flakes which can be viewed in the National Museum of Ireland.