From beachfront cottages to luxurious country houses, great value hotels to glamping sites, I’ve got 10 great Boyne Valley breaks to suit all tastes and budgets.
We had the pleasure of enjoying some Boyne Valley breaks recently and loved the wide variety of activities available. We visited Newgrange, Trim Castle, Slane, and enjoyed a fabulous boat trip on the River Boyne – and that was just in 24 hours! So many of the Boyne Valley’s top attractions are located close to each other, making it possible to visit many attractions over a short stay. Its close proximity to Dublin makes it an ideal overnight escape for Dubliners, or a good choice for those looking to visit the Capital, but prefer a countryside location.
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Top family attractions such as Tayto Park, Causey Farm and the Royal Canal Greenway are located in the Boyne Valley, as well as a host of heritage sites including Brú na Bóinne and Trim Castle. There is a host of attractions for young and old, and there is a wide variety of places to stay in the Boyne Valley. I was delighted when Boyne Valley Tourism asked me to highlight some of the great accommodation options available.
Read: Family activity breaks less than an hour from Dublin
I have selected a small sample of Boyne Valley breaks below, to show you how you can choose to stay in luxury five star accommodation, award-winning self catering cottages, glamping sites, or great value hotels.
1. Bellinter House – The Spa Break for Couples, Friends and Groups
An 18th Century Country House set in 12 acres of grounds, with a luxury spa on site – sounds like heaven to me! I love that all bedrooms are uniquely-styled, and the outdoor hot tub looks particularly inviting. The Bathhouse Spa is renowned for its signature Seaweed Baths, and has seven rooms with a wide selection of treatments to suit spa lovers.
There is a choice of dining options including the fine dining Eden Restaurant, relaxed dining in the Drawing Room, as well as Afternoon Tea in the Library. There is also a choice of accommodation options – the stunning Loft Residence can accommodate up to 11 guests. Bellinter House is pet-friendly too!
With prices from €60 per person sharing including breakfast, this is a great choice for a spa break in the Boyne Valley.
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2. Trim Castle Hotel – The Great Value Break for Couples or Friends
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We stayed in Trim Castle Hotel recently and loved its superb location, great service and dining options. Located next to Trim Castle, the views are fabulous from its roof-top bar. There is a lovely atmosphere in it’s lively lounge and it offers a great casual dining menu too.
You can also enjoy a swim at the Aura Leisure Centre, just pre-book it with the hotel, and make sure you take time to enjoy the Trim Castle River Walk – it was one of the highlights of our trip.
With prices from €40 per person sharing including breakfast, this is one of the best value Boyne Valley breaks.
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3. Kiltale Holiday Homes – The Choice For Large Families & Groups
The award-winning 4-star Kiltale Holiday Homes are eight individually designed homes set within a working farm. I love the diverse range of homes available. The Stone Cottage and The Dairy – which was originally a Milking Parlour, both caught my eye, but there are also two and three bedroom homes as well as a large six bedroom home that is ideal for groups or extended families.
Family operated, the owners will greet you with tea and coffee and some home made cakes, and are on hand to help you to discover the Boyne Valleys top attractions. Located just five minutes from the heritage town of Trim, and 20 minutes from Tayto Park, you will be spoilt for things to do.
Cu Chulainn Rollercoaster at Tayto ParkChildren will love meeting the animals at Kiltale Farm and they can even pet the lambs, bottle feed baby goats, or ride a donkey! Rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor, these are a great choice for groups or large families looking for Boyne Valley breaks.
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4. The Cottages – The Beach Lovers Break
These beachside cottages are on my own personal wish list – I dare you not to fall in love with them! Over 300 years old, these delightful thatched cottages offer luxury holiday accommodation in large organic flower gardens, beside Bettystown Beach.
You can expect a warm Irish welcome, with hot, home-made scones and jam, as well as a welcome pack on arrival. And if this doesn’t impress you, the vaulted oak beamed ceilings, solid oak flooring and feature fireplaces will. The cottages have been beautifully renovated and are well equipped with bathrobes, slippers, Nespresso coffee machines, and usually offer twice weekly housekeeping.
There are six cottages to choose from, in various sizes and design. The charming Honeymoon Cottage sleeps two, while the gorgeous Thatcher’s Rest Cottage, that won an award for best beach cottage in Europe, accommodates up to six. These exclusive self catering cottages in Meath are rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor and are booked well in advance, particularly for summer months, so my advice is book early!
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5. The Glenside Hotel – The Great Value Family Break
Situated in the countryside, yet just 2 km south of the historic town of Drogheda and 7km from Laytown Beach, the 17-bedroomed Glenside Hotel is ideally located to explore the Boyne Valley. The hotel is family-run, with comprehensive children’s menus in the Restaurant and Bar.
Funtasia Waterpark and White River Karting are close by and it is only 20 minutes drive from Tayto Park. It is also a good choice for a beach break with the beaches of Laytown and Bettystown close by.
Children stay free during the summer months, with prices from €130 per room per night including breakfast, this is a great value family break in the Boyne Valley.
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6. Rock Farm Slane – The Glamping Break
Rock Farm Slane is one of Ireland’s most popular glamping sites. Stay in one of the five yurts or two shepherd huts on their 150 acre farm along the the banks of the River Boyne. Children will love the chill out zone with iPad docking station, as well as the wood burning stove, clay pizza oven, and large communal fire pit.
If you fancy a dip, you can choose the private river access for wild swimming, or the outdoor hot tub for a more relaxing experience. Surrounded by a wild meadow and overlooking Slane Castle, it is a wonderful ecotourism destination that will give you a back to nature experience in the Boyne Valley.
See more here7. Scholars Townhouse Hotel – The Foodie Break
Originally built in 1867, this charming town house has been tastefully renovated in a modern style. With only 16 bedrooms you can expect a warm welcome and personal service from this family-run hotel. However, the Scholars Townhouse Hotel is probably best known for its award-winning food, where the majority of ingredients are sourced within the Boyne Valley region.
The Scholars Restaurant is a two AA Rosette Restaurant, while the Gastro Lounge offers more casual dining as well as fine wines, craft beers, local spirits and cocktails. Afternoon Tea is also available in the Drawing Room, and there is an outdoor area for summer dining. See all menus here.
Located in the heart of Drogheda Town, with the Boyne Valley Camino on your doorstep, why not walk off all that delicious food by walking the 25km loop. With prices from €90 per person including breakfast and dinner, this is the ideal overnight escape.
8. Decoy Country Cottages – The Self Catering Break with Family Facilities Onsite
The eco-friendly Decoy Country Cottages offer all the advantages of a self-catering holiday with the added bonus of having superb onsite facilities. As well as a Day Spa with two treatment rooms, there is a fitness suite, an indoor games room and a BBQ area. And if you fancy a home cooked meal delivered to your door after a day exploring the Boyne Valley, that can be arranged too!
Children will love the Indoor Den with pool table, air hockey, giant chalkboard, Playstation and board games, as well as the play area outside with giant swing, balance beams, swing bars, sand pit, giant Jenga and boules alley. Every possible need for babies and toddlers can be supplied free of charge, including a stair gate, high chair, steriliser, baby bouncer etc – see more here.
The cottages are set in a landscaped courtyard and they range in size from one to four bedrooms, the largest sleeping up to eight guests. A complimentary welcome basket is supplied on arrival filled with locally sourced fresh products, and basic food and cleaning products are provided in the cottages. The Decoy Country Cottages are rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor are also pet-friendly too!
See more here9. The Hamlet Court Hotel – The Royal Canal Greenway Break
The Hamlet Court Hotel is a great value choice if you want to hike or cycle the Royal Canal Greenway. Located on the border of Kildare and Meath, it is just 2km from the Enfield Trailhead. TripAdvisor reviewers praise the food in the new Bistro 61 restaurant, as well as the pub grub in Murty’s Bar.
With prices from €50 per person including breakfast, this is superb value.
See more here10. Tankardstown House – The Luxury Break
Tankardstown House is a superb choice for a luxury break away. The 18th Century Manor House exudes elegance and it sits on a massive 80 acre estate. Food lovers will love its choice of dining options. You can enjoy a casual lunch and fine dining in its award-winning Brabazon Restaurant, or Afternoon Tea in the Cellar Restaurant. Guests can dine on the Terrace in the summer months or inside with an open fire in the winter.
You can choose to stay in the one of the Heritage Bedrooms in the Manor House, or a courtyard cottage suite, but make sure you take time to enjoy the outdoor hot tub and enjoy a treatment in The Hideout.
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It is important to note that some hotel facilities may have restrictions in place. Check directly with accommodation for clarification. This post on Boyne Valley breaks was sponsored by DiscoverBoyneValley, but all views are as always, my own.
Sarah
