History
Culture
Tours
Workshops
Beyond the Blarney provides high quality cultural tours and workshops specialising in the history, mythology, culture and folklore of Ireland past and present. Let us take you out ‘beyond the blarney’ … beyond the Ireland of shamrocks and shillelaghs to discover something deeper, richer and more diverse.

We're based in Ireland near the Loughcrew Cairns in Oldcastle, County Meath - the Royal County. Home to High Kings and scholars, saints and pagans in a landscape tracing 5,000 years of heritage and history. A place of myth and magic, lore and legend where the spirit of the past still lingers, weaving its way into the life and traditions, places and people of this heartland of Ireland.

Beyond the Blarney brings you closer …closer to that heart, deeper into the history and culture of Ireland.
More >>>
We feel blessed to live in a place of such mystery and beauty - we hope these photos give you some idea of what we mean.
The Lonely Planet has put Loughcrew on a list of the top 25 things to do and see in Ireland.
Boats on Lough Derravarragh Cairn T Loughcrew
Lough Lene 2 New Fore
Mullaghmeen Trees Solstice Sunset at Loughcrew (2)
 
"The walk and discussion were superb - this is a resource to be treasured" 
Lourdes, Virginia USA

"Fantastic not to say awesome!!"
Cris, Montana, USA

"Excellent, really enjoyed local history tour"
Bernie, Co. Meath, Ireland

"A great way to pass the afternoon - very informative"
Alice, Co. Meath, Ireland

“You gave us an interesting, exciting and unique perspective on Irish history and culture … we still talk about ‘the wishing tree’ you showed us …we hope to be back next summer.”
Una & family, Los Angeles, USA

‘You're fun, energetic, knowledgeable. Keep up the great work! Giving us a really interesting bibliography was wonderful.  I wish you two the best.  You're a great team.'
Becky, Massachusetts, USA

'We got to see Ireland "outside the box" and into its magic and mystery. Then there was the music and dancing that we participated in, rather than observed. It was an outstanding experience, beyond our expectations! I highly recommend your company to anyone wanting the "real deal"!
Erin & DeAndria, Missoula, Montana USA

'You are both wonderful guides, warm and enthusiastic, knowledgeable and organised. Great sites. Excellent experience all round.'
Patricia, Massachusetts, USA

'How can you improve on perfection??'
June, New York, USA

‘I have to say a big thank you for yesterday with Beyond the Blarney, it was absolutely fabulous. I thoroughly enjoyed finding out what it's all about. I especially enjoyed the Rock Art workshop, the interaction, the amazing insight into the history of it all.  Hearing an anthropologist detail the finer facts blew my mind, I loved it all.’ Norma, Carrick-on-Shannon
News & Events
Customer Feedback
Gallery
twitter logo
Facebook logo
YouTube logo
'The Irish midlands - the spiritual and geographical heart of the island.' so says Manchán Magan in his article 'Igniting the spiritual Midlands'

The Loughcrew cairns have 'a powerfully evocative sense of history' says the Irish Times who rank them in their Top 10 Hidden Treasures of Ireland.

Check out Artist Michelle Boyle's new website. Michelle delivers our 'Rock Art of Loughcrew Cairns' workshop.

Beautiful photographs of Meath to whet your appetite before you come!

Our neighbours in Fore make it to the 2010 Hot List 'Best Hidden Gem'.

'Oldcastle is an elegant town to wander in ...' read what the Irish Times says about our home town!
St Bride's Church, The Square, Oldcastle,
Co. Meath
.
Solstice at Loughcrew cairns
Spring has sprung at Loughcrew, Co. Meath and even on a dull day it's a joy to walk the hills & spy some sheep enjoying a spot of lunch!