Less than an hour outside of Dublin is Newgrange, a 5,200-year-old Stone Age monument which is a must-see during any visit to the city.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
It may be 5,200 years old but there is something space age and out of this world about Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site less than an hour’s drive from Dublin. Built by Stone Age farmers, Newgrange appears to rise up out of the ground, with a passage leading into a chamber with three alcoves – all aligned with the rising sun around the Winter Solstice. It’s a fascinating day out from Dublin and extremely easy to visit if you take one of the tours from the city, where everything is taken care of in advance. Here is a comparison of Newgrange tours from Dublin.
Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry
This is a really informative day trip from Dublin where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the rolling hills and lush natural beauty of the Boyne Valley. There are plenty of highlights to the day – one of which is undoubtedly the 5th Century Monastery of St Bhuite – but naturally the visit to Newgrange, a place of astrological, ceremonial and religious importance, is hard to beat. To make it easier, the tour includes the entrance fee to the Newgrange Monument and you also get to skip the queue, which saves time on the day. Also included in the tour is a visit to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, where you will learn about the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. After a full day of history, you’ll be back in Dublin by around 5pm in time for dinner in one of the city’s world-class restaurants. From €85.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Dublin to Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice Monastic Site
This is a small-group tour that sets off from Dublin to explore the Boyne Valley. The trip takes in the highlights of this historic area, including a visit to Newgrange and the prehistoric monument of Knowth. You’ll also visit the site of the Battle of the Boyne and the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery. Transportation is via a small minibus and the history of the Boyne Valley and its sights is explained in detail by a qualified, friendly local guide. Also includes the enatrance Fee into Newgrange. This is a well-paced tour and highly rated. From €75.00.
Book at Viator.com
Dublin: Private Boyne Valley and Trim Castle Day Tour
For a more immersive and personalised experience a private tour is hard to beat. This trip to the Boyne Valley is completely customisable, the guide offering a suggested itinerary that can be tweaked to include the things that you want to see. The hotel pick-up and drop-off is included and the options of things to see include Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and Loughcrew Neolithic tombs. Lunch is at a traditional Irish pub before heading to the Hill of Tara, the seat of Celtic Kings of Ireland including Brian Boru. Finally head to Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Considering the price is for a group of up to six it’s a great value tour. From €550.00.
Book at Getyourguide.com