Growing up, I spent most of my summers caravanning in Omeath, Co Louth. Located halfway between Belfast and Dublin, we used this as a base to explore the east coast of Ireland, so I thought that I knew Boyne Valley quite well.
With fond memories of building sandcastles on the beaches of Clogherhead and Bettystown, or staring hauntedly at the severed remains of St Oliver Plunkett's head at St Peter's Church in Drogheda, when the opportunity came to spend 30 hours exploring Boyne Valley, I jumped at the chance.
Beginning our trip in Trim, Co Meath we felt there was no better place to see the sights than from the River Boyne itself. Hopping aboard a White Water Raft at Boyne Valley Activities, our local guide James Murry was a font of knowledge, taking us through the history of the capital of Ireland's Ancient East and its myriad of medieval ruins.
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The tour itself is somewhat unique and while each guest is given a paddle to assist with rowing the raft downstream, minimal effort is required and you will be sure to come away with a newfound appreciation for the important role that the town played in the history of the Island of Ireland.
Priced from €30 per person, this tour runs twice daily and is sure to sell out so pre-booking is strongly suggested.
Following our morning on the river, we were quite peckish, so we headed to nearby Navan to visit the Bective Tea Rooms at Bective Stud.
Having recently been restored to create a beautiful modern, snazzy café with immaculate gardens and eye-catching surroundings, this is the perfect spot for a light lunch.
After eating, restaurant manager Adrian Martin kindly showed us around the estate including introducing us to some of their race horses which are trained by champion horse trainers Gordon Elliott and Olly Murphy.
The stud grounds are spectacular and it is clear to see how well looked after the animals are, including their baby Alpaca Joey.
You are sure to fall in love with the grounds and with five tastefully decorated luxury apartments overlooking the stables (priced from €160 per night), you could opt to use Bective Stud as your base for exploring the area.
When we think of King Billy's association with Boyne Valley, we are probably immediately drawn to the battle sight. However, we have William of Orange to thank for introducing Gin to Ireland. So, we thought it would only be fitting to travel to Ireland's first Gin School at Listoke Distillery in Monasterboice to create our own Dutch Courage.
Arriving at the distillery, owners Bronagh and Sean Conlon from Armagh quickly made sure we all had a glass of their famous Listoke 1777 gin and tonic in hand and while it was quite delicious, it was made all the better with the Conlon's keen to explain how their distillery process removes the ammonia from their gin, which results in a hangover free drink.
The ammonia is then used to make their own brand of hand sanitiser which is sold on to local schools.
The experience of selecting your botanicals to create your own blend of gin is something to behold and while our concoctions were distilling, Sean kindly showed us around the distillery before explaining how they can help you come up with your own gin for the likes of weddings and events.
The experience is priced at €95 per person and includes a bespoke 70cl bottle of your own blend and unlimited gin and tonics during the visit.
Exhausted from our busy day and somewhat fuelled on the gin we had just consumed, we checked in to the Conyngham Arms Hotel, a lovingly restored 18th-century coaching inn which sits comfortably at the heart of Slane village.
Offering 15 individually decorated rooms, and wonderful hospitality, the Conyngham Arms is a nice spot for an overnight stay.
Rooms are priced from €59.50 per night and the on-site restaurant offers uncomplicated, fresh menus using locally sourced seasonable produce.
The following morning, we began with a short hike up Sliabh na Caillí or Witches Mountain in English to Loughcrew Cairns.
Consisting of 30 passage tombs which date back to 3200bc and predate the Egyptian pyramids, the Cairns are one of the most important prehistoric cemeteries. The short hike also offers spectacular views and most of Europe's megalithic art can be seen there.
After our descent, we nipped into the nearby Loughcrew Megalithic Centre café for a warm cuppa and the opportunity to view Maggie Heaney's Heritage Cottage, a traditional Irish Cottage built in the 1700s.
The Megalithic Centre also offers camping and glamping facilities with prices from €12 per adult and €8 per child per night if you wish to explore the area on a budget.
The nearby Loughcrew Estate and Gardens offers a spectacular walking trail and location which is open to bookings for hen parties and weddings.
Owned and operated by Dame Emily Naper - of the famous Dashwood family who gave us the infamous Hellfire Club, Loughcrew Estate is the perfect spot for the whole family to come and enjoy a day out.
Having been the ancestral home of St Oliver Plunkett, the estate is perfect for those who adore history or even just a walk through their magnificent gardens.
With a focus on sustainability, Dame Emily has crafted a number of sculptures out of recycled materials which are on display throughout the estate and with a number of events throughout the year including their annual Fairy Festival, winter Lightscape Spectacular and the new Wilde Dining experience, this is a location which you will definitely want to include in your itinerary.
Following our visit to the Loughcrew Estate, we headed to Kells for a hearty lunch at the four-star Headford Arms Hotel.
Priding itself on good quality, carefully sourced produce from local suppliers, its flagship restaurant 'The Vanilla Pod' has been rated in Tom Doorley's 'Top 100 Places to Eat in Ireland' and has consistently featured in the Bridgestone and Georgina Campbell Guide to Ireland.
Stepping inside, we were surprised to find a packed restaurant on what we were expecting to be a quiet Tuesday afternoon.
Once seated, it is clear to see why this is a firm favourite with locals and tourists alike as the food and hospitality were simply spectacular.
The last stop on our visit to the historic Boyne Valley was Rockfield House. Owned by the Murtagh family from nearby Causey Farm, Rockfield House offers a Victorian escapade like no other!
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by their infamous butler and quickly find themselves dawning traditional servant dress to partake in the industrious tasks of running the household including baking and emptying the chamber pots.
However, unlike Downton Abbey and Upstairs Downstairs, guests have the opportunity to rise from the ashes of the kitchen, to enjoy the lavishness of the upstairs luxury.
Priced from €49 per person, the Aristochicks Experience at Rockfield House has a minimum group size of 10 and is the perfect activity for a hen party in the Boyne Valley.
For more information on activities and accommodation, https://www.discoverboynevalley.ie.
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