The best traffic-free bike rides around The Municipal District of Navan

Founded by the Cistercian order in 1147, Bective Abbey sits on the River Boyne, just outside Bective in County Meath. A Hollywood favourite, the Abbey have been used three times (so far) in major films. These are Captain Lightfoot in 1955, Braveheart in 1995 and most recently in 2020 by Ridley Scott's The Last Duel. The well-preserved ruin are free to access having been bought by the state in 2011.

Bective Bridge is typical of the old stone bridges that cross the Boyne in this area. Just outside the town of Beative, it is the perfect counterpoint to Ballinter Bridge a bit futher down river, which makes a good walking loop.

Beautiful old stone bridge crossing the River Boyne. Take a momnet to pause in the middle and enjoy the scenic view.

Newgrange was built by a farming community that flourished on the fertile soils of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that, together with Newgrange, have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage grave, but today Newgrange is recognised as much more than a passage grave. The designation "Ancient Temple" is more fitting, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial significance, much like today's cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries can find their final rest. Newgrange is a large, kidney-shaped mound covering over an acre of land, supported at its base by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19m (62ft) long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. The time and labour invested in the construction of Newgrange suggest a well-organised society with specialised groups responsible for various aspects of the build. Newgrange is part of a complex of monuments erected along a bend in the River Boyne, known generically as Brú na Bóinne. The other two main monuments are Knowth (the largest) and Dowth, but there are up to 35 smaller mounds throughout the area. (Source: https://www.newgrange.com/)

interesting @Christian427: In 1995 I was there with a friend. We could even spend the night on the meadow next door. A top experience with a couple and after a shared breakfast in the morning we went to visit Newgrange. Today we were there: a mega visitor center, however with (entrance fee: 5 Euros) absolutely ok and really well prepared. However, we were on our way back to Dublin and the next bus didn't leave for another 1.5 hours. A visit from the inside was not possible, only from the outside (according to the lady at the ticket counter). The shuttle bus tour would be just over 50 minutes and with the stop about 2 hours (however, only bookable online in advance). Visitor center alone does not have to/cannot be booked online.

In 1994 I was in Newgrange and Knoth. I could just drive to Newgrange back then, park my bike right at the entrance of the site and buy a ticket in a small booth for little money - very simple. By 2017, that was no longer possible - just driving there like that. There was a visitor center, located south of Newgrange - with admission and bus transfer to Newgrange and Knoth. It is possible to book only Newgrange or only Knoth - or both together. Everything is planned - small groups and a tour every half hour... I received a sticker on my jacket - which told me when it was my turn and which bus I had to board... In Newgrange, the same procedure - small groups - clearly organized who was next... Also the further bus transfer to Knoth - my group got 10 minutes to walk around the site alone - the bus was already moving on. Knoth has become great - the whole thing beautifully restored! In 1994, Knoth was still a construction site - there was nothing to see yet. Here too, unfortunately, only a short time to walk around alone - the bus was already ready for the return trip to the visitor center... But it was nice! I will definitely come back!

The World Heritage Property of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. (https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth/)

The Hill of Tara has been important since the late Stone Age, when a passage tomb was built there. However, the site became truly significant in the Iron Age (600 BC to 400 AD) and into the Early Christian Period when it rose to supreme prominence – as the seat of the high kings of Ireland. All old Irish roads lead to this critical site. St Patrick himself went there in the fifth century. As Christianity achieved dominance over the following centuries, Tara’s importance became symbolic. Its halls and palaces have now disappeared and only earthworks remain. There are still remarkable sights to be seen, however. Just one example is the Lia Fáil – the great coronation stone and one of the four legendary treasures of the Tuatha Dé Danann – which stands proudly on the monument known as An Forradh. https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/hill-of-tara/