Exploring the Soul of Northern Ireland: Top Heritage Sites to Visit
May 29, 2025
Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscapes and storied past make it a treasure trove
Established by Ian and Aisling Darragh, Royal Historical Tours provides a unique heritage tour experience in Boyne Valley. Our company, which is tucked away in the heart of County Meath’s Boyne Valley, offers personalised Boyne Valley ancient tours made to meet the specific requirements of every customer. We are partnered with award-winning genealogy company My Ireland Family Heritage. The in-house team of certified genealogists and tour guides handles both genealogy research and tour operations seamlessly, which is what makes us unique.
Driven by a love of history and a strong bond with the historically significant areas of County Meath, our journey started eighteen years ago when we moved to the charming town of Trim from busy Dublin City. Motivated by the historical wonders all around us, such as Trim Castle and Newtown Monuments, we studied genealogy and tour guiding and earned the credentials we needed to provide our customers with an all-inclusive heritage tour in Boyne Valley.
At Royal Historical Tours, we value individualised experiences and make sure that every genealogy tour in Ireland is led just for the customer and their group. During the entire process, from hotel reception pickup to drop-off, guests are escorted by an experienced and certified tour guide who offers fascinating anecdotes about Ireland’s past and their family history.
So, what are you waiting for? Choose Royal Historical Tours for unforgettable ancestral research tours in Ireland, where expertise and passion guide every step.
Royal Historical Tours qualified tour guide will pick you up from your hotel reception in our luxury vehicle for a customized tour for your party only.
Royal Historical Tours offers a one-of-a-kind experience for those seeking to connect with their Irish roots. Our genealogy and family history trips in Ireland combine in-depth ancestral research with exploration of Ireland’s historic sites. Located in County Meath, we specialize in Boyne Valley ancient tours that take you through iconic sites like Trim Castle and the Newtown Monuments.
What sets us apart is our research that goes behind every trip. With the help of our certified genealogists and tour guides, we come up with personalized Boyne Valley heritage tours designed to match your family’s unique story. From the moment you’re picked up at your hotel to the final drop-off, we ensure a stress-free experience.
Discover your heritage with our Genealogy tours of Ireland!
Our genealogy and family history trips in Ireland are carefully crafted to help you uncover your Irish roots in a deeply personal and meaningful way. We work with each guest to build a custom itinerary based on family surnames, ancestral counties, and historical records. These genealogy tours in Ireland include visits to local archives, churches, and graveyards, along with opportunities to explore the towns and parishes where your ancestors lived. Whether you’re just starting your family tree or filling in historical gaps, our expert guides will support you throughout your journey. Along the way, you’ll also experience the rich history, warm hospitality, and scenic charm of Ireland—making this more than a trip, but a legacy-defining experience.
Our ancestral research tours in Ireland begin long before you arrive. We take the time to understand your family background through names, locations, and any historical documents you provide. From there, we conduct research in national and local archives to uncover potential ancestral connections. Once in Ireland, your custom tour includes site visits to ancestral villages, churches, burial grounds, and family homesteads—many of which are tucked away in the Irish countryside. These deeply personal experiences are complemented by expert storytelling and historical context to bring your family’s journey to life. With Royal Historical Tours, ancestral research tours in Ireland offer a unique blend of heritage, emotion, and exploration that connects you to your past in unforgettable ways.
Our Boyne Valley ancient tours are ideal for history enthusiasts looking to explore Ireland’s oldest and most revered cultural sites. The Boyne Valley is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne, which includes the 5,000-year-old tombs of Newgrange and Knowth—older than the Egyptian pyramids. These tours also include the Hill of Tara, a former seat of Ireland’s High Kings, as well as ancient stone circles, passage tombs, and medieval ruins that dot the valley. Our expert guides enrich each stop with deep historical insight and local lore, creating a compelling narrative that spans millennia. Whether you’re fascinated by Celtic mythology, early Christian settlements, or megalithic art, our Boyne Valley ancient tours deliver a profound historical journey through time.
Yes, our Boyne Valley heritage tours are ideal for families, school groups, and multigenerational travelers seeking a rich, educational, and visually stunning experience. The Boyne Valley offers a diverse mix of archaeological wonders, medieval castles, early Christian monasteries, and sacred hills—all brought to life through our engaging and informative guides. We tailor each tour to the age, interests, and mobility of your group, making sure everyone—from kids to grandparents—enjoys and learns from the experience. With scenic views, storytelling, and hands-on historical exploration, these tours are perfect for travelers who want to connect with Ireland’s cultural and spiritual roots. Our Boyne Valley heritage tours are more than sightseeing—they’re a shared journey through Ireland’s extraordinary past.
Absolutely. One of the most emotional highlights of our genealogy tours in Ireland is the opportunity to visit ancestral homesteads, family graveyards, and small village churches where your relatives may have worshipped, married, or been buried. These deeply personal visits are often the culmination of detailed research, and we work closely with you to trace locations through historical records and local sources. Whether it’s walking through a rural cemetery with a family name on a weathered headstone or standing in front of a cottage once inhabited by your ancestors, these experiences leave a lasting impression. Our genealogy and family history trips in Ireland ensure that you don’t just learn about your heritage—you walk in the footsteps of those who came before you.
Our certified genealogist and tour guide Ian, will take you on an immersive experience to see where your ancestors once worshipped, worked, lived and loved. We have various tour options available to you. Have you completed your genealogy research and know where you want to visit? Driving in Ireland can often be challenging as searching for your ancestors on local roads can be difficult and time consuming. Royal Historical tours qualified tour guide and certified genealogist can take you ‘home’. Do you require genealogy research? We are partnered with award winning genealogy company, My Ireland Heritage that can undertake your genealogy research as they specialize in finding your ancestors exact location in the 1800’s.
I hired Ian Darragh as my guide for the day. Not only is he incredibly engaging, funny and personable but astutely experienced in genealogy and Irish history – the good, bad and ugly. There was not a moment that I wasn’t fascinated with the tales.
BUT what took it over the top was his perseverance in the goal to help me locate some kind of trace of my ancestors. With a stop at the Louth County Library and a few friendly calls on some local elders we headed to Monasterboice to see the High Cross. What was wholy unexpected was to find my ancestors memorial just yards away in the same graveyard!
The day was beyond memorable and I cannot wait to book another adventure with Ian as I continue to research my Irish Ancestors and discover more about the amazing isle of Ireland.
– Cristin Carr Strubbe, USA, 2023
Stay informed and inspired with our latest blog posts, providing insightful glimpses into the heritage and attractions awaiting you on our tours.
From the historic landmarks of Meath and Wicklow to the cultural hub of Dublin and beyond, discover the captivating stories behind renowned sites like Trim Castle, Glendalough, and Temple Bar. Our articles offer expert perspectives and practical tips, ensuring you’re fully prepared for an enriching exploration of Ireland’s most iconic destinations.
Northern Ireland’s dramatic landscapes and storied past make it a treasure trove
If you’re searching for a journey steeped in legend, culture, and scenic
Standing proudly above the River Nore, Kilkenny Castle is one of Ireland’s
Unit 3, Village Pump, Rathregan,
Batterstown, County Meath
At Royal Historical Tours, we’re dedicated to showcasing Ireland’s rich history and culture through personalized tours. Founded by Ian and Aisling Darragh, our family-owned business in County Meath offers exclusive, tailor-made experiences led by certified guides. Whether exploring ancient landmarks like Trim Castle or soaking in the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, we ensure each journey is informative, engaging, and unforgettable.
© 2025 All Rights Reserved Royal Historical Tours.