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Once the spiritual home of the High Kings of Ireland, Meath is known as the Royal County and is associated with many of the myths and landmarks of ancient Ireland.
Meath, taken from the Irish term for middle, was once a province in its own right together with West Meath and parts of the surrounding counties before it was converged into the province of Leinster. Meath is the location for the main power base of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara, a place where history and myth mingle with stories of saints and kings, warriors and gods.
Close to Tara is Newgrange one of the most important Neolithic burial chambers in Europe, dating back some 5,000 years, which has been designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO. Another place of significant heritage is the town of Kells, whose monastery founded by St. Columcille in 559 produced the famous ancient manuscript the Book of Kells, which is on show at Trinity College, Dublin.
County Meath is also home to Slane Castle overlooking the River Boyne, which these days is a popular venue for concerts with big names such as U2 and Madonna, playing there.
Famous names of Meath include actor Pierce Brosnan who was born in Navan, the county town of Meath.
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