Ashbourne Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Until relatively recently, Ashbournewas little more than a one-street town, with few visitors. Over the last fewyears, however, with a connection to the M20 positioning it directly in theDublin commuter belt, it has undergone a major transformation. Today itthrives, with a booming retail economy and many attractions and restaurants toserve a growing population.

Settlement here goes back centuries, in fact, if you happento stop by the local supermarket on Castle Street, you’ll be walking on top ofsites that may date to the Middle Ages – something to ponder as you browse thefrozen food aisle perhaps. And beyond the town’s heritage and modern amenities,holidays in Ashbournemake for an excellent base for anyone hoping to explore the surrounding SouthMeath and Boyne Valley areas.

Sights in Ashbourne

Killegland Castle was builtduring the 1400s, eventually falling in to disrepair in the 17th Century. Itsruins can be seen by walking up the appropriately named Castle Street. If you pauseat the lane leading to Killegland Cemetery, and face away from the gravestones,you’ll be standing directly opposite where it stood.

History buffs should seek out the 1916 Rising Monument, atthe Rath Crossroads, which commemorates a notable clash between a group ofFingal Volunteers and the Royal Irish Constabulary during the Easter Rebellion.And heading out of town toward Ratoath can be seen Neil’sMound, or Cnoc Neil, a natural mound surrounded by larch trees, which showssigns of inhabitation dating back to the Stone Age.

Ashbourne for Families

Family holidays inAshbourne are a fantastic idea. Only 10 minutes down theroad by car you’ll find the Meath Theatre in Ratoath, showcasing local,national and international acts, with a roster that includes everything fromfolk music to puppetry, poetry to comedy and even wrestling. There is also acookery school with fun and educational short course for visitors of all ages.

Only slightly further is Rathbeggan Lakes,where children can take part in a wealth of exciting activities such asclimbing and abseiling, learning to drive a mini Land Rover, henna tattooing,visit a pet farm, or trying their hand at fishing in a lake stuffed with rainbowtrout. For parents seeking something a little less active, there is also a BBQand picnic area.

In Ashbourne itself, there is asmall pottery studio that offers classes to both kids and adults. A major drawis TaytoPark, a mini theme park dedicated to the humble potato, with rides,exotic animals and a tour of the factory for anyone who is curious learn howcrisps are made.

There are several retail developments scattered around thetown featuring well-known brands, and a large cinema too. For the sporty, Ashbournehas an 18-hole golf course, an archery centre, and even – from mid 2015 – abaseball ground. So whether the sun is shining or it’s bucketing with rain,there are always lots of thingsto do in Ashbourne.

Staying in Ashbourne

There is abundant high-quality and reasonably priced accommodation in Ashbourneand its environs, from hotels and guesthouses to self-catering options. Stayingin town gives you easy access to its shops and restaurants, while basingyourself further out should allow for pleasant views of the Meath countryside.

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
The price is ₹12,815 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
₹12,815
₹14,545 total
28 Jul - 29 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Dublin. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a 24-hour front desk and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,876 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel. We enjoyed our stay in this beautiful hotel. Front desk staff and others were wonderful and helpful. We will definitely return again. Thanks."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport

4 out of 5
Stockhole Lane, Swords, Clonshaugh, Dublin
The price is ₹13,305 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹13,305
₹15,102 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Clonshaugh. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant ...
9/10 Wonderful! (6,592 reviews)
"Excellent solution for an early morning flight from Dublin Airport. Also a very good dinner for my wife and I in the lounge on arrival."

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2025

Clayton Hotel Dublin Airport
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
The price is ₹11,424 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹11,424
₹12,967 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2,158 reviews)
"Great location. Nice room friendly and helpful staff"

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Delphi Cottage

Delphi Cottage

3 out of 5
Dublin Road, R135, Ashbourne, Meath
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Ashbourne. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Emerald Park and Fairyhouse Racecourse ...
7.6/10 Good! (6 reviews)
"The check-in email got blocked as Spam and I emailed, texted and called the property several times seeking information. Nobody ever responded. We sat in our car in the sun in the parking lot for several hours waiting for check-in help. Finally figured it out by ourselves after finding the email in ..."

Reviewed on 15 May 2025

Delphi Cottage
Zanzibar Locke

Zanzibar Locke

4 out of 5
34 ORMOND QUAY LOWER, Dublin
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a fitness centre and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,982 reviews)
"Property was great. Rooms were clean and tidy. Spaces were great. Highly recommend for anyone staying in Dublin. Nice and close to all of the good spots downtown. Secure and safe."

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Zanzibar Locke
Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)

Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)

3 out of 5
Grangegorman Lower, Dublin, County Dublin
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Dublin. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (209 reviews)
Cosy and Comfortable
"We arrived on foot to Swuite.All of the staff especially Equing were very helpful and polite.Our rooms were clean bed was very comfortable.We had a very pleasant experience here .Thankyou"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Swuite Dublin (Student Accommodation - ApartHotel)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Ashbourne

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
7
5 - Excellent 44%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
1
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nice place not far from Dublin, direct connection with 103 bus.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Generally a nice hotel, was only staying to be close to tayto park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

If you have small kids check out puddenhill and fifty50 is a good family friendly restaurant.