Mellifont Abbey

Founded in 1142 by Cistercian monks and built to a medieval French style, the ruins of this abbey boast an octagonal bathroom as its most brilliant structure but is well worth having a good look around, and dropping in to the Visitor Centre, which houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages. The location is lovely, set as it is in a secluded valley just north of Drogheda, and has a nice picnic area. Bus Eireann do guided tours.