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Monasterboice, Mellifont and the Battle of the Boyne

Louth, Ireland

easy
history

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Muiredach's Witness

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275

XP

2 days

Monasterboice, Mellifont and the Battle of the Boyne

easy
history

275 XP

The Boyne Valley did not stop being important when the passage tombs were built. Muiredach's High Cross at Monasterboice stands 5.5 metres high and is generally reckoned the finest high cross in Ireland, beside a round tower of 28 metres. A few kilometres away, Mellifont was the first Cistercian abbey in the country, founded in 1142 at the instigation of St Malachy to bring continental monasticism to Ireland. And at Oldbridge on 1 July 1690, William III beat James II on the river and settled who would wear the English crown.

Required Activities

1

of 4

Find Muiredach's High Cross at Monasterboice, 5.5 metres tall and regarded as the finest high cross in Ireland, beside a 28-metre round tower

2

of 4

Walk the ruins of Mellifont Abbey, Ireland's first Cistercian abbey, founded in 1142 on the orders of St Malachy

3

of 4

Visit the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge, where William III defeated James II on 1 July 1690

4

of 4

Compare Monasterboice's round tower with Mellifont's Cistercian ruins, a few kilometres and several centuries apart

  • Find Muiredach's High Cross at Monasterboice, 5.5 metres tall and regarded as the finest high cross in Ireland, beside a 28-metre round tower

  • Walk the ruins of Mellifont Abbey, Ireland's first Cistercian abbey, founded in 1142 on the orders of St Malachy

  • Visit the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre at Oldbridge, where William III defeated James II on 1 July 1690

  • Compare Monasterboice's round tower with Mellifont's Cistercian ruins, a few kilometres and several centuries apart

Before you go

Mellifont Abbey opens from the start of April to the start of October. Monasterboice is open all year and free, and the Battle of the Boyne centre opens year round.

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Challenge Location

XP Breakdown

Challenge XP

275 XP


Potential total

275 XP

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