Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge
Self-guided battlefield walks of varying length ·
About
Four kilometres upriver from Drogheda, on the Meath bank at Oldbridge, is the ground where William III and James II fought on 1 July 1690 by the old calendar, with 36,000 men on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite. It is the largest number of troops ever put on an Irish battlefield, and the outcome shaped the next three centuries here and a good deal of European politics besides. The OPW runs the site from the 18th-century Oldbridge House estate, with original weapons, a laser model of the battlefield, a restored walled garden and self-guided walks over the battle ground itself. Note the current arrangement before you go: Oldbridge House itself is closed and the visitor experience has moved into the adjoining stable yard, with free entry while that lasts. The grounds and walled garden are free in any case, and the walks are the reason to allow more than an hour. This is in Co. Meath, not Co. Louth, though the address says Drogheda.
Photos
Highlights
- ✓The laser model of the battlefield and original 17th-century weapons
- ✓The restored walled garden and the tearoom terrace above it
- ✓Self-guided walks across the actual battle ground, free to the grounds
- ✓Exit 9 on the M1 or the back road through Donore village
Tips
- →Oldbridge House is currently closed and the exhibition is in the adjoining stable yard, with free entry for a limited period; the standing admission is €5 adult, €3 child or student, €13 family.
- →Last admission is an hour before closing, and the park and car park close at 7pm.
- →Deep water beside the canal and river, and uneven ground in the parkland; wear proper shoes and mind children near the bank.
- →Ring +353 41 980 9950 before setting out in bad winter weather, when the centre may not open.
Best Season
More Attraction Activities
Drogheda Museum Millmount and the Martello Tower
The Anglo-Norman mound above the south bank, with a Martello tower on top, the Old Drogheda Society's museum around its base, and the best view in the town.
St Peter's Church and the Shrine of St Oliver Plunkett
The national shrine of St Oliver Plunkett on West Street, holding the martyred archbishop's preserved head, in a working parish church rather than a museum.
Highlanes Gallery
Drogheda's free municipal gallery in the former Franciscan church on St Laurence Street, home of the town's art collection and a rotating contemporary programme.