River Boyne
In his book The Beauties of the Boyne and the Blackwater, Sir William Wilde describes the Boyne as follows; Among the many scenes of beauty and of interest with which this fair island abounds, we know of none which combines such variety of the former or so many objects of the latter as the "pleasant Boyne".

From it's source near Carbury, Co Kildare, this famous river winds it's seventy miles, through Trim, Bective, Navan, Slane, Newgrange and enters the sea beyond Drogheda at Mornington Co. Meath. Along its banks are the passage graves of Newgrange, Dowth and Knowth and many Christian sites including, Bective Abbey and the Hill of Slane.

There are also a number of castles and fortresses including Trim castle which is the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Slane castle splendidly sited on the riverbank was the only castle to be fully occupied as a family home until 1991 when it was badly damaged by fire; it has now been restored to its former glory.

The Boyne Canal was completed in 1789 and its purpose was to link the port of Drogheda with the inland town of Navan. Sadly it has been derelict since the 1920s, however, it affords one of the loveliest riverside walks in Ireland with some spectacular views.

In July 1690 the Stuart King James II and the Netherlands Prince, William of Orange waged their famous Battle of the Boyne, which has had ramifications for this island to the present day.

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