Meath County

Events

County Meath, with its deep historical roots and vibrant culture, hosts a variety of festivals and events throughout the year that celebrate both its ancient heritage and modern-day creativity. These gatherings provide locals and tourists alike with opportunities to engage with the community, experience traditional Irish culture, and enjoy contemporary entertainment.

Brú na Bóinne Solstice Events:

In the Brú na Bóinne complex, particularly at Newgrange, the winter solstice events hold profound spiritual significance. Visitors from around the world enter a lottery to experience the magical moment when the rising sun illuminates the ancient tomb’s inner chamber.

Tara Festival of History:

Held at the Hill of Tara, this festival celebrates Ireland’s ancient history with lectures, guided tours, and reenactments, bringing to life the stories of the High Kings and the sacred ceremonies that took place on this historic hill.

Trim Haymaking Festival:

Celebrating traditional Irish country life, this festival in Trim features vintage displays, craft demonstrations, hay-making contests, and live music and dancing, providing a family-friendly glimpse into Ireland’s agricultural traditions.

Púca Festival:

Celebrated in various locations within County Meath, including Trim and Athboy, the Púca Festival is inspired by Ireland’s Halloween heritage, which originates from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. It features spectacular light shows, storytelling, music, and performances that embody the mystical and supernatural spirit of Samhain.

Navan Points Festival (Navan Choral Festival):

Showcasing choral and vocal music, this festival includes competitions for choirs and individual performers from all over Ireland and beyond, celebrating vocal talent with performances ranging from classical to modern compositions.

Kells TypeTrail:

Famous for the Book of Kells, the town of Kells hosts this unique event where local and international artists create typography-based installations, transforming the streets into an open-air gallery that celebrates the written word.

Moynalty Steam Threshing Festival:

This annual event in Moynalty celebrates traditional methods of threshing corn with steam engines and includes craft displays, traditional music, and dance, attracting enthusiasts of rural history and machinery.

Boyne Music Festival:

Held at Townley Hall in Drogheda, this festival brings together musicians for a series of classical concerts, workshops, and talks set within the stunning Georgian architecture of the hall, making it a special treat for classical music lovers.

Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann:

When hosted in Meath, this event becomes the world’s largest annual celebration of Irish music, language, song, and dance, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors with competitions, sessions, concerts, and street entertainment.

These diverse events not only highlight County Meath’s rich cultural fabric but also foster community and visitor connections in celebration of both Ireland’s historic legacy and its contemporary creativity.