Brú na Bóinne Newgrange
Step back 5,000 years at Brú na Bóinne, home to the magnificent Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Brú na Bóinne Newgrange
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back 5,000 years at Brú na Bóinne, home to the magnificent Neolithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth.
"A truly awe-inspiring glimpse into our ancient past, not to be missed!"
Book Ahead! 🎟️
Tickets for Newgrange and Knowth tours sell out fast. Book online weeks or months in advance.
Knowth is a Must-See! ✨
Many visitors find Knowth as impressive, if not more so, than Newgrange. Don't skip it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Newgrange Passage Tomb
Brú na Bóinne
An awe-inspiring Neolithic monument, famous for its winter solstice alignment and intricate stonework.
Knowth Passage Tomb
Brú na Bóinne
The largest of the Brú na Bóinne monuments, offering a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric art and ritual.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Brú na Bóinne
Engaging exhibits and a museum that provide crucial context before you explore the ancient sites.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Getting There Without a Car
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Ahead! 🎟️
Tickets for Newgrange and Knowth tours sell out fast. Book online weeks or months in advance. +1
Knowth is a Must-See! ✨
Many visitors find Knowth as impressive, if not more so, than Newgrange. Don't skip it!
Public Transport Friendly 🚌
Easily accessible from Dublin via train/bus to Drogheda, then local bus or taxi. +1
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between the visitor center and the monuments.
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Ahead! 🎟️
Tickets for Newgrange and Knowth tours sell out fast. Book online weeks or months in advance. +1
Knowth is a Must-See! ✨
Many visitors find Knowth as impressive, if not more so, than Newgrange. Don't skip it!
Public Transport Friendly 🚌
Easily accessible from Dublin via train/bus to Drogheda, then local bus or taxi. +1
Wear Comfy Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking between the visitor center and the monuments.
Allow Ample Time ⏳
The full experience, including tours and exhibits, can take 3-4 hours.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Brú na Bóinne, particularly Newgrange and Knowth, for their historical significance and impressive scale. The guided tours are highly regarded for their informative content. Some find the booking process and reliance on tours restrictive, and transportation without a car requires careful planning.
"A wonderful place, but if you want to gain the full experience you MUST purchase tickets online ahead of time. While we enjoyed our visit we were only able to walk around the outside since all the interior options were booked.
There's also several options to choose from regarding which sites you can visit and length of stay. Suggest going to the website and review all options to avoid disappointment.
Although we didn't go inside, the exterior experience was great value. Just note, they get you in and out pretty quick. They are all guided tours, you cannot just walk in and take your time.
Important to know while there's some parking spaces near the site entrance, you must purchase tickets at the main welcome centre. Everyone will be brought in by bus and then you walk up to the site. If you just show up and park near the entrance, they will turn you away.
Very last comment, the welcome centre has a terrific display to walk through and learn more about the area and the people who lived there. Well worth taking 30 minutes to walk through and read the information before you visit the site. Some terrific images on display and replicas of items found there. If you are hungry they have a reasonable cafe. It won't be the best food you have ever tasted, but it does the job and isn't unreasonably priced."
Rob Stirling
"What an amazing trip and worth every penny. It's not too expensive and I'd recommend more than anything that you experience the inside of Newgrange tomb. The tour guides are very good and taking the time to walk through the visitors centre before going around on the bus to see Knowth and Newgrange is a must.
The visitors centre has excellent facilities, café etc. I have been going here since I was young and I'll certainly go again. Everyone I have ever taken here is amazed at this place. Thank you to all of the guides and workers that make it and keep it so special."
C O'K
"We did the 2 passage tombs and entry into Newgrange. It was a great tour. The visitors centre has a lot to see. The staff are all fantastic and welcoming. There are some delicious salads and cakes on offer in the restaurant, so I would recommend having a treat. The guides are so full of knowledge about these fantastic passage tombs that are OLDER than the pyramids in Egypt!!!!! Learn about how the whole area was shaped and lived 5000 years ago. If you like the ancient world this is a must-see. It is a UNESCO-protected site. The window box on Newgrange allows the sun on the winter solstice to travel up and light the inner chamber in Newgrange. Our ancestors must have had all sorts of advanced knowledge of the stars and seasons. This place is wheelchair friendly for most parts. There are toilets near both sites. I am not sure small children will understand some.if it, but they will love the visitors centre and going into Newgrange itself is a great experience. If you are claustrophobic and also for wheelchair users or restricted mobility, there is a replica of the tomb in the visitors centre so everyone can experience Newgrange and its mysteries."
Tracey Tate
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common method is to take a train or bus from Dublin to Drogheda. From Drogheda, you can catch the 163 bus towards Athboy, which passes Brú na Bóinne, or take a taxi to the visitor center. +2
You can drive to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, but access to the Newgrange tomb itself is via a shuttle bus included with your tour ticket. Driving directly to the monument without a tour is not permitted.
The EIR code for the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is A92 EH5C. This can be helpful for navigation if you're using GPS or a mapping app.
Unfortunately, Brú na Bóinne does not offer luggage storage facilities. If you're traveling between cities with luggage, you'll need to make separate arrangements.
While possible, taking a taxi directly from Dublin to Newgrange would be very expensive. It's more cost-effective to use public transport to Drogheda and then a local taxi or bus.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets must be booked in advance through the official Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre website. Tours are the only way to access the interior of Newgrange and Knowth. +1
It is highly unlikely you will be able to get tickets on the day, as they sell out well in advance. Showing up without a booking is not recommended and you will likely be turned away. +1
A standard ticket typically includes access to the Visitor Centre exhibits, a guided tour of Newgrange, and a guided tour of Knowth. A shuttle bus to the monuments is also included.
Some private tour operators from Dublin may offer trips that include Newgrange, but they often don't include Knowth and can be more expensive. Checking for last-minute cancellations on the official site is also an option.
Opening hours vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Brú na Bóinne website for the most up-to-date information on operating times and tour availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Absolutely! Even if history isn't your primary interest, the sheer scale, engineering marvel, and the beautiful valley setting make Newgrange a fascinating and memorable experience. +1
Plan for at least 3-4 hours to fully experience the Visitor Centre exhibits and take guided tours of both Newgrange and Knowth.
Yes, teenagers often find Brú na Bóinne impressive, especially the scale of the monuments and the stories behind them. Booking both Newgrange and Knowth is recommended.
Newgrange is more famous for its winter solstice alignment and has a reconstructed facade. Knowth is larger, with two passage tombs and more megalithic art, and is often considered less 'reconstructed' and more authentic. +1
No, access to the interior of Newgrange and Knowth is only possible via guided tours booked through the Visitor Centre. You can walk around the exterior of some mounds independently.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally not permitted inside the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth to protect the ancient structures and artwork.
The exterior of Newgrange and Knowth, especially with the surrounding landscape, offers great photographic opportunities. The Visitor Centre also has some interesting displays.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites like Brú na Bóinne to preserve the environment and visitor experience. Always check local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key tips for families: Book tickets well in advance, as tours are essential and sell out. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking. While the interior tours are captivating, the outdoor spaces and the sheer size of the mounds are also impressive for younger minds. Consider focusing on one monument if time is limited or if children have shorter attention spans.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the ticket price for the Newgrange/Knowth tour is fixed, packing your own snacks and drinks can help save money on the cafe at the Visitor Centre. For those seeking free ancient sites, nearby Loughcrew Cairns or Dowth burial mound offer a glimpse into Neolithic Ireland without an entrance fee, though they lack the visitor facilities and guided tours of Brú na Bóinne.
🚶 Solo Travelers
Tips for solo visitors: Book your tour well in advance. Consider joining a tour that includes both Newgrange and Knowth for a comprehensive understanding. The Visitor Centre is a great place to start, offering context before you head to the monuments. Don't hesitate to ask guides questions; they are a wealth of knowledge.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of Newgrange's Winter Solstice
Access to Newgrange during the winter solstice is via a lottery system, as it's an incredibly popular event. If you're interested, you'll need to apply well in advance through the Heritage Ireland website. For most visitors, experiencing the passage tomb at other times of the year still offers a profound connection to the past.
Even outside of the solstice, the sheer engineering and artistry involved in constructing this monument over 5,000 years ago is a testament to the ingenuity of its creators. The intricate carvings on the kerbstones are a visual puzzle that continues to fascinate archaeologists and visitors alike.
Exploring Knowth: A Different Perspective
Knowth offers a unique opportunity to see a wider array of megalithic art, with over a third of all known Neolithic art in Ireland found here. The site's preservation is also notable; unlike Newgrange, Knowth has not undergone significant reconstruction, offering a more raw and authentic glimpse into its original state.
Visiting Knowth provides a broader understanding of the Brú na Bóinne complex and the society that built it. The guided tours here often delve into the ongoing archaeological discoveries and the different phases of the site's use, making it a rich experience for those interested in deeper historical context.
Navigating Brú na Bóinne Without a Car
From Drogheda, you have a couple of options. The 163 bus service runs from Drogheda to Athboy and passes by the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from Drogheda to the visitor center, which is a more direct but pricier option. It's advisable to check the bus schedules in advance, as they can be infrequent.
Once you arrive at the Visitor Centre, your tour ticket will include a shuttle bus service that transports you to the Newgrange and Knowth monuments. This integrated system makes the entire journey smooth and accessible for those relying on public transport.
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