Overview
Oldcastle sits in the north‑west of County Meath, just a short drive from the counties of Westmeath and Cavan. With a population of about 1,400 (2022), the town is a gateway to some of Ireland’s most impressive prehistoric monuments, notably the Loughcrew Cairns – often called the “Hills of the Witch”. The town centre clusters around The Square, where you’ll find a mix of traditional pubs, a SuperValu grocery, and a handful of take‑away eateries. Oldcastle’s location on the Boyne Valley Drive makes it an ideal base for exploring the wider archaeological landscape of the region.
History
The modern town of Oldcastle was largely shaped in the 18th century by the Naper family, who were granted lands from the Plunkett estate after the Cromwellian wars. Despite the Napers’ influence, the area retained a strong Gaelic character, which meant it suffered disproportionately during the Great Famine of the 1840s. Remnants of that hardship are still visible in the town’s layout and the surrounding farmland.
Oldcastle also played a unique role in the First World War. From 1914 to 1918 it hosted Ireland’s only permanent civilian POW camp, detaining enemy aliens and later German and Austrian soldiers. The camp’s site is now a housing estate just south of town. A Norman motte‑and‑bailey once stood where the town’s overgrown mound remains, hinting at the medieval strategic importance of the location.
What to See & Do
Loughcrew Cairns (Slieve na Calliagh)
Only three kilometres east of Oldcastle, the Loughcrew Megalithic Cemetery comprises a series of Neolithic passage tombs spread over four peaks. The most visited is Cairn T, a cruciform chamber crowned by a corbelled roof and decorated with some of Ireland’s finest prehistoric art. The cairns are aligned to the spring and autumn equinoxes, drawing small gatherings to greet the sunrise. While the interior of Cairn T is currently closed for conservation, the surrounding cairns (D, L, and the unexcavated Cairn M) remain accessible via well‑marked paths.
Opening times (2026 season): 28 May – 02 Sept, guided tours daily 10:30‑15:30 (weather‑dependent). The site’s car park is open year‑round.
Admission: Camping on the estate is €12 per person; the rest of the site is free to visit.
Accessibility: The steep climb to Cairn T is not wheelchair‑friendly, and the approach road is narrow. Visitors are asked to stay on the paths and avoid touching the stones.
Saint Oliver Plunkett’s Memorial Church
Located within the Loughcrew Estate, this modest church honours the native saint Oliver Plunkett (1625‑1681). It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm and hosts an annual pilgrimage on 1 July, the anniversary of Plunkett’s execution at Tyburn.
Town Centre Highlights
- St Bride’s Church (Church of Ireland) – sits on the west side of The Square.
- St Brigid’s Church (Roman Catholic) – on Church Street, featuring a shrine to Saint Oliver Plunkett.
- The Square – a hub of pubs such as Dublin Bar, Farrelly’s, Crean Bar, Mountain Dew, Caffrey’s, Ramble Inn and Smith’s Railway Bar. For a quick bite, try Little Panda or Thien Loc.
- Cadden’s SuperValu – the main grocery, open Mon‑Sat 8:45 am‑7 pm, Sun 8:45 am‑6 pm.
Outdoor Activities
- Pitch & Putt – Oldcastle Pitch & Putt is open seven days a week for a quick round.
- Fishing – Lough Ramor (6 km north) offers coarse fishing; Lough Sheelin (10 km west) is renowned for trout.
- Golf – The nearest full‑size course is in Virginia, County Cavan.
- Oldcastle Agricultural Show – held each July, showcasing local livestock, crafts and food.
Practical Information
Getting Here
- By Bus: From Dublin, take the hourly Bus 109 to Kells (≈80 min), then change to Bus 187 which runs M‑Sa and reaches Oldcastle in just under an hour.
- By Car: From Dublin, follow the M3/N3 to Kells, then take the R163 west onto the R154; the journey is about 90 minutes. The town’s main bus stop is centrally located, with most facilities within 100 m.
- Cycling: The Loughcrew cairns are only 3 km from the town centre – a leisurely bike ride is ideal.
Parking & Facilities
- A free car park is available at the Loughcrew Estate alongside the camping and glamping sites. Tent pitches cost €12 per person; caravan and glamping yurt options are also offered.
- The site provides a brochure, basic restroom facilities and a small café.
Connectivity
- Mobile coverage is good on Three’s 4G network; Eir is patchy and Vodafone has no signal. 5G service is not yet available.
Contact
- For enquiries, email info@visitoldcastle.com.
Seasonal Notes
- The Loughcrew cairns are closed to interior access from 28 May to 2 Sept 2026 for conservation work; however, the surrounding landscape remains open year‑round.
- The equinoxes (spring and autumn) are the most spectacular times to visit the cairns, when the sunrise aligns with the chambers.
Oldcastle offers a blend of ancient mystery, modest town charm and outdoor recreation, making it a rewarding stop on any Boyne Valley itinerary.