Major city · Ireland
DroghedaDroichead Átha
Give Drogheda one night, not a day-trip: Brú na Bóinne needs a half-day and the town's medieval core is worth an evening.
Drogheda is a commuter town on the River Boyne, 50 km north of Dublin, with two heavyweight sights on its doorstep: the Brú na Bóinne Neolithic complex and the Battle of the Boyne battlefield. Most visitors day-trip from Dublin and spend nothing in the town. Sleep one night here instead and you get the Neolithic site at opening, the medieval gates and Millmount in the afternoon, and a proper dinner.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- EUR
- Best months
- May–Sep
- avoid Nov–Feb (wet, short days, some sites on reduced hours)
- 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 Drogheda112 ▾
- EU emergency (from any EU phone)112
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 Drogheda, 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
- SafetyDrogheda is a normal Irish commuter town and safe by day; the usual night-time caution applies around the pubs and the station after last trains.
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 EU emergency (from any EU phone) (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.
- AirportDUB Dublin Airport (Expressway bus 100X runs hourly from the airport to Drogheda, about 80 min; driving is 30–40 min via the M1).
- Getting aroundThe centre is walkable: St Peter's, Highlanes, St Laurence Gate, Magdalene Tower and Millmount all sit within about 1.5 km (0.9 mi).The centre is walkable: St Peter's, Highlanes, St Laurence Gate, Magdalene Tower and Millmount all sit within about 0.9 mi (1.5 km).
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 mealMain course in a mid-range restaurant€16–26 (≈ US$19–35)
- Street or quick mealPub lunch or soup and sandwich€10–16 (≈ US$12–19)
- BeerPint of stout or lager€5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9)
- Taxi, about 5 km (3 mi)Taxi, about 3 mi (5 km)Taxi across townMetered; fares are nationally regulated.€8–14 (≈ US$10–17)
- SIM or eSIM, a weekeSIM or data SIM, about a week€10–20 (≈ US$12–25)
- Budget bedHostel dorm bed, a night, per person€28 (≈ US$35)
- Mid-range bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room€140 (≈ US$170)
- High-end bedGuesthouse or hotel double room, a night, per room€240 (≈ US$300)
A day, not counting the bed: Budget €60 (≈ US$70) · Mid €110 (≈ US$130) · High €200 (≈ US$250)
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 (Expressway bus 100X runs hourly from the airport to Drogheda, about 80 min; driving is 30–40 min via the M1)
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
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
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Aug
Best
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
Sep
Best
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
Avoid
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
Dec
Avoid
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°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
Drogheda: 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
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
11 rd
May
15°C (59°F)59°F (15°C)
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
11 rd
Jun
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
10 rd
Jul
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
11 rd
Aug
20°C (68°F)68°F (20°C)
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
12 rd
Sep
18°C (64°F)64°F (18°C)
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
11 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
13 rd
Nov
11°C (52°F)52°F (11°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
13 rd
Dec
9°C (48°F)48°F (9°C)
3°C (37°F)37°F (3°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: St Peter's, Highlanes, St Laurence Gate, Magdalene Tower and Millmount all sit within about 1.5 km. For Brú na Bóinne and the battlefield, bus 163 runs twice daily from the town; a taxi or your own car is faster and more reliable. Taxis are metered and nationally regulated; ranks are at the bus and railway stations.
Nearest full guides
Straight-line distance, not travel time
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange and Knowth)
goDoor to door: About 30 min each way, plus 2.5–3 h on site
Bus 163 from Drogheda, or 15 min by car to the visitor centre at Donore
Timed tickets only, sold through the visitor centre; the shuttle bus to the monuments is included.
Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge
goDoor to door: About 20 min each way
Bus 163, or 10 min by car south of the river
Adult €5, concession €4, child €3; grounds are free to walk.
Monasterboice
cautionDoor to door: About 20 min each way
Car or taxi, about 10 km (6.2 mi) north-westCar or taxi, about 6.2 mi (10 km) north-west
Round tower and high crosses in a field; no bus, no facilities.
Old Mellifont Abbey
goDoor to door: About 20 min each way
Car or taxi to Tullyallen, about 10 km (6.2 mi) westCar or taxi to Tullyallen, about 6.2 mi (10 km) west
Open May–Sep daily 10:00–18:00; adult €5. Combine with Monasterboice.Open May–Sep daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; adult €5. Combine with Monasterboice.
Clogherhead
goDoor to door: About 25 min each way
Bus 168 north along the coast, or 15 min by car
Fishing village with a rocky headland and beaches; see the separate page.
Dublin
goDoor to door: About 1 h by train
Commuter train every 30 min from MacBride station, or Expressway bus 100X
Do not use Drogheda as a Dublin base: the fare and the hour each way add up.
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, south bank (West St / Stockwell St)
Walk to St Peter's, Highlanes, the bus station and the river; best for one night without a car.
North Quay and the north bank
Restaurants and pubs on the river; 10–15 min walk to the railway station across the viaduct.
M1 retail park and Donore Road
Chain hotels with parking, 2–3 km (1.2–1.9 mi) from the centre; only useful if you are driving on the next morning.Chain hotels with parking, 1.2–1.9 mi (2–3 km) from the centre; only useful if you are driving on the next morning.
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
- €60–95 (≈ US$70–120) excl. bed
- Mid
- €95–160 (≈ US$120–190) excl. bed
- High
- €160 (≈ US$190)+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Guesthouse or hotel double room1 × 1 night × €140 | €140 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × €110 | €220 |
| Train Dublin Connolly → Drogheda, one way2 × €14 · check | €28 |
| Bus 100X Dublin Airport → Drogheda, one way2 × €12 · check | €24 |
| Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, adult2 × €18 · check | €36 |
| eSIM, about a week of data2 × €12 | €24 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | €47 |
| Trip total≈ €260 per person per day, bed included | €519≈ US$650 |
2026 estimate in euro; flights excluded. Your choices stay in this browser.
Prices of common things
| Coffee | €3–4.50 (≈ US$4–6) |
| Pub lunch or soup and sandwich | €10–16 (≈ US$12–19) |
| Main course in a mid-range restaurant | €16–26 (≈ US$19–35) |
| Pint of stout or lager | €5.50–7 (≈ US$7–9) |
| Taxi across townMetered; fares are nationally regulated. | €8–14 (≈ US$10–17) |
| Train Drogheda → Dublin Connolly | €12–16 (≈ US$14–19) one way (check) |
| eSIM or data SIM, about a week | €10–20 (≈ US$12–25) |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Brú na Bóinne is timed-ticket only and sells out in summer: book on the official site before you travel, not on the day.
- Bus 163 to the Brú na Bóinne and Battle of the Boyne visitor centres runs only twice daily: check the return time before you board.
- New Mellifont Abbey at Collon closed to visitors in 2025: do not plan a stop there.
- Beaulieu House is not open for individual visits; only occasional summer open days.
- If driving the M1, exit before the Gormanston–Monasterboice toll (about €2.30 (≈ US$3) for a car in 2026) or pay online.
Emergency numbers
- EU emergency (from any EU phone)
- 112
Pocket card
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DroghedaDroichead Átha
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
Chuig an seoladh seo, le do thoilTo this address, please
Emergency
- EU emergency112
Embassy
No embassies in Drogheda; the US embassy and most others are in Dublin. UK citizens: the British Embassy in Dublin.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- Train Drogheda → Dublin Connolly: about €12–16 (≈ US$14–19) one way, about 1 h (check)
- Bus 100X Dublin Airport → Drogheda: about €12 (≈ US$14), about 80 min (check)
- Taxi town centre → MacBride station: €8–12 (≈ US$10–14)
- M1 toll, Gormanston–Monasterboice: about €2.30 (≈ US$3) for a car in 2026
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)
- Cé mhéad é? — How much is it? (kay vade ay)
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 Drogheda. 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, some sites on reduced hours) · 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
- Airport-to-bed contract for DUB: last train and last 100X departure field-checked, taxi fallback, overnight rung.
- Walking cluster with rescue anchors: West St and St Peter's, St Laurence Gate and Magdalene Tower, Millmount and the river quays.
- Place pages with verified cutoffs (Brú na Bóinne, Battle of the Boyne, Millmount, Old Mellifont, Highlanes) and eat pages with last orders.
- Timed-ticket and hostile-arrival fixtures so gates A–D can go green.