Hill of Tara and Trim Castle Half-Day Tour
Step into Ireland’s ancient past with our private Hill of Tara and Trim Castle Tour, an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Boyne Valley. Travel in comfort and style in a luxury vehicle with your personal driver-guide, as you explore some of the country’s most iconic historical landmarks.
Visit the Hill of Tara, once the seat of Ireland’s High Kings and a sacred landscape rich in myth and legend. Walk among ancient earthworks and feel the spiritual energy of this powerful site. Discover the peaceful ruins of Bective Abbey, a former Cistercian monastery with beautiful cloisters and medieval charm.
Explore the majestic Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, where towering stone walls and a unique keep reveal centuries of power struggles and medieval life. Stand atop the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick lit the Paschal Fire, marking the dawn of Christianity in Ireland.
This tour offers a perfect blend of myth, history, and scenic beauty, all experienced at your own pace with expert commentary along the way. Ideal for history lovers, photographers, and curious travellers alike, it’s a day of deep discovery in comfort and style, with memories to last a lifetime.
Pick up time at your hotel: 8:30 am
Drop-off: 2:30 pm
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Duration: Half-Day
Suitable for: All age groups
Group: 1-3 (larger groups, contact us)
Sites we will visit
The Hill of Tara, located in County Meath, is an ancient ceremonial and burial site steeped in myth and history. Once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, it served as a political and spiritual centre for centuries. The hill features archaeological remains such as the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), believed to roar when touched by a true king. Other monuments include burial mounds and ring forts dating back to the Neolithic period. Tara holds deep cultural significance, symbolizing Irish sovereignty and identity, and continues to draw visitors interested in its rich heritage and mystical past.
Located near the River Boyne in County Meath, this is a striking example of medieval monastic architecture. Founded in 1147 by the Cistercian order, it was the second Cistercian abbey established in Ireland. The site features a combination of Romanesque and Gothic styles, with well-preserved cloisters, stone carvings, and fortified walls. Once a powerful religious and economic centre, Bective Abbey was dissolved during the 16th-century Dissolution of the Monasteries. Today, its atmospheric ruins offer a glimpse into monastic life and Irish history. The abbey’s haunting beauty also made it a filming location for the movie Braveheart.
This is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in the country. Built in the late 12th century by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter, it served as a strategic military and administrative centre. The massive three-story keep, with its unique cruciform shape, dominates the landscape and reflects the power of the Norman invaders. Surrounded by extensive curtain walls and defensive towers, the castle was a symbol of control over the region. Today, Trim Castle is a popular heritage site, offering guided tours and scenic views. It also featured prominently in the film Braveheart.
This is a site of great historical and spiritual significance. According to tradition, it was here that Saint Patrick lit the Paschal Fire in 433 AD in defiance of the pagan High King at nearby Tara, symbolising the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and contains the ruins of a 16th-century Franciscan friary and an earlier church. Its ancient history, tied to both pagan and Christian traditions, makes it a powerful symbol of Ireland’s cultural transformation and a peaceful place for reflection and exploration.
Includes
- Private tour in a luxury car
- Fully-qualified tour guide
Excludes
- Meals
Plus booking fee
You will get a full refund if you cancel your tour up to 7 days before your tour date
Got A question?
We’re all ears! Give us a call or drop us an email and our knowledgeable team will be happy to help you.
- Email Us: [email protected]
- Call Us: +353 87 6493417
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
Pick up at your hotel in counties Dublin, Meath or Louth at 8:30 am.
End point
After the tour we will drive you back to your accommodation. Drop-off at 2.30 pm.
Breaks
Breaks when requested.
We will schedule time for a light lunch.