Ashbourne Festival
Annual arts and community festival in the County Meath town with talks, music, theatre, comedy and art, highlighted by the free Streetfest in the town centre.
PlizioGo
Try a hearty breakfast in one of the traditional cafes along the main street.
Look for cozy pubs in the town centre serving warm bowls of chowder with brown bread.
Available in most local pubs, best enjoyed with a pint of stout.
A modern shopping area with various retail outlets and cafes.
Check out the independent food shops along the main street for fresh local produce.
A lovely local park stretching along the Broadmeadow River, well-suited for a peaceful stroll.
The area around the golf course on the edge of town features quiet walking paths.
Water temperature…
Ashbourne is a modern, rapidly growing town in County Meath, located about 20 kilometers northwest of Dublin. Originally known as Killeglan, the town was renamed in the early 19th century by Frederick Bourne, who established a planned settlement to support the mail coach route between Dublin and the north. Historically, the town is notable for the Battle of Ashbourne during the 1916 Easter Rising, where Irish Volunteers led by Thomas Ashe achieved a significant victory over the Royal Irish Constabulary; this event is commemorated today by a prominent monument. Over the last few decades, Ashbourne has transitioned from a rural village into a key commuter hub for Dublin, leading to extensive infrastructural development. The town is nationally famous as the home of Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park), Ireland's only major theme park and zoo, which features one of Europe's largest wooden roller coasters. Despite its rapid urbanization, Ashbourne maintains a strong community spirit with a spirited main street and numerous sporting facilities. Its position along the M2 motorway makes it a strategic link between the capital and the northern counties.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 11 | 8 | 7 |
| Rain mm | 86 | 70 | 70 | 61 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 91 | 76 | 102 | 106 | 97 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Begin your day in the heart of Ashbourne at Killegland Square, soaking up the modern town vibe. A short stroll takes you to the architecturally interesting St. Declan's Church before getting a glimpse of the community at the local library. At midday, escape the bustle with a relaxing walk along the Broadmeadow River, a perfect spot to enjoy nature and take a breath. In the afternoon, delve into history by visiting the ancient Rath Cross Monument, a testament to the area's past. The day concludes at the atmospheric Donaghmore Church ruins, where an ancient round tower and gravestones tell tales of centuries gone by.
A rainy morning in Ashbourne starts at Killegland Square, where the shops provide cover. St. Declan's Church offers a dry sanctuary, followed by a cozy stop at the library. The afternoon walk by the Broadmeadow River is refreshing but needs an umbrella. We end the day at Donaghmore Ruins, where the wet stones create a hauntingly beautiful scene.
The winter morning at Killegland Square is crisp and clear. We visit the warm St. Declan's Church and thaw out in the library while the frost glistens outside. After a brisk walk by the river, we reach Rath Cross in the golden early afternoon light. Donaghmore Ruins look particularly majestic in the winter chill before the early sunset.
Your cycling tour of Ashbourne starts at the vibrant Killegland Square. From there, pedal towards St. Declan's Church and onwards to the town's historic sites, the Rath Cross Monument and the impressive Donaghmore ruins with its ancient tower. At midday, enjoy a well-deserved break at the Broadmeadow River, its path ideal for a relaxing ride and a picnic. In the afternoon, return to the town centre to view the Killegland Towers, a modern contrast to the town's rich history, before concluding your tour.
On two wheels through wet Ashbourne: we start cautiously at Killegland Square. St. Declan's Church offers a dry breather before we cycle to Rath Cross. Despite the rain, the ride to Donaghmore Ruins is atmospheric. We take the return via Broadmeadow River Walk slowly to reach Killegland Towers in the grey mist.
A frosty winter ride through Ashbourne starts at Killegland Square. We warm up briefly in St. Declan's Church before pedalling against the cold wind towards Rath Cross and Donaghmore Ruins. Daylight fades quickly as we cycle along the Broadmeadow River. Killegland Towers mark the end of our tour under the glow of streetlights.
Your car day begins with a jump into the past. Park at the Donaghmore ruins and walk to the nearby Rath Cross Monument. In the morning, drive into the centre of Ashbourne. Park your car and explore Killegland Square, St. Declan's Church, and the Broadmeadow River on foot. This is the perfect cluster for a lunch break. The entire afternoon is dedicated to the thrills at Emerald Park, Ireland's largest theme park, just a short drive away. Return to Ashbourne in the evening to round off the day with a hearty Irish dinner.
In a comfortable car through the rainy Ashbourne countryside: we start at Donaghmore Ruins and drive to Rath Cross. Parking at Killegland Square allows for almost dry access to shops and St. Declan's Church. Broadmeadow River Walk is a brief stop before spending the afternoon at Emerald Park and ending the day with dinner in the centre.
Our winter driving tour begins at the frosty Donaghmore Ruins. After a quick stop at Rath Cross, we park conveniently at Killegland Square for some shopping and a visit to St. Declan's Church. We experience the Broadmeadow River in the clear winter light before heading to Emerald Park. A warm dinner in the town centre rounds off the frosty day perfectly.
