Navan Travel Guide

City City in Leinster, Ireland

On the Boyne’s edge, Navan sits close to Trim Castle and the prehistoric sites of the Boyne Valley. Visitors arrive for medieval ruins, lively markets, and pubs that serve stout and stew after tours of nearby archaeological landscapes.

Costs

Moderate: $70-120/day

Reasonable costs for accommodation and meals.

Safety

Generally safe, commuter town

Typical Irish commuter town safety; low serious crime.

Best Time

Late spring to early autumn (May-Sept)

Pleasant weather for exploring nearby heritage sites.

In This Guide

Why Visit Navan?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

—

Population

24,545

Infrastructure & Convenience

Good bus connections to Dublin; limited rail services.

Popularity

Busy with day‑trippers and local shoppers from the county.

Known For

Páirc Tailteann (GAA stadium), proximity to Hill of Tara, Boyne Valley archaeology access, Boyne River, historic markets, local pubs, equestrian events, Trim/Newgrange day trips

Navan is home to Páirc Tailteann, County Meath's principal GAA stadium.

Why Visit Navan? #

Positioned in the Boyne Valley, this market town is a practical base for Ireland’s richest archaeological sites and rural culture. River-side promenades and a bustling market square feel distinctly local, and the town’s closeness to Newgrange and the Hill of Tara connects visitors with ancient history. Traditional pubs and lively community events round out the experience with authentic local character.

Top Things to Do in Navan

All Attractions ›

Newgrange

Neolithic passage tomb older than Egyptian pyramids

Tomb

Brú na Bóinne

Neolithic landscape with passage tombs at Boyne Valley

Archaeological Site

Hill of Tara

Ancient ritual site, traditional seat of Irish kings

Archaeological Site

Knowth

Large Neolithic passage-tomb complex with carved stones

Tomb

Lia Fáil

Ancient coronation stone at Ireland's Hill of Tara

Monument

Dowth

Neolithic passage tomb in the Brú na Bóinne complex

Archaeological Site

Slane Castle

Historic Irish castle hosting concerts and estates

Castle

Abbey of Kells

Monastic ruins in Kells with famed high crosses

Religious Site

Don't Miss

Navan Market Square and River Boyne walk - Riverside promenade and busy market area offering cafes and town-centre atmosphere.
Navan Fort visitor trails (nearby) - Archaeological site and interpretive trails explaining regional Iron Age history and legends.
Saint Mary's Church - Historic parish church with notable stained glass and regular community events and concerts.

Hidden Gems

The Kells Road cycle route - Quiet country lanes and riverside stretches favored by local cyclists and walkers.
Local artisan bakery on Castle Street - Family-run bakery producing award-winning breads and pastries popular with residents.
River Boyne fishing stretches - Less-frequented riverbanks upstream for peaceful walks and seasonal angling spots.

Day Trips

Trim Castle - Largest Norman castle in Ireland with extensive interior ruins and guided tours available.
Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange) - Neolithic passage tomb complex and visitor centre showcasing prehistoric art and chambers.

Best Time to Visit Navan #

Navan is nicest from late spring through early autumn when lanes and countryside are green and outdoor events run. Winters are cool, wet, and muddy.

Winter

December - February · 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F)

Cool, wet winters; Navan is quiet but cosy with pubs and small museums. Expect damp conditions, muddy fields, and short daylight-bring sturdy waterproofs.

Spring

March - May · 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F)

Crisp, increasingly mild spring-gardens and hedgerows bloom. Ideal for cycling quiet country lanes, but pack a waterproof and expect frequent showers.

Summer

June - August · 13°C to 21°C (55°F to 70°F)

Warmest months bring long evenings for pub gardens and local events. Comfortable temperatures make sightseeing easy-still carry a light raincoat for unexpected showers.

Best Time to Visit Navan #

Climate

Navan's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (908 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

MayJuneJuly

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

26°

Warmest Month

-7°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 8°

95%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

92 mm

Rainfall

3.9 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

7.9h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

46 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

2° – 8°

93%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

64 mm

Rainfall

3.8 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

3° – 10°

90%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

70 mm

Rainfall

4.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

4° – 12°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

59 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

11°

Feels Like Cool

11°C

Temperature

6° – 15°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

67 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.2

UV Index

High

15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 18°

83%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

66 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.5

UV Index

High

16.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 20°

84%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

61 mm

Rainfall

2.9 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

59 Acceptable

Comfort

15°

Feels Like Cool

15°C

Temperature

11° – 19°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

81 mm

Rainfall

2.8 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.1

UV Index

High

14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

9° – 17°

88%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

81 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.7

UV Index

Moderate

12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

10°

Feels Like Cool

10°C

Temperature

7° – 14°

91%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

4° – 10°

95%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

93 mm

Rainfall

3.3 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.1

UV Index

Low

8.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

44 Poor

Comfort

5°

Feels Like Cold

5°C

Temperature

3° – 8°

96%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

87 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.0

UV Index

Low

7.3h daylight

How to Get to Navan

Navan is best reached by coach or car from Dublin - there is currently no direct passenger rail service into the town. Regular bus services from Dublin city and the airport are the common public‑transport routes.

By Air

Dublin Airport (DUB): Dublin is the nearest major international airport (about 45-55 km). From the airport, coaches and private buses run to Navan; travel time is around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. A taxi from Dublin Airport to Navan costs approximately €55-€80.

Shannon Airport (SNN) / Belfast (BFS) (alternatives): These airports are considerably farther and generally not convenient for Navan unless combined with a longer coach or rail journey across Ireland.

By Train & Bus

Train: Navan currently has no heavy rail passenger service; the proposed Navan Rail project is planned but not fully operational for all routes. The nearest commuter rail stations are Clonsilla and Dunboyne on the Dublin commuter network - these are 20-30 minutes by car or local bus from Navan.

Bus: Regular bus services (Bus Éireann and private operators) link Navan with Dublin city and Dublin Airport; journey times are roughly 40-70 minutes and typical one‑way fares are in the €4-€10 range depending on service and ticket type. Buses are the most practical public transport option to Navan today.

How to Get Around Navan #

Navan’s town centre is compact and walkable for shops and cafés. The town is well connected by Bus Éireann and private coach services to Dublin and other towns-journey times are short and fares affordable for commuters. Taxis are easy to find in town; driving is convenient if you plan to explore the surrounding countryside or nearby historic sites.

Where to Stay in Navan #

Budget

Town centre / Market Square - $45-80/night

Navan has several affordable B&Bs and a couple of small hotels; budget options are limited but adequate for short stays.

Ardboyne Hotel, Navan - Comfortable, family-run and central.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa - Castle hotel with spa, ~20 minutes drive.

Mid-Range

Near Navan centre / Dunboyne - $80-140/night

A small cluster of comfortable mid-range hotels and a castle-hotel just outside town provide good facilities and easy access to local sites.

Ardboyne Hotel, Navan - Central, good value, on-site restaurant.
Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa - Upscale castle hotel a short drive away.

Luxury

Dublin area / Dunboyne - $150+/night

Limited true luxury inside Navan. Dunboyne Castle is the nearest high-end stay; Dublin's hotels offer broader luxury choices about 40 minutes away.

Dunboyne Castle Hotel & Spa - Most upscale option near Navan.

Where to Eat in Navan #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Navan's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Burger

Chinese

Indian

Irish

Kebab

Italian

Sandwich

Fish & Chips

Beef

Fish

Soup

Asian

Curry

Juice

Pasta

Salad

Steak

Potato

Chicken

Nightlife in Navan #

Navan has a varied pub scene with traditional pubs, modern bars and some late-night venues popular with locals and students. Expect lively weekends and a selection of live-music nights. If you want a broader nightclub scene, Dublin offers more options, but Navan is lively enough for an evening out without leaving town.

Shopping in Navan #

Shopping in Navan centres on pedestrianised streets with a mix of national chain stores and independent retailers. There are also supermarkets and local markets for everyday needs. For larger retail parks and a wider choice of brands, Dublin is a short trip away; within Navan you’ll find solid options for typical shopping needs.