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Photo: Rob Hurson, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The largest collection of megalithic graves in Ireland, with 30 passage tombs from around 3300 BC, older than Newgrange. They're ranged across four small hills together known as Slieve na Calliagh, "the witch's hills", and the hill you visit is Carnbane East (194 m). Its largest tomb is Cairn T, 35 m in diameter with Neolithic artwork: the sunrise at spring and autumn equinox penetrates its depths. Entry within is by guided tour. (In early 2021 this tomb is closed for conservation, others remain accessible.) "The Hag's Chair" nearby is a large carved kerbstone. The area is steep and rocky, wear stout shoes.
Loughcrew or Lough Crew is an area of historical importance near Oldcastle, County Meath, Ireland. It is home to a group of ancient tombs from the 4th millennium BC, some decorated with rare megalithic art, which sit on top of a range of hills. The hills and tombs are together known as Slieve na Calliagh and are the highest point in Meath. It is one of the four main passage tomb cemeteries in Ireland and is a protected National Monument. The area is also home to the Loughcrew Estate, from which it is named.
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Charming gardens with many original 17th century features. The house is now an event venue and can't routinely be visited. It's burnt down three times, with only outbuildings surviving, especially the Orangery. This has been converted into plush self-catering, sleeps 17. The Plunkett family backed the breakaway Irish Confederacy in the 1640s, so their lands were forfeited to the loyal Napers, who still own it. The Napers restored the gardens; they also staged an annual opera festival here but this is no longer held.