Boyne Valley Garden Tour

Below is a synopsis of our exciting new Safari Tour of the Boyne Valley. Everyone, including myself, is anxious to get out and about, having been ‘locked down’ for the past year.

MARTRY MILL
Martry Mill, on the River Blackwater, is one of the few working watermills in Ireland. There has been a mill on this site since the 1640’s but the Tallon family have been producing stoneground wholemeal flour since taking over the Mill in 1859. James Tallon is a 4th generation miller. The Mill and the surrounding areas are steeped in history. The Mill supplies shops and bakeries all over County Meath, with 100% locally sourced grain. The Mill has been powered by an electric motor instead of the waterwheel since the late 1970’s, when the Boyne Drainage Scheme meant the weir and mill-race had to be rebuilt at a lower level and power shifted from the wheel to the mill machinery, since the River Blackwater could no longer power the waterwheel.
In 2012, carrying on a tradition of restoration that his father started, James hired 4 German engineers to completely rebuild the wheel to make it operational again. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, are the stones that grind the flour – they’ve been going strong for 200 years. The Mill is an absolute gem and well worth a visit. Of course, you cannot leave without a delicious sample of the wonderful produce.

BOYNE VALLEY WOOLS
At Boyne Valley Wools, they teach, craft and sell. In fact, anything to do with sheep and/or wool will be learned here. Alison Fullam Gogan hand spins her Jacob wool and craft products with the finished yarn, such as hats, scarves and throws. The farm boasts a large flock of the award-winning Jacob sheep and several other different breeds besides. All the wonderful crafts and products are made in the studio. There are ongoing demonstrations on site and products and wool are for sale. Imagine how interesting it would be to watch ‘from the sheep to the shop’, which includes i) The shearing of the sheep ii) The sorting of the fleece iii) Carding and finally iv) Spinning.
As Boyne Valley Wools is only a stones throw from Newgrange Visitor Centre, you will also have the best view of the Newgrange Monument from the studio.

THE INSOMNIAC GARDENER

A visit to the home of passionate gardener and Facebook Blogger, Rosie, aka The Insomniac Gardener, which is set in 3 acres of farmland with a view of the Historic Hill of Slane. A relaxed garden which includes a woodland, a rose bed, a Mediterranean garden, a white garden, a pond, a pet cemetery and cottage style planting surrounding the stone house which was built in the 1830's. There is also an expansive lawn with seating areas.

This is a veritable treasure trove and with such an enthusiastic host, you will be completely entertained amid all the beauty. This is for amateur and more accomplished gardeners and I have it on good authority that you will go home with a few slips that will bring you endless joy in the years to come. Since lockdown, gardening has escalated in popularity and this haven right on our doorstep is not to be missed.

TERMS & CONDITIONS
Numbers are strictly limited and will run in accordance with COVID 19 Government Guidelines. There MAY be some entrance fees but usually minimal, if any. Please wear appropriate footwear as the Safari Tour includes walking, sometimes on areas of uneven ground. Throughout the Safari Tour, I will lead the way, with participants following in their own vehicles. I will provide communication so that anyone on the tour can ask me questions as we travel through the breathtaking beauty of The Boyne Valley.

* This tour must be booked in advance. The cost of the Safari Tour is €140.00 per vehicle (with a max of 5 people). There is a charge of €20 for each additional person.