Eating, drinking and dancing
We've tracked down the best cafés for people-watching, the bars with the coolest cocktails, the most accomplished restaurants and the liveliest local nightlife in County Meath.
Restaurants
The Old Post Office
Informal, relaxed and very friendly, this restaurant is set in a beautiful village and has a menu that combines simple traditional and modern dishes.
Main Street, Slane, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)41 982 4090)
The Loft
This is a popular place, no doubt due to the crab claws and Boyne salmon. There’s also a separate tapas bar with a buzzy atmosphere and sleek styling.
26 Trimgate Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 907 1755)
The Russell
Nab a window table or one of the booths at this cosy little restaurant and order a simple but tasty steak or plate of pasta; good, unfussy seafood, too. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
15–16 Ludlow Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 903 1607)
The Ground Floor
Owned by the same people as the Loft in Navan, this is a similarly stylish and contemporary place with a menu of fresh fish and tasty international dishes.
Bective Square, Kells, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 924 9688)
Gaylord’s
This Indian tandoori restaurant in Navan has exceptionally good sub-continental cooking and an army of loyal followers.
26 Railway Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 907 5292)
O’Brien’s Good Food and Drink House
In the heart of Johnstown, just outside Navan, this gastropub is perfect for a tasty and unfussy meal. It’s a good option for vegetarians, too.
The Village, Johnstownbridge, near Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 902 0555)
The Vanilla Pod
This hotel restaurant in Kells has a Modern International menu and light oak decor. The fish dishes, based on the day’s catch, are very good, and it’s worth pacing yourself for the desserts as well.
The Headfort Arms Hotel, Kells, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 924 0084)
Forge Gallery Restaurant
A 15-minute drive north of Slane, technically this restaurant is in County Louth – but should you venture across the boundary, you’ll be served Modern European food in a quirky art gallery; ring ahead to check opening times and book a table.
Church Street, Collon, County Louth, Ireland
(+353 (0)41 982 6272)
Rendezvous Restaurant
This relaxed bistro serves a round-the-world menu of Italian, Irish, Thai and Cajun staples. Open evenings only.
30 Railway Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 902 9231)
Cafés
George’s Patisserie
This pretty village bakery and patisserie makes gorgeous cakes and is also a great place to pick up picnic ingredients (www.georgespatisserie.com).
Great for: picnic fixings
Chapel Street, Slane, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)41 982 4493)
Chekhov’s Coffee House
Pop into this homely little upstairs establishment for a quick caffeine fix or a wholesome vegetarian lunch – the home-made desserts are lovely.
Bakery Lane, 12 Trimgate Street, Navan, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 907 4422)
Bars and clubs
O’Connell’s
Affectionately referred to as Mrs O’s, this perfect little pub on top of the historic Hill of Skryne has buckets of charm, an open fire and a great atmosphere. It features in the Guinness Christmas ads which, let’s face it, is quite an endorsement.
Skryne Hill, Tara, County Meath, Ireland
(+353 (0)46 902 5122)