Major city · Ireland
OldcastleAn Seanchaisleán
Go for one night, or as a half-day from Kells: Loughcrew Cairns is the reason, and it is a 3 km (1.9 mi) walk or drive east of town.Go for one night, or as a half-day from Kells: Loughcrew Cairns is the reason, and it is a 1.9 mi (3 km) walk or drive east of town.
Oldcastle is a small County Meath town of about 1,400 people whose only real draw is Loughcrew Cairns, a hilltop group of passage tombs older than Newgrange and far quieter. The town itself is a square, a few pubs and two or three places to sleep. Come for the tombs and the view; do not come for a town break.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, sites exposed)
- Airport
- DUB
- Nights
- 1
Rules in force · 8Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window…
- Europe ↗Non-EU visitors get 90 days in any rolling 180-day window, counted across all 29 Schengen states together — not per country; the Entry/Exit System now logs each crossing, so an overstay is detected automatically.
- Europe ↗On the first Schengen entry since EES began, non-EU travellers give four fingerprints and a face photo at the border instead of a passport stamp; there is nothing to apply for or pay in advance.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Neither the UK nor Ireland is part of Schengen: days spent here do not count towards the 90/180-day Schengen limit, and a Schengen visa does not admit you to either country.
- Britain and Ireland ↗The island of Ireland runs on two currencies: euro in the Republic, pound sterling in Northern Ireland and Great Britain. Carry a card that pays in both without fees.
- Britain and Ireland ↗Both islands drive on the left. Speed limits are in miles per hour in the UK (including Northern Ireland) and in kilometres per hour in the Republic of Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Ireland is in the EU but not in the Schengen area; it sets its own entry rules and a Schengen visa is not valid for Ireland. Check Irish immigration for your passport.
- Ireland ↗Ireland and the UK form the Common Travel Area, with no routine checks on the land border. Visitors who are not Irish or British must still meet UK rules (including the UK ETA where it applies) to enter Northern Ireland.
- Ireland ↗Driving is on the left; rural roads are narrow with hedges and few passing places.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Emergency numbers for Oldcastle112 ▾
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Oldcastle, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the euro (EUR).Ireland-wide
- SIM or eSIMVodafone, Three and Eir run the networks; prepaid SIMs (also 48, Tesco Mobile, GoMo) sell in phone shops and newsagents, no registration fuss.Ireland-wide
- Tap waterTap water is safe; occasional local 'boil water' notices are posted by Uisce Éireann.Ireland-wide
- TippingRestaurant with table service: 10–15% if service is not included.Ireland-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Ireland-wide
- SafetyVery low crime; the real risks are the walk back from the cairns on an unlit lane, boggy ground underfoot and weather that turns on the hills.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree in shopping centres, museums, pubs (as a customer) and many petrol stations; some public toilets charge 50c.Ireland-wide
- Emergency numbers112 police, ambulance, fire, coast guard · 999 Alternative emergency number
- Sundays & holidaysShops open Sunday afternoons in towns; rural shops and some attractions close in winter (November–March).Ireland-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Bus 109 to Kells, 80 min, then Bus 187 to Oldcastle; about 2 h 30 min door to door.
- Getting aroundThe town is walkable in 10 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee or tea in a pub or café€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub main course€14–20 (≈ US$17–25)
- BeerPint of stout or lager€5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi, Kells to Oldcastle€25–35 (≈ US$30–45) (check)
- Budget bedHostel or campsite bed, a night, per person€25 (≈ US$30)
- Mid-range bedB&B double room, a night, per room€100 (≈ US$120)
- High-end bedB&B double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €55 (≈ US$65) · Mid €95 (≈ US$120) · High €160 (≈ US$190)
Local prices, with USD next to them (rates 2026-09 (approximate); change it in the header). Ranges are desk estimates: check locally. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- DUB Dublin Airport (Bus 109 to Kells, 80 min, then Bus 187 to Oldcastle; about 2 h 30 min door to door. Check current timetables.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Feb
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
May
Best
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Aug
Best
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
Nov
Avoid
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Dec
Avoid
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
Best: May–Sep. Avoid: Nov–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (14 rain days), driest Jun (11). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Oldcastle: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
Feb
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
12 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
13 rd
Apr
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
12 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
12 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Jul
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Aug
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
13 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
12 rd
Oct
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
14 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
14 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
14 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
The town is walkable in 10 minutes. Loughcrew Cairns is 3 km east off the R163: drive, cycle or walk the lane. There is no local bus to the cairns, so a car or bike decides your day. Bus 187 links Oldcastle with Kells, Virginia, Ballyjamesduff and Mount Nugent, four times Monday to Saturday, just under an hour end to end.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Door to door: About 1 h
Bus 187 from the Square, about 50 min
Abbey site and the Book of Kells story; a good wet-day half.
Loughcrew Cairns
goDoor to door: 30–45 min from town
Drive or cycle 3 km (1.9 mi) east off the R163, then walk up Carnbane EastDrive or cycle 1.9 mi (3 km) east off the R163, then walk up Carnbane East
The reason to be here. Guided entry to Cairn T when open; Jun–Aug daily 10:00–17:00.The reason to be here. Guided entry to Cairn T when open; Jun–Aug daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Door to door: About 20 min
Drive 4 km (2.5 mi) south-east, signpostedDrive 2.5 mi (4 km) south-east, signposted
Gardens daily 11:00–17:00; adult €7, child €3.50, concession €5. House not open.Gardens daily 11:00 AM–5:00 PM; adult €7, child €3.50, concession €5. House not open.
Fore Abbey
cautionDoor to door: About 25 min
Drive west across the Westmeath border, about 15 km (9.3 mi)Drive west across the Westmeath border, about 9.3 mi (15 km)
Ruined Benedictine abbey in a quiet valley; pair it with a Loughcrew morning.
Virginia, County Cavan
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
Bus 187 north, about 20 min
Lough Ramor for coarse fishing and the nearest full golf course.
Door to door: About 1 h
Drive via Kells and the N2, about 45 km (28 mi)Drive via Kells and the N2, about 28 mi (45 km)
Book visitor-centre slots ahead; the contrast with Loughcrew is the point.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
The Square and streets off it
Everything in town is within about 100 m of the Square: pubs, shop, buses.
Millbrook Road
200 m south of the centre; B&B rooms and a quiet night.
Loughcrew, 3 km east
Camping, caravan pitches and glamping by the cairns; tent about €12 per person per night.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- €55–85 (≈ US$65–100) excl. bed
- Mid
- €85–140 (≈ US$100–170) excl. bed
- High
- €140 (≈ US$170)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| B&B double room1 × 1 night × €100 | €100 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €95 | €190 |
| Bus 109 Dublin Airport to Kells, one way2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| Bus 187 Kells to Oldcastle, one way2 × €5 · check | €10 |
| Loughcrew Estate garden entry2 × €7 | €14 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €37 |
| Trip total≈ €203 per person per day, bed included | €405≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; car hire and fuel excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee or tea in a pub or café | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub main course | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout or lager | €5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8) |
| Takeaway main (Chinese or Vietnamese) | €9–13 (≈ US$11–16) |
| B&B double room, per night | €80–140 (≈ US$95–170) |
| Tent pitch at Loughcrew, per person per night | €12 (≈ US$14) |
| Taxi, Kells to Oldcastle | €25–35 (≈ US$30–45) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Bus 187 runs Monday to Saturday only, four times a day: check the return time before you set out.
- The cairn hills are steep, rocky and exposed: stout shoes, a windproof layer and no flip-flops.
- Cairn T has been closed for conservation at times: check before you climb for it.
- Mobile coverage is patchy: Three has 4G, Eir is uneven, Vodafone has little or none here.
- Loughcrew Estate house is an event venue and cannot normally be visited; the gardens can.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard
- 112
- Alternative emergency number
- 999
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
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OldcastleAn Seanchaisleán
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chun an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire, coast guard112
- Alternative emergency number999
Embassy
No embassies in Oldcastle. US and most other embassies are in Dublin; the nearest Garda station is in Oldcastle town (check hours).
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Bus 109 Dublin Airport → Kells: hourly, about 80 min (check)
- Bus 187 Kells → Oldcastle: four times Monday–Saturday, just under 1 h
- Taxi Kells → Oldcastle: €25–35 (≈ US$30–45) (check)
Say or show
- Dia dhuit — Hello (jeea ghwitch)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Cá bhfuil an stad bus? — Where is the bus stop? (kaw will an stad bus)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish is a courtesy, not a necessity.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Oldcastle. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: May–Sep · avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, sites exposed) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 3 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 6 day-trips, door to door
- 5 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Bus 187 timetable fixture: four Monday–Saturday departures, last return from Kells, taxi fallback.
- Loughcrew access fixture: Cairn T guided-tour status, Carnbane East path condition, parking.
- Wet-day swap set: Kells abbey, Brú na Bóinne centre, Loughcrew Estate gardens.
- Fuel and food fixture: nearest 24 h fuel, last kitchen orders in town.
Sources
Ask about Oldcastle
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