Page 38 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
A relatively short but rewarding journey north-west of Dublin, to the heart of Ireland’s ancient past, where saints and scholars shaped Ireland’s destiny. Beautiful churches, cathedrals, abbeys and monasteries adorn the surrounding landscape, none more important than the Hill of Tara and Abbey of Kells. The Hill of Tara is where Ireland’s ancient kings were once crowned and remains important in the Irish psyche to this day. The Abbey of Kells meanwhile, was a vital centre of Christian settlement since the earliest days of Christianity in Ireland. The world famous Book of Kells, an illuminated manuscript, was produced by monks in around 800 AD. This route brings you on a journey filled with tranquil beauty spots, ancient spirituality and mythology that shaped Ireland.
Driver hack:
Long before the motoring tourist a train left Dublin every Sunday morning carrying cityfolk to Kilmessan and Navan. While railway line is long gone, Kilmessan’s station house is still there now run as boutique hotel nestled away in the rolling Meath landscape. Details: Exit the M3 at the Blundelstown Interchange, taking the R161.
The Station House Hotel (www.stationhousehotel.ie)
Did You Know?
The Hill of Tara in County Meath is one of the largest complexes of Celtic monuments in all of Europe. In reading its landscape we are transported back in time to when the first settlers came here 6000 years ago. They and the Celts who followed them chose Tara as a very special site.
36 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
The Driver's Guide
ROUTE M3
THE LAND OF SAINTS, SCHOLARS AND KINGS