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Ashbourne

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Ashbourne (Ireland)
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Practical info — Ashbourne

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Ashbourne is a major commuter town; avoid driving towards Dublin during early morning rush hours.
  • The town centre is mostly modern and spread along the main street; walking is the easiest way to get around.
  • If you want to visit Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park), it's just a short drive away, best visited on weekdays to avoid crowds.
  • The weather can be unpredictable, so dressing in layers and carrying a rain jacket is essential.
  • Many shops and cafes are located in the High Street retail park area, making it a convenient stop.

🍽 Food

🍽
Full Irish Breakfast

Try a hearty breakfast in one of the traditional cafes along the main street.

🍽
Seafood Chowder

Look for cozy pubs in the town centre serving warm bowls of chowder with brown bread.

🍽
Irish Stew

Available in most local pubs, best enjoyed with a pint of stout.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
High Street Retail Park

A modern shopping area with various retail outlets and cafes.

🛍
Local Butchers and Bakeries

Check out the independent food shops along the main street for fresh local produce.

🧘
Linear Park

A lovely local park stretching along the Broadmeadow River, well-suited for a peaceful stroll.

🧘
Ashbourne Golf Club surroundings

The area around the golf course on the edge of town features quiet walking paths.

Highlights of 2026

1

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.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C666811141515141187
Rain mm86707061677680917610210697

Geography

Population
12,679
Coordinates
53.51350, -6.39340

Facts

  • The modern town was planned by Frederick Bourne around 1820.
  • The Battle of Ashbourne took place during the Easter Rising in 1916.
  • Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park) is located on the outskirts.
  • The town is a major commuter hub for Dublin city workers.
  • A monument called 'The Rath' commemorates the 1916 victory.
  • It is located approximately 20km from Dublin city center.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ashbourne (3)

Fallen Jockey Monument🏺 historical

The Fallen Jockey Monument is a memorial located in Ashbourne honoring local equestrians.

Pet Farm🎡 recreation

The Pet Farm in Ashbourne is a family-friendly zoo featuring various domestic animals.

Cornstown House📍 landmark

Cornstown House is a notable property and visitor attraction situated in Ashbourne.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous attraction near Ashbourne?
Emerald Park (formerly Tayto Park), Ireland's only theme park and zoo.
Is Ashbourne an old town?
It is a rapidly growing commuter town, but it has roots dating back to medieval times.
How do you get from Dublin to Ashbourne?
By bus (route 103) or via the M2 motorway, in about 20-30 minutes.
Are there golf courses nearby?
Yes, Ashbourne Golf Club features an excellent 18-hole course.
What can you do in the town center?
There are many modern shops, cafes, and good restaurants along the main street.
Ashbourne: where is it located?
Ashbourne is located in Ireland.
Ashbourne: what is there to see?
Highlights include Fallen Jockey Monument, Pet Farm, Cornstown House.
Ashbourne: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Ashbourne: why is it worth visiting?
Ashbourne is a modern, rapidly growing town in County Meath, located about 20 kilometers northwest of Dublin.
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