Major city · Ireland
NavanAn Uaimh
Skip Navan as a sightseeing base: use it as a bus hub for one night, or stay in Trim or Slane and pass through.
Navan is the county town of County Meath and a commuter town 56 km northwest of Dublin, with a modern centre and few sights of its own. Its value to a traveller is practical: hourly buses from Dublin and Dublin Airport, and onward links to Kells, Trim, Slane and Drogheda. Most people do better sleeping in Trim or Slane and using Navan as a transport stop, unless they are here for family, work or the racecourse.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (race meetings aside, wet and dark early)
- 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.
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
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Navan112 ▾
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 Navan, 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
- SafetyNavan is a normal Irish commuter town and is safe by day and in the centre at night.
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 or 999 police, ambulance, fire (gardaí) · 112 emergency text service (deaf/hard of hearing) (not 911, 999 or 000)
- 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.
- AirportcheckDUB Dublin Airport (Bus Éireann 109A runs hourly, 24 hours, via Ashbourne and Ratoath; about 1 h 15 min to Navan (check)).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable in 15 minutes.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- Coffee€3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6)
- Sit-down mealPub bar meal (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, 3 km (1.9 mi) in townTaxi, 1.9 mi (3 km) in townNight rate after midnight.€9–13 (≈ US$11–16)
- Metro or bus rideTown bus fare€2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Museum or sight ticketRacecourse entry, ordinary meeting€15–25 (≈ US$18–30) (check)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room€130 (≈ US$160)
- High-end bedHotel or guesthouse double room, a night, per room€220 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €45 (≈ US$55) · Mid €85 (≈ US$100) · 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 Éireann 109A runs hourly, 24 hours, via Ashbourne and Ratoath; about 1 h 15 min to Navan (check))
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
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
Mar
not flagged
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
Best
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
Jun
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Jul
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°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 (20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)), coolest Jan (2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C) low), wettest Jan (13 rain days), driest Jun (10). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Navan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
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)
13 rd
Feb
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
11 rd
Mar
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°C)
12 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
16°C (61°F)61°F (16°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
11 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
10 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
11 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
12 rd
Sep
17°C (63°F)63°F (17°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
11 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
8°C (46°F)46°F (8°C)
2°C (36°F)36°F (2°C)
13 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 centre is walkable in 15 minutes. Three local buses (110A, 110B, 110C) loop out to housing estates and the hospital, but service has been suspended at times: check locally. For the Hill of Tara, Brú na Bóinne, Trim or Slane you need a car, a taxi or the intercity buses.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Trim and Trim Castle
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus Éireann 190 from Navan, about 30 min
The best medieval castle in Ireland; go at opening and allow half a day.
Slane
goDoor to door: About 40 min
Bus Éireann 190 towards Drogheda, about 25 min
Village, castle grounds and the Boyne; pair with Brú na Bóinne.
Kells
goDoor to door: About 45 min
Bus Éireann 109 or 109X from Navan, about 30 min
Abbey remains and the Book of Kells story; half a day.
Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange and Knowth)
goDoor to door: 1–1.5 h
Bus 190 to Slane or Drogheda, then a local link or taxi; car is easier
Visitor centre entry is by timed tour only: book ahead, no ticket no entry.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus Éireann 190, about 1 h
Historic town and rail link to Dublin and Belfast.
Hill of Tara
cautionDoor to door: About 30 min
No direct bus: taxi or car, about 20 min
Worth it with a car; without one the return trip is awkward.
Door to door: About 1 h 15 min
Bus Éireann 109, 109X or NX from Market Square
Hourly and frequent; the NX runs every 20–30 min.
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.
Town centre (Trimgate St, Market Square)
Pubs, restaurants and the shopping centre on foot; buses from Dublin stop at Market Square.
Dublin Rd (south edge)
Hotels and guesthouses with parking, on the N3 side for Dublin; 15–20 min walk to the centre.
Kentstown Rd (east)
Quiet B&B strip about 1 km (0.6 mi) east of the centre; you need a car or a taxi.Quiet B&B strip about 0.6 mi (1 km) east of the centre; you need a car or a taxi.
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
- €45–75 (≈ US$55–90) excl. bed
- Mid
- €75–130 (≈ US$90–160) excl. bed
- High
- €130 (≈ US$160)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Hotel or guesthouse double room1 × 1 night × €130 | €130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €85 | €170 |
| Bus Éireann Dublin Airport → Navan, one way2 × €15 · check | €30 |
| Bus Éireann Navan → Trim, one way2 × €6 · check | €12 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €12 | €24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €37 |
| Trip total≈ €202 per person per day, bed included | €403≈ US$500 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub bar meal (main course) | €14–20 (≈ US$17–25) |
| Pint of stout or lager | €5.50–6.50 (≈ US$7–8) |
| Taxi, 3 km in townNight rate after midnight. | €9–13 (≈ US$11–16) |
| Town bus fare | €2–3 (≈ US$3–4) (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
| Racecourse entry, ordinary meeting | €15–25 (≈ US$18–30) (check) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- No train station: the Dublin–Navan rail line closed in 1963 and the planned reopening has stalled. Do not plan around it.
- Buses from Dublin stop at Market Square, not a bus station: confirm your stop before you book.
- Local town buses have been suspended in the past: check before relying on them.
- Rural roads around Navan are narrow and unlit; drive with dipped headlights and watch for cyclists.
Emergency numbers
- Police, ambulance, fire (Gardaí)
- 112 or 999
- Emergency text service (deaf/hard of hearing)
- 112
Pocket card
Fill in, then print or save as PDF
Stays in this browser only; nothing is sent anywhere.
NavanAn Uaimh
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chun an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police, ambulance, fire112 or 999
Embassy
No embassies in Navan: most countries are represented in Dublin. US citizens: the US Embassy is in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Dublin Airport → Navan, Bus Éireann 109A: about €15 (≈ US$18), about 1 h 15 min (check)
- Dublin city → Navan, Bus Éireann 109: about €12 (≈ US$14), about 1 h (check)
- Navan → Trim, Bus Éireann 190: about €6 (≈ US$7), about 30 min (check)
Say or show
- Dia duit — Hello (jeea gwit)
- Go raibh maith agat — Thank you (guh rev mah agut)
- Le do thoil — Please (leh duh hull)
- Gabh mo leithscéal — Excuse me (gov muh lesh-kayl)
- Sláinte — Cheers (slawn-cha)
- Cá bhfuil an stad bus? — Where is the bus stop? (kaw will an stad bus)
English is spoken everywhere; Irish is used on signage and in greetings.
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 Navan. 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 (race meetings aside, wet and dark early) · 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
- 7 day-trips, door to door
- 4 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last 109A departure field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking clusters with rescue anchors: Market Square and Trimgate St, the shopping centre, Fair Green and St Mary's, the Boyne riverside.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Athlumney Castle, Donaghmore round tower, Dunmoe Castle, Navan Racecourse) and eat pages with last orders.
- Race-day and hostile-weather fixtures so gates A–D can go green.
Sources
- officialDiscover Boyne Valley — Meath tourism
- officialBus Éireann timetables
- officialNavan Racecourse
- officialMeath County Council
- secondaryWikivoyage: Navan, revision 5324480 (CC BY-SA 4.0)