Ease into 2021 in the Boyne Valley!

Modern life can be hectic and tiring, especially after the year we’ve just had, so a break away from it all is more necessary than ever.

The tranquil Boyne Valley, birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is the perfect place to slow down and relax with plenty of fresh air, walks and beautiful scenery. The ideal way to start the New Year!

Some of the activities that you’ll be able to enjoy include exploring the mythological and historical landscape, walks along beautiful beaches, meditating in the quiet countryside or treating your taste buds to some delicious (and healthy!) treats. Visit http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/

Although the Office of Public Works annual Winter Solstice gathering at Newgrange on 21st December has been cancelled this year due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, you can still watch it online!

This year, the Winter Solstice will be live streamed from within the Newgrange Chamber. Visit: http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/livestream-winter-solstice-newgrange-2020

There will also be another Winter Solstice event streaming live at 8am, 1pm & 7pm from St. Patrick's Church and the Hill of Tara (at dawn, day and dusk).

Taking inspiration from the Winter Solstice specially chosen artists such as Dagogo Hart, Varo, Incessant Chatter (Myles O'Reilly) and Rachel Ní Bhraonáin will explore the rituals and natural phenomena associated with the day.

All you have to do is sign up and you’ll get the livestream link. Visit: http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/whats-on/celestial-bodies-winter-solstice-piece

A new TV programme called Ireland in Music is part of the RTÉ Christmas schedule and will feature musical artists performing at two of Meath’s iconic monuments. Meath County Council and many other agencies collaborated with TradFest which saw The Stunning visit Trim Castle and Kila play at the Newgrange monument at Brú na Bóinne earlier this year. The production will go on to tour in the US in 2021 to highlight Ireland’s culture and iconic sites. Tune in to see this very special TV broadcast celebrating music and Ireland as part of the very successful TradFest on RTÉ One TV at 8pm, Tuesday 29th December 2020.

For peace of mind this January, the Boyne Valley has it all. Take the opportunity to relax while enjoying the landscape, heritage and culture of this unique place.

Visit the Hill of Tara and feel the stresses and strains of the world slip away as you ascend this magical site. There is nothing quite like fresh country air to help you unwind. Navan meanwhile is the starting point for the 8km Boyne Ramparts Heritage Walk to Stackallen Bridge. There is also the opportunity for some retail therapy and some top-class food once you’ve completed this 16km return trip.

Make sure you visit the heritage town of Kells. The Girley Bog Eco Walk is a looped route through forest and bogland and is a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with nature. Also, close to Kells is Loughcrew Cairns with breathtaking views that you won’t want to miss. A stunning and unspoiled landscape awaits those that visit. There is also the Christmas Loughcrew Lightscape at the Loughcrew Estate and Gardens until January 3rd making this a fun day out for the entire family.

What can be more calming than watching the waves and feeling the sea breeze? The beaches of the Boyne Valley are definitely worth a visit during your stay. Take a stroll along Baltray strand in Co. Louth or visit the tranquil beaches of Laytown and Bettystown in Co. Meath. You’ll be glad you did.

Make 2021 the year you rediscover the Boyne Valley.

Visit: http://www.discoverboynevalley.ie/