With all the ups and downs of Irish weather, it’s worth grabbing every chance we get to head outdoors with the kids. So here are some of the best outdoor places in Meath to explore as a family, from forest trails to ancient hills, playgrounds and beaches across the Royal County.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now and get our FREE newsletters packed with fun ideas and things to do with the kids, family-friendly recipes, expert advice, parenting tips and great competitions.
Best Outdoor Places in Meath
Balrath Wood Play Trail
This lovely gem, Balrath Wood, is situated near Kentstown, approximately 10km from Navan. It has a range of nature walks, free parking, playground areas and picnic tables.
You’ll find a great Play Trail with play equipment as you go through the woods, and it’s wheelchair accessible too. There are four play areas at Balrath Woods:
- To reach the ‘Shaky Bridge’ head along the wheelchair path and turn left just before the pond.
- You’ll find the Swing, which is suitable for children with disabilities, located straight ahead past the pond.
- Further along the wheelchair path you’ll find two ‘Play Ponies’ suitable for small children.
- Turn right off the wheelchair path and continue until you reach the Climbing Web.
Mullaghmeen Forest
With over 1,000 acres to explore and around 14 miles of routes to suit various abilities, plus plenty of picnic spots, it’s easy to while away an afternoon at Mullaghmeen Forest in North Meath.
You May Also Enjoy The Best Picnic Places for Families in Meath
Hill of Tara
Image: Hill of Tara © Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit
Climb the Hill of Tara, the famous ancient ceremonial and burial site near Skryne, and pretend you’re an ancient King or Queen of the Royal County! The hill has a public car park and toilets close to the site, and there’s a coffee shop on site for refreshments afterwards.
Kells Girley Eco Bog Walk
The Kells Girley Eco Bog Walk is a magical spot – possibly one of our favourites. It’s located (and signposted) about 7km along the N52 Kells to Mullingar road and makes for a truly unique day out with older children.
It’s a waymarked loop walk that’s 5.6km long, with amazing flora and fauna along the way. Wear sturdy shoes and bring drinking water – note that it’s not suitable for buggies.
Loughcrew Cairns
Another magical place, Loughcrew Cairns is an ancient burial ground located near Oldcastle. It’s more suitable for older children as there’s a bit of a hike to get up the hill, but the views from the top are well worth the effort.
You May Also Enjoy Fun Family Walks in Meath
Dalgan Park
There are over 6km of walks in this lovely park, Dalgan Park, just outside Navan, along with woods to explore and a riverside walk beside the River Boyne. The main looped walk is very accessible for buggies, wheelchairs or bicycles.
Keep in mind that Dalgan is the workplace of the Columban brothers, so do pay attention to any signs and follow the rules on site – it’s also a nature reserve.
Sonairte
Visit Sonairte (The National Ecology Centre) in Laytown, an interactive visitor centre promoting ecological awareness. It’s a lovely day out with kids – enjoy the Nature Trail & River Walk, or visit their Eco Shop. Make sure to check out their beautiful and educational walled Organic Gardens, which date back to the mid-1800s. They also run seasonal events and workshops throughout the year, so it’s worth keeping an eye on their calendar.
Slane Playground
This lovely facility is located on the Collon Road. It features three sets of climbing equipment, five spring rockets, a seesaw, two merry-go-rounds, six swings and a slide.
Spire of Loyd, Kells
The Spire of Loyd has a playground with good facilities for children to play, a ring fort walk and picnic tables.
Dunboyne Playground & Skate Park
This community amenity in Dunboyne includes two sets of climbing equipment, a spring rocket, a seesaw, a merry-go-round, four swings and a slide. The skate park is suitable for ages 10 and up.
You May Also Enjoy Playgrounds in County Meath
Meath Beaches
Beaches are great spots for kite flying and a host of other enjoyable activities! County Meath isn’t blessed with an abundance of coastline, but what we lack in quantity we make up for in quality.
Try Bettystown, Laytown and Mornington – all great for stone skimming, sandcastle building, and a picnic on a good day.
You May Also Enjoy Free Things To Do In Meath
Have your say! Do you have a favourite outdoor spot in Meath to visit with the kids? Tell us in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these outdoor spots suitable for toddlers and buggies?
Many of them are – Balrath Wood, Dalgan Park and the playgrounds at Slane, Spire of Loyd and Dunboyne are all buggy-friendly. A few, like the Kells Girley Eco Bog Walk and Loughcrew Cairns, involve rougher terrain or hills and are better suited to older children.
Do I need to pay to visit these places?
Most of the spots listed, including the forests, hills and playgrounds, are free to visit, though some like Sonairte have on-site shops and may charge for special events.
Which spot is best for a full family day out?
Mullaghmeen Forest and Dalgan Park both offer plenty of ground to cover with picnic spots along the way, making them great choices if you want to spend a few hours outdoors.
Are any of these places accessible for wheelchair users?
Balrath Wood and the main looped walk at Dalgan Park are both wheelchair accessible.
Related Articles
- The Best Picnic Places for Families in Meath
- Fun Family Walks in Meath
- Playgrounds in County Meath
- Free Things To Do In Meath
Save This For Your Next Family Day Out
Not heading out just yet? Bookmark this page or save it to your phone so you’ve got a ready-made list of outdoor spots in Meath next time you need some fresh-air inspiration.
Don’t miss our best content straight to your inbox! Sign up now for our free weekly newsletter packed with fun things to do, family-friendly recipes, expert advice and great competitions.
