Loughcrew Cairns — Attraction in The Municipal District of Kells

Loughcrew Cairns in County Cavan is a hidden gem that combines history, natural beauty, and tranquility. Nestled amidst lush greenery, this ancient site offers a truly serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The peaceful surroundings, dotted with grazing sheep, add to the charm of this enchanting place, making it an idyllic spot for relaxation and reflection.

The highlight of visiting Loughcrew Cairns is undoubtedly the breathtaking view from the top. The short hike to the summit is well worth the effort, as visitors are rewarded with panoramic vistas of the rolling Irish countryside. On a clear day, the scenery is simply stunning, providing a sense of awe and connection with nature that is hard to match.

Unlike more popular tourist destinations, Loughcrew Cairns remains relatively less crowded, allowing visitors to enjoy its beauty in a calm and unspoiled environment. This makes it an ideal destination for those seeking solitude or looking to immerse themselves in the area’s rich history and mythology. The ancient cairns and stone carvings offer a glimpse into Ireland’s prehistoric past, making the visit both educational and spiritually enriching.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply in search of peace and quiet, Loughcrew Cairns is a destination that should not be missed. Its unique blend of natural splendor and historical significance ensures an unforgettable experience. Be sure to take your time and soak in the tranquil atmosphere – this magical place is truly...

Absolutely loved visiting Loughcrew Cairns, an extraordinary and peaceful megalithic site hidden in County Meath. What I experienced: The narrow, single-lane rural road added to the charm, and expects calm driving! Around 25 parking spots offer quick access to the site, with a small blue info booth nearby. The short (approximately 650m) hike to the cairns is steep and includes steps, so sturdy footwear is a must. It’s not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs, but highly rewarding. Once you reach the summit, you're greeted by one of Ireland’s most historic collections of 30+ Neolithic tombs, dotted across three hills, with the crown jewel being Cairn T, known for its stunning rock art and alignment with equinox sunrise . On a clear day, the views stretch across the midlands, practically 360° panoramas, and a blissful sense of tranquility . I didn’t see any sheep during my visit, but locals say they often graze nearby, only adding to the bucolic atmosphere. There was the option to join guided tours at the nearby Megalithic Centre, which bring the site's ancient archaeology and mythology to life, highly recommended .

Why it was special:

A compact, scenic hike that’s both accessible and steeped in history. A rare chance to enjoy one of Ireland’s significant ancient sites without crowds. Rich storytelling from guides and breathtaking equinox alignments—pure magic. A true gem for history lovers, hikers, or anyone seeking a meaningful escape into Ireland's...

One of the four great passage tomb sites in Ireland. Loughcrew is a series of tombs spread across several hills near Oldcastle in Meath. The tombs date from the Neolithic period and are probably in or around 5300 years old. The largest of these tombs is Cairn T, on the hill of Carnbane East. There is a car park and a little walk over the fields to the top of the hill brings you to cairns. The views are wonderful, as this is the highest point in County Meath and on a clear day you can see Slieve Gullion and other mountains to the north.

Most of the tombs only remain as stone circles, but Cairn T has an intact central chamber, which is fenced off. However, even though technically you can get a key, the passageway is barred by a steel support after about 2 metres, so there is no real point in getting the key. The rock carvings can be partly viewed through the iron doorway anyway. A nearby tomb is completely open and also has some impressive rock carvings.

The site boasts some amazing views, but it is not wheelchair friendly, and, as one is walking over grass and sheep fields, some form of waterproof footwear...