Below we have included sights, restaurants/pubs and day trips for both Meath and Dublin!

Bru na Boinne (17min drive from Tankardstown House)

Home to three fascinating, Neolithic passage tombs, a visit to Brú na Bóinne is a really special experience. Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are 5,000-year-old engineering marvels, surrounded in mystery and intrigue. Best known for the illumination of its passage chamber at winter solstice, access to Newgrange’s chamber on solstice mornings is decided by a lottery system, but the magic is hauntingly recreated during your visit at any time of the year.

Kells Round Tower (22min drive from Tankardstown House)

You’ll find the 26 metre high Kells Round Tower in the lively little town of Kells. The doorway to the round tower was originally 12 feet above the ground, and those that wished to enter would have to do so via a ladder. Traditionally, many round towers have 4 windows, however, Kells Round Tower has five, with each window facing each road and gateway that enters the town. You’ll also find five high crosses near the tower. The earliest of these crosses dates way back to the 9th century.

Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre (25min drive from Tankardstown House)

The site of the historic battle in the 17th century between rival monarchs King James II and his son-in-law William III. The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre explores the clash over the British throne with a laser battle site model and displays of original and replica weaponry. Go for a stroll in the Victorian Garden with its unique sunken Octagonal Garden or venture further on one of the five battle site walks.

Hill of Tara (30min drive from Tankardstown House)

Was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland, and it was here that 142 kings are said to have reigned. It’s believed that a quarter of the landscape of Ireland can be seen from the hill. It was at the Hill of Tara, in 1843, that an estimated one million people gathered to hear Daniel ‘The Liberator’ O’Connell speak against the union of Great Britain and Ireland.

Trim Castle (35min drive from Tankardstown House)

The mighty Trim Castle is arguably the best-preserved of the many castles in Ireland. Trim is Ireland’s largest Norman castle and it was built over a lengthy thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy. Trim Castle was used during the filming of Braveheart!

You can either head into Trim Castle for a nosey around (you have to pay) or you can head for a ramble around it and admire it from the outside.

The Lacken (3min drive from Tankardstown House)

Slane Distillery (8min drive from Tankardstown House)

This is one of the more popular whiskey distilleries in Ireland for good reason! You’ll find the distillery within the 250-year-old stables of Slane Castle Estate. Those that visit will be taken on an interactive, immersive guided tour with a tutored whiskey tasting.

Donoghues Bar (10min drive from Tankardstown House)

Room 8 (19min drive from Tankardstown House)

Room8 is a Michelin starred restaurant that has been awarded the Irish Hospitality Award and the Irish Edition Restaurant Award.

The Valley Cafe (19min drive from Tankardstown House)

Crave (19min drive from Tankardstown House)

Vegan and vegetarian restaurant that offers both an early bird menu and an a la carte menu.

Watergate Bar & Kitchen (19min drive from Tankardstown House)

The Central Navan (20min drive from Tankardstown House)

The Central in Navan offers various bars, including the Front Bar, Vintage Lounge, Tiki Bar, Secret Speakeasy, and Restaurant Bar. These spaces are perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Trinity College & Book of Kells (City Centre) Located in the heart of the city, Trinity (founded 1592) is Ireland's oldest university. Its Old Library is home to the Book of Kells, a 9th-century illuminated gospel manuscript and a "must see" on any Dublin itinerary. Stroll through the cobbled campus to the library exhibit, where you can view the brilliantly decorated medieval pages and then step into the Long Room, a magnificent hall of 18th-century oak bookcases stacked with 200,000 antique books.

Christ Church Cathedral (Medieval Quarter) Dublin's oldest cathedral, Christ Church was founded c.1030 by the Viking king Sitric Silkenbeard. It has been a place of worship for nearly a thousand years. The cathedral's crypt (dating to 1172) is the largest in Ireland or Britain, home to historical curiosities including a mummified cat and rat on display! Christ Church is beautiful to visit anytime, but if your schedule allows, try to catch a choral evensong service on a weekday evening.

St. Patrick's Cathedral (Medieval Quarter) Another majestic cathedral just a short walk from Christ Church, St. Patrick's is the largest church in Ireland, founded in 1191 on the site where Ireland's patron saint St. Patrick is said to have baptized converts. Notably, author Jonathan Swift (of Gulliver's Travels fame) served as Dean of St. Patrick's for over 30 years, and he is buried here. The organ with over 4,000 pipes and the choir voices create a breathtaking experience during services.

Dublin Castle (City Centre) The historic seat of British power in Ireland for over 700 years (1204–1922), Dublin Castle today is a complex of buildings reflecting many eras. It was originally a Norman fortress – you can still see the medieval Record Tower (ca. 1228) – and later evolved into a Georgian palace. A visit to the Castle lets you explore elegant halls where presidential inaugurations and state banquets are held. Don't miss the gorgeous Chapel Royal with its carved wood interior.

Kilmainham Gaol (3.5km west of City Centre) This former prison (built 1796) witnessed some of Ireland's most tragic historic moments. Fourteen leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were executed in the yard here, an event that galvanized public sentiment and ultimately led to Ireland's independence. Walking through the cold stone corridors and seeing the cells is a moving experience. The guided tour (required for entry, about €8) vividly recounts the prison's stories.

Guinness Storehouse (St. James's Gate) Arguably Dublin's most popular attraction, the Guinness Storehouse is a seven-story experience celebrating Ireland's most famous stout. You'll learn about the brewing process, the history of Guinness, and even see the 9,000-year lease Arthur Guinness signed! The highlight is ending your tour at the Gravity Bar, a rooftop bar with a 360° panorama of Dublin where you can savor your pint with an incredible view.

Jameson Distillery Bow St. (Smithfield) While actual production has moved to Midleton, Cork, the original 1780 distillery site has a fantastic interactive tour. You'll hear the story of John Jameson and how Irish whiskey is triple-distilled, and you'll get to sniff and taste along the way. Tours are about 45 minutes (tickets ~€26) and include a comparative whiskey tasting and a complimentary Jameson drink at the end.

The Irish Emigration Museum (Docklands) This fully digital and interactive museum tells the story of Irish emigrants throughout history. Learn how the Irish spread around the world, from missionaries and educators to musicians and even outlaws. It's very engaging with touchscreens, motion sensors, and immersive video. In fact, EPIC was voted "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" in 2019, 2020, and 2021 at the World Travel Awards.

Windmill Lane Recording Studios (Docklands) For music fans, this is a hidden gem. Windmill Lane Studios is Dublin's legendary recording studio, famously used by artists like U2, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, and more. They offer a "Backstage Tour" that gives you a behind-the-scenes look at where iconic albums were created. You can explore the actual studios and even try out some sound editing tricks yourself.

Temple Bar District (City Centre) Not a single bar but an entire riverside neighborhood of cobbled lanes known as Dublin's nightlife and cultural quarter. The Temple Bar Pub (with its bright red facade) is an institution dating back to 1840 and is famous for its nightly live Irish music and lively atmosphere. Yes, it's touristy and pints here are pricey, but popping in for the atmosphere is almost obligatory for first-timers.

The Brazen Head (10min walk from Temple Bar) Ireland's oldest pub, dating back to 1198. Stepping inside feels like going back in time. The pub has hosted famous patrons from revolutionaries to literary figures. These days you'll find excellent live Irish music every night, hearty Irish dishes, and a mix of tourists and locals enjoying the atmosphere by the open fireplaces.

O'Donoghue's (Merrion Row) Famed as the home of The Dubliners band – you can often catch impromptu traditional music sessions here. A beloved authentic Dublin pub experience.

The Cobblestone (Smithfield) Another beloved spot, calling itself "a drinking pub with a music problem" – it hosts genuine trad music nights where local musicians gather to play fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns.

Leo Burdock (near Christ Church Cathedral) This takeaway chipper has been frying fish since 1913 and is Dublin's oldest chip shop. For under €10 you can get a heaping parcel of freshly fried cod and chunky chips – ask for salt and vinegar on top for a true Dublin experience.

The Bakehouse (Bachelors Walk) Try their "full Irish" breakfast (eggs, bacon rashers, sausage, black pudding, baked beans, toast) for a filling start to your day of sightseeing.

Gallagher's Boxty House (Temple Bar) A favorite for traditional Irish cuisine with a twist. They specialize in boxty, the Irish potato pancake, serving it in various forms alongside other classics like colcannon and coddle.

The Church (Jervis Street) A restaurant and bar set in a magnificently converted 18th-century church. You can dine under stained-glass windows and even catch live Irish music and dance here in the evenings.

Queen of Tarts (Cow's Lane) A cozy café where you can get excellent tea, coffee and homemade tarts, cakes, and scones. Perfect for a sweet treat between sightseeing.

Chapter One (Parnell Square) A renowned spot for modern Irish fine dining that currently boasts two Michelin stars. Here you'll find artfully presented dishes using the finest Irish ingredients crafted under Chef Mickael Viljanen.

Howth (30min DART train from City Centre) A charming fishing village on a peninsula jutting into the Irish Sea. The Howth Cliff Walk is a gorgeous loop trail along rugged sea cliffs with spectacular views of Dublin's coastline. After your walk, reward yourself with some of Dublin's best seafood at the stands by the pier or visit The Oar House or Aqua for a sit-down meal with harbor views.

Glendalough (1hr 15min from Dublin) A glacial valley in the Wicklow Mountains, famed for its 6th-century monastic site founded by St. Kevin, set amid spectacular scenery. You'll find the ruins of a medieval "monastic city" here – including a magnificent 30-meter round tower and several ancient stone churches. After exploring the ruins, you can walk the easy trails to the Lower and Upper Lakes.

Cliffs of Moher (3hr 15min from Dublin) Located on the Atlantic coast in County Clare, the cliffs rise up to 214 meters high and stretch for ~8 kilometers along the ocean, creating a dramatic panorama of sheer rock faces plunging into crashing waves. On a clear day, the views are absolutely breathtaking – endless ocean, the Aran Islands in the distance, and seabirds swooping by.

Malahide Castle (25min DART train from Dublin) A beautifully furnished 12th-century castle set in lovely gardens. The pretty seaside town of Malahide is also worth exploring while you're there.

Newgrange & Boyne Valley (North of Dublin) Prehistoric passage tombs older than the pyramids. A fascinating glimpse into Ireland's ancient past.