The Boyne Valley is an easy place for a family break in Ireland. Distances are short, the history is the kind that sticks with children (giant tombs, battles, castles and kings), and there are beaches and rainy-day options within half an hour. Here are the best things to do with kids around Tower Lodge at Monasterboice, plus a simple plan for a three-day family break.
Is the Boyne Valley good for a family break?
Yes. Most of the main sights are within 20 minutes of each other, so you spend your time exploring rather than sitting in the car. Several are free, the paid sites have family tickets, and Dublin Airport is about 30 minutes away, which makes it a gentle first or last stop on a longer trip around Ireland.
Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne
Children are usually amazed that Newgrange is older than the pyramids. Visits start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, where an interactive exhibition shows how Neolithic people lived, followed by a shuttle bus to the monument and a guided tour. Every visitor, including infants, needs a ticket, and family tickets are available. Book ahead, and note that the passage into the chamber is narrow. Our guide to visiting Newgrange has the details.
The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
About 15 minutes from Tower Lodge, the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge House tells the story of the 1690 battle between William III and James II. Kids tend to like the laser battlefield model and the displays of 17th-century weapons, and there is plenty of room to run in the walled garden and parkland afterwards. Children under 12 go free, and there is a tea room on site. Check the visitor centre’s website for opening times and summer events.
Monasterboice, right next door
You do not need to drive anywhere for the first adventure. The round tower and high crosses at Monasterboice are beside the lodge, free and open at any time. Challenge the children to find Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel and other stories carved on Muiredach’s Cross. It is also an active graveyard, so ask them to keep voices down. See our Monasterboice visitor guide.
Beaches near the Boyne Valley
On a dry day, head for the coast. Clogherhead, with its fishing harbour and Blue Flag beach, is a short drive east of the lodge, and the long sandy strands at Bettystown and Laytown are just south of Drogheda. Bring a picnic, buckets and a windbreaker, as the Irish Sea breeze is rarely far away.
What to do with kids on a rainy day
- Funtasia, Drogheda. An indoor water park and theme park with slides, bowling, arcades and climbing. See funtasia.ie for opening times.
- Drogheda Museum and Millmount. Climb the Martello tower and see the town from the top. Read our guide to things to do in Drogheda.
- Swimming. There are public pools in Drogheda, Navan and Trim.
More family days out
- Irish Military War Museum, near Collon. Military vehicles and exhibits, with a petting farm and play areas for younger children.
- Newgrange Farm. A family-run working farm near Newgrange with seasonal farm tours. Check dates before you go.
- Trim Castle. Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle, with guided tours of the keep. See our guide to castles near the Boyne Valley.
- Carlingford. A medieval village by the lough, with an adventure centre and ferry trips across the water in season.
A three-day family break
- Day 1: Arrive, settle in, then explore the round tower and high crosses next door before an early dinner.
- Day 2: A morning Newgrange tour, a picnic, then the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre and its parkland in the afternoon.
- Day 3: The beach at Clogherhead if it is dry, or Funtasia in Drogheda if it is not, with lunch in town before you head home.
For a longer stay, our Boyne Valley day trips have more ideas.
Where to stay for a family break
Tower Lodge is a restored barn beside the Monasterboice round tower, sleeping four in a king room and a twin room, so it suits a family of four well. The full kitchen means you can do breakfasts, picnics and easy dinners on your own schedule, and there is parking at the door. It is about 10 minutes from Drogheda and 20 minutes from Newgrange.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newgrange suitable for children?
Yes. Every visitor, including infants, needs a ticket, and family tickets are available. The passage into the chamber is narrow, so it may not suit children who dislike tight spaces.
What can families do in the Boyne Valley when it rains?
Funtasia in Drogheda has an indoor water park and theme park, and the Brú na Bóinne and Battle of the Boyne visitor centres both have indoor exhibitions.
How many people does Tower Lodge sleep?
Four, in a king bedroom and a twin bedroom.
How far is the nearest beach from Tower Lodge?
Clogherhead is a short drive east, and Bettystown and Laytown are just south of Drogheda.
