Ashbourne used to be little more than a one-street town with few visitors. Today it thrives, with a booming retail economy and many attractions and restaurants.
Settlement here goes back centuries in fact, if you happen to stop by the local supermarket on Castle Street, you’ll be walking on top of sites that may date to the Middle Ages – something to ponder as you browse the frozen food aisle perhaps. And beyond the town’s heritage and modern amenities, holidays in Ashbourne make for an excellent base for anyone hoping to explore the surrounding South Meath and Boyne Valley areas.
Killegland Castle was built during the 1400s, eventually falling in to disrepair in the 17th Century. Its ruins can be seen by walking up the appropriately named Castle Street. If you pause at the lane leading to Killegland Cemetery and face away from the gravestones, you’ll be standing directly opposite it.
History buffs should seek out the 1916 Rising Monument, at the Rath Crossroads, which commemorates a notable clash between a group of Fingal Volunteers and the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Easter Rebellion.
And heading out of town toward Ratoath, you can see Neil’s Mound, or Cnoc Neil, a natural mound surrounded by larch trees, which shows signs of inhabitation dating back to the Stone Age.
Family holidays in Ashbourne are a fantastic idea. Only 10 minutes down the road by car you’ll find the Meath Theatre in Ratoath, showcasing local, national and international acts, putting on everything from folk music to puppetry, poetry to comedy and even wrestling. There is also a cookery school with fun and educational short course for visitors of all ages.
Only slightly further is Rathbeggan Lakes, where children can take part in a wealth of exciting activities such as climbing and abseiling, learning to drive a mini Land Rover, henna tattooing, visiting a pet farm, or trying their hand at fishing in a lake stuffed with rainbow trout. For parents seeking something a little less active, there is also a BBQ and picnic area.
In Ashbourne itself, there is a small pottery studio that offers classes to both kids and adults. A major draw is Tayto Park, a mini theme park dedicated to the humble potato, with rides, exotic animals and a tour of the factory for anyone who is curious learn how crisps are made.
There are several retail developments scattered around the town featuring well-known brands, and a large cinema too. For the sporty, Ashbourne has an 18-hole golf course, an archery centre, and even a baseball ground. So whether the sun is shining or it’s bucketing with rain, there are always lots of things to do in Ashbourne.
There is abundant high-quality and reasonably priced accommodation in Ashbourne and its environs, from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering options. Staying in town gives you easy access to its shops and restaurants, while basing yourself a little further out should allow for pleasant views of the Meath countryside.
