Craft breweries and distilleries form a growing part of the local production landscape along the Boyne Valley and surrounding areas. Brú Brewery began operations in 2013 in Trim on the banks of the River Boyne. The brewery produces a core range of traditional Irish styles such as Brú Rua red Irish ale alongside modern craft beers in its Urban Jungle series, with inspiration drawn from Irish heritage and local water sources to create balanced flavours suited to the region’s traditions.
Boyne Brewhouse operates in the heart of the Boyne Valley near the Meath-Louth border. This brewery focuses on craft beers delivered directly to consumers, utilising the area’s natural setting and resources to develop its range of ales and other styles.
On the distillery front, Slane Distillery commenced production in the restored 18th-century stables and grain stores on the grounds of Slane Castle in Slane. Owned by the Conyngham family, it crafts triple-casked Irish whiskey that blends grain-to-glass processes with water from the River Boyne and estate-grown barley, resulting in a smooth profile with notes of vanilla, spices, and complex yet approachable character, while tours highlight the site’s history tied to music events at the castle. Boann Distillery functions as an independent family-run facility in Lagavooren on Platin Road in Drogheda.
It produces triple-distilled Irish single malt whiskey, single pot still whiskey, and craft gin under brands including The Whistler and now Boann, with emphasis on grain-to-glass methods that combine traditional techniques and modern technology to maximise flavour from unmalted grains in pot still mash bills and to create elegant mouthfuls distinctive to the Boyne Valley’s whiskey-making heritage, alongside a taproom and visitor centre. These operations continue to contribute to Meath’s drinks scene through their focus on local ingredients and craft processes.
Craft Brewing & Distilling county by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Dining
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
Restaurant awards
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow – Overall – County winners – Georgina Campbell – Good Food Ireland – Michelin Star
County Meath:
Ireland’s county Meath is steeped in Ireland’s ancient past, with the Hill of Tara offering a glimpse into royal history and panoramic views. The UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne complex, including Newgrange and Knowth, showcases intricate Neolithic tombs, while Trim Castle provides medieval grandeur. Other attractions include the Boyne River’s scenic walks and historic Slane Castle. Meath is Ireland’s 14th largest county by size (2,336 square km) and eighth largest by population (220,826). Population previously peaked at 183,828 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 62,969 in 1926. In terms of hospitality, Meath is Ireland’s 19th most visited tourist county with around 122,000 international visitors per year.
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