The Boyne Valley, Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a place steeped in history. The area offers fantastic food and drink, outdoor adventures and cultural gems, making it a rich and special are to explore. Encompassing Co Meath and Co Louth, the Boyne Valley is a unique visitor destination with an abundance of family activities, whether you are being a tourist in your own area or a visitor from all corners of the globe. Welcome to Drogheda and the Boyne Valley!
Drogheda is the Gateway to the Boyne Valley area, the perfect location from which to branch out and the history and heritage of the area. Drogheda and the greater Boyne Valley area also have a unique “Foodie” history, with show stopping local supplies and eateries that will make your mouth-water. It’s the perfect place from which to plan your next “Foodie Adventure”.
The Boyne Valley, once the seat of the High Kings of Ireland brings to you food experiences fit for any King or Queen. The rolling farmlands are home to a growing number of artisan producers where their products are used in many local restaurants and eateries. For full details see the award-winning Discover Boyne Valley Flavours.
Starting the day off in Drogheda, Co Louth, get your morning off to a great start in one of the many boutique local coffee shops. Drogheda has on-site roasters Ariosa Coffee which sits on Laurence's Street with the incredible Laurence's Gate in full view as well as long-standing establishments like the Mooreland Cafe with the famous Mc Closky's bakery attached, the perfect place to grab something sweet to kick off your day. There are many more charming coffee shops dotted all around the town, you are sure to find something to your taste.
Exploring some of Drogheda's Food and Drink tours, make a visit to either the Listoke Gin School or Boann Whiskey Distillery, both of which are located close to Drogheda where you can learn how the family-owners at each make their unique product. Boann Whiskey gets its name from the ancient goddess, Boann (or Boínn) who also lends her name to the Boyne River, which legend says she created. You can visit a mural in Drogheda dedicated to the ancient goddess of the Boyne River.
Heading out from Drogheda into the greater Boyne Valley Region, famous for its food producers and steeped in mythical and gastronomic history you are spoiled for choice on where to stop on your food adventure. If Boann Whiskey has not quenched your thirst for the uisce beatha then visit Slane Castle Whiskey Tours and learn all about the Conyngham Family which still occupies the castle and the process of making The Water of Life (Uisce Beatha, the Irish word for whskey, translates literally into English as The Water of Life). Slane castle also has a gorgeous restaurant, Browne's, which you can visit after your tour. Slainte!
Slane also has some incredible food producers that you can explore, such as Dan Kelly Cider orchard and the fantastic Slane Rock Farm. Slane Rock Farm hosts a farmers market with amazing growers and producers for you to sample. Its also a stunning camping and glamping site with views overlooking the Boyne Valley. Visit their site to learn about the Farmers Market which takes place ever Thursday from March, camping and glamping, activities such as kayaking packages and even how to host a wedding there!
Drogheda is not without its own local food producers, who showcase the special food heritage that the area inherits. The Cottage Market, Drogheda's premier food producer and craft market is held the first Saturday of every month in Scotch Hall, Drogheda and has a wealth of local food and craft producers. If you are in Drogheda when this market is taking place, you simply must visit and meet the amazing people behind the crafts and the food. Another producer close to Drogheda is Ballymakenny Farm who specialise in a colourful variety of potatoes, which can be ordered online and collected from their famous Spud Shack.
After exploring all that Drogheda and the Boyne Valley has to offer, Sea Food enthusiasts should make a visit out to either Clogherhead or Annagassan, both small harbour villages just North-East of Drogheda with excellent seafood offerings. In Clogherhead, famous for its prawns, you can visit the cosy pub and eatery The Smuggler's Rest where you can expect great food, amazing music and relaxed atmosphere.
The Glyde Inn, in Annagassan is another restaurant specialising in seafood, in particular the razor claims that are caught along the strand which can be viewed from the restaurant. Drawing inspiration from the villages historic connections to the Vikings landing in the area, The Glyde Inn offers a VR Viking Experience, in which visitors sit at a specially made Viking boat feasting table and step back in time with Bjorn the Bear via the magic of virtual reality. Afterwards you will indulge in a seafood banquet, just like the Vikings.
Back in Drogheda, there is no limit to the cosy eateries, family friendly restaurants and gastropubs to suit every taste and need. What will you discover on your next Foodie Adventure in the Boyne Valley Region from the central location of the Drogheda, the Gateway to the Boyne Valley?
For more on the Food offerings of the Boyne Valley, please visit Discover Boyne Valley Flavours where you will also find more intineries for the greater Boyne Valley Region.
