County Meath Castle

The castle is located truly in the heart of Ireland, with an hour and a half drive to Dublin. It is less than an hour's drive from Northern Ireland or the preeminent Irish heritage sites of Newgrange, Trim, the Hill of Tara or the River Shannon. There are plenty of things to keep the visitor for three or four engaging days touring in the area, enjoying many popular and preeminent sites in Ireland.

Wild Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch, Bream, Roach and Eel are only some of the most prominent species of fish available to anglers in this area. The extensive waterways such as the River Shannon, River Inny, Gowna Lakes and Lough Sheelin provide many a fine opportunity for some coarse and game fishing. This is an angler's paradise blessed with a multitude of rivers and lakes. Guests to the Castle can pursue the native Brown Trout or go coarse fishing at their doorstep at Lough Sheelin. There are many other small inland lakes in the area, excellent for fishing. However, Lough Sheelin provides the most beautiful setting possible. Visitors can hire a boat.

Why not relax and listen to the rare corncrake on the water meadows of the Shannon near the monastic settlement of Clonmacnoise, or take a walk through the forests at adjacent Mullaghmeen. Visit one of the many local bogs and shore areas teeming with an abundance of bird life, or travel the country roads looking for Irelands avi-fauna.

The Shannon-Erne Waterway is the leading waterway in Ireland. Cruising on the River Shannon and the Grand Canal is an ideal way to experience the Irish countryside. The Castle is ideally located to serve as base for cruising-day trips on the area's waterways.

The scenery around the Shannon and the Loughs in the area is a beautiful accompaniment. The roads are not busy and amenity areas are a regular occurrence for all travelers. The Lough Sheelin Region has a particular attraction for the cyclist in light of the fact that the dedicated cycling route from Killala in Co. Mayo to Ballinamuck in Longford is now open.

Learning to fly or enjoying a fly-over of the area can be arranged through Oliver's VIP Concierge Team. The nearest airport is in Abbeyshrule.

Ireland is the home of Golf! Numerous excellent 18 hole parkland and link courses are situated in this region, providing a challenge to golfers of all levels with a multitude of championship courses to choose from. The nearest course is across the lake at Crover House.

Racing "the dogs" is an Irish tradition, a popular spectator sport where the thrill of the race ensures a thoroughly enjoyable night out. Greyhound Race tracks with frequent races are found in nearby Mullingar and Longord.

Co. Meath contains four horse racing tracks which hold numerous events during the year. Point to Point local meetings are very popular among local horse racing followers in the area. Horse racing at Kilbeggan is an action packed spectator sport and on racing nights the quiet midland town is transformed into a festival.

There are a couple of equestrian centres found in the vicinity offering riding and trekking over farmland, mountain and forest trails. This region offers a horse riding experience to suit both beginners and more experienced riders. The beautiful terrain of this region makes it a very suitable horse riding area. For pony trekking, cross country and showjumping, arrangements can be made at nearby Ross House. The Equestrian Centre will meet all your needs on the horse front. They offer pony trekking, riding lessons, cross country outings or showjumping. It is possible to stable horses there if required.

Lough Sheelin offers opportunities for sailing enthusiasts. Dromineer and Garrykennedy on the River Shannon are ideally suited for those who sail for fun or in competition. Sailing courses are available in some areas.

The Irish Midlands offer an abundance of hiking opportunities: Why not try the Boyne Way, Navan to Slane, or the walking trails around Loughcrew Hills. The Cavan Way offers excellent opportunities for the walker, as do the many unmarked trails and side roads. Mullaghmeen, an extensive forest park only a short distance from the Castle, is the most well known in this area. With its splendid beauty, it is a delight for all walkers and nature enthusiasts.

Some water sports can be carried out on Lough Sheelin in the summer. Opportunities also exist at other lakes in the area, some of which are specialized for certain activities such as sailing or canoeing.

Some more urban activities and entertainment such as bowling, carting, cinemas or pools can be found in the larger towns of Cavan, Longford, Navan or Mullingar, which are all within a 30 – 45 minute drive.