The Journey Begins from a Hotel in Meath..

Finding hotels in Meath is a good place to start as the Royal County peaks the interest of thousands of travellers each year thanks to its numerous places of historical significance.

With a past steeped in myth, politics, royalty and rivalry, County Meath is known as the Royal County because of its association with The High Kings of Ireland - historical and mythological figures who may or may not have, at one stage or another, claimed lordship over the whole of Ireland. The era is described differently by many historians, so the choices is yours - whether one of tyrant kings and murderers or one of utopian bliss, delve into which ever version of the story entertains your imagination most. The Hill of Tara, a site associated with kingship rituals, has peaked the interest of archaeologists, historians and travellers throughout the years because of its intriguing nature and the tale it tells of times past. With ample hotel accommodation in Meath available, it's easy to find a base from which to explore the region in all its magical beauty.

Though it occurred more than 300 years ago, a noticeably dreadful event that put Meath on the map is the story of Oliver Plunkett, who was literally condemned to a gruesome death. The Roman Catholic Archbishop and Primate of All Ireland (which is just a fancy way of saying senior churchman) was hung, drawn and quartered after being convicted for treason after promoting his faith. Born in Loughcrew, County Meath, Plunkett was one of the most persecuted men of the Emerald Isle at the time. Facing an all-Protestant jury with no defending council and a group of useless prosecution witnesses (wanted men skittish about turning up in court), his trial was doomed from the start. Upon his death he was the last Roman Catholic martyr to die in England and the first Irish Saint proclaimed in 700 years. Loughcrew, where the Plunkett family church stands, is definitely worth a visit as is Plunkett's head, which has been preserved at a shrine in St Peter's church. On a lighter note, Plunkett also became a patron saint for peace and reconciliation in Ireland!

Generally, you'll find fairy lore in abundance in Ireland. Most of us have heard the myth of changelings - offspring of fairies and elves who are supposedly swapped for human children. One notable Irish event linked to this belief is the death of Bridget Cleary. More than 100 years ago, an ill Cleary was murdered by her husband of eight years because he believed she'd been taken by the fairies and replaced by a changeling. Really! Michael Cleary, convinced that murdering the woman before him would bring his real wife back, set Bridget alight and watched her burn to death. Michael admitted his crime and after his trial, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison. Considered one of the last trials linked to 'witchcraft' in Ireland, the case of Bridget Cleary is an interesting one for macabre story tellers to recite.

Besides the rich history and culture, breathtaking scenery is also abundant in Ireland and of course, beautiful stories of love and bravery that are permanently woven into the fabric of life there. Check out hotels in Meath that will direct you to points of interest when beginning your journey, and find a place filled with wondrous tales to feed your imagination.