The name Navan comes from the Irish translation of ‘An Uaimh’ which means cave. The cave in question is located on the east bank
of the Boyne at Athlumney and was discovered in 1849 during excavations for the extension of the railway line from Drogheda to Navan.
The Market Square Point of Pride 11
The sculpture which now dominates the Market Square, weighs 16 tonnes and was carved in limestone by Galway sculptor Colin Grehan. The Bull took up residence on his plinth in March 2011 and is a fitting memorial to the trade in livestock and agricultural produce which has taken place for centuries in Navan.
For many centuries the Market Square was the commercial centre of Navan, and a market cross stood at its centre. Preachers preached at the
foot of the cross, deals were made in its shadow, and proclamations and public announcements were read there. The cross was originally erected by Martin Nangle, eldest son of Patrick Nangle, Baron of Navan, and on it was carved the family crest and a request for prayers for Nangle (de Angelo) and his wife.