Until relatively recently, Ashbournewas little more than a one-street town, with few visitors. Over the last fewyears, however, with a connection to the M20 positioning it directly in theDublin commuter belt, it has undergone a major transformation. Today itthrives, with a booming retail economy and many attractions and restaurants toserve a growing population.
Settlement here goes back centuries, in fact, if you happento stop by the local supermarket on Castle Street, you’ll be walking on top ofsites that may date to the Middle Ages – something to ponder as you browse thefrozen food aisle perhaps. And beyond the town’s heritage and modern amenities,holidays in Ashbournemake for an excellent base for anyone hoping to explore the surrounding SouthMeath and Boyne Valley areas.
Sights in Ashbourne
Killegland Castle was builtduring the 1400s, eventually falling in to disrepair in the 17th Century. Itsruins can be seen by walking up the appropriately named Castle Street. If you pauseat the lane leading to Killegland Cemetery, and face away from the gravestones,you’ll be standing directly opposite where it stood.
History buffs should seek out the 1916 Rising Monument, atthe Rath Crossroads, which commemorates a notable clash between a group ofFingal Volunteers and the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Easter Rebellion.And heading out of town toward Ratoath can be seen Neil’sMound, or Cnoc Neil, a natural mound surrounded by larch trees, which showssigns of inhabitation dating back to the Stone Age.
Ashbourne for Families
Family holidays inAshbourne are a fantastic idea. Only 10 minutes down theroad by car you’ll find the Meath Theatre in Ratoath, showcasing local,national and international acts, with a roster that includes everything fromfolk music to puppetry, poetry to comedy and even wrestling. There is also acookery 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 asclimbing and abseiling, learning to drive a mini Land Rover, henna tattooing,visit a pet farm, or trying their hand at fishing in a lake stuffed with rainbowtrout. For parents seeking something a little less active, there is also a BBQand picnic area.
In Ashbourne itself, there is asmall pottery studio that offers classes to both kids and adults. A major drawis TaytoPark, 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 howcrisps are made.
There are several retail developments scattered around thetown featuring well-known brands, and a large cinema too. For the sporty, Ashbournehas an 18-hole golf course, an archery centre, and even – from mid 2015 – abaseball ground. So whether the sun is shining or it’s bucketing with rain,there are always lots of thingsto do in Ashbourne.
Staying in Ashbourne
There is abundant high-quality and reasonably priced accommodation in Ashbourneand its environs, from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering options. Stayingin town gives you easy access to its shops and restaurants, while basingyourself further out should allow for pleasant views of the Meath countryside.
