Weekend break: Dunboyne Castle Hotel, Dunboyne, Co Meath

Marie Toft enjoys an adventurous blast from the past in the historic surroundings of the Royal County.

OLIVER CROMWELL destroyed the original Dunboyne Castle but it’s definitely alive and kicking in 2014. The history of this beautifully-refurbished building was only the start of what turned out to be a fascinating journey exploring the Royal County of Meath.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel is only 11 miles from Dublin but we decided to point north for our family break and explore what Meath’s Boyne Valley has to offer. So from kayaking on the Boyne, to discovering just how heavy a medieval suit of armour is, to the pre-historic wonder of Newgrange, our two-day break was packed full of adventure.