No trip to Ireland is complete without visiting the megalithic tomb of Newgrange in Meath. The tomb was built in 3200 BC which makes it older than Stonehenge in England, and the Pyramids of Giza in Egypt!
As well as that, the surrounding countryside is steeped in the ancient history of the Irish people and it is a great way to spend a day out in Ireland. Don’t miss this incredible UNESCO listed site when you travel to Dublin.
There are many Newgrange tours from Dublin you can join, this is one of the best day trips from the city!
These tours are a great way to get an understanding of Newgrange, learn the history behind it, visit the surrounding castles and Boyne Valley, and of course, receive transportation out to the sites.
Here’s our pick of best Newgrange Tours from Dublin, as tested by us!
In This Post:
1. Newgrange, Knowth, Hill of Slane & Hill of Tara
This highly-rated tour takes in Newgrange, Knowth, Hill of Slane, and the Hill of Tara.
You’ll be picked up in a small minivan and depart from Dublin (outside of the Gresham Hotel), and make your way towards Newgrange.
Enter Newgrange and be blown away by the prehistoric passage tombs! Your guide will explain the history and provide lots of information on this incredible site.
From there, visit the Hill of Slane – which is an important Christian settlement once associated with St. Patrick. The village of Slane has actually had some pretty epic concerts — Rolling Stones, Metallica, Queen, U2 and more.
After the Hill of Slane, you’ll check out the Hill of Tara, which is an important archaeological complex located next to the River Boyne.
Be awed by the stunning Irish landscape here, and of course, the ancient monuments and Megalithic art.
This Newgrange Tour from Dublin includes:
- All admission fees
- A knowledgeable guide
- Round-Trip Transport in an air-conditioned minivan (meeting point is the Gresham Hotel)
- Visiting Newgrange, Knowth, The Hill of Slane and the Hill of Tara
☞ CLICK HERE to learn more about this day tour from Dublin to Newgrange (or, click on the image below).
2. Boyne Valley: Full-Day Celts and Castles Guided Tour
This highly-rated tour takes in Newgrange, Trims Castle, Slane Castle, the Hill of Tara and Monasterboice Monastery.
If you’re interested in a Newgrange tour, with a side of castles, this is a good option!
You’ll meet outside of the AIB bank in Dublin, hop in a minibus and make your way to Newgrange.
Apart from Newgrange and the Hill of Tara, you’ll also visit Trim Castle, which is the largest Norman castle in Europe, and the largest castle in Ireland. And, if you’re a movie buff, this is where scenes from Braveheart were shot.
Moving on, you’ll check out another castle — Slane Castle. Located on a 1,500-acre estate, this is not only a very impressive sight, but it’s a location for weddings, conferences, and concerts.
This is where the likes of U2, Metallica, Bruce Springsteen, Guns ‘n Roses, Queen, and more have performed.
Once you’ve got your fill of castles, it’s time to check out the Monasterboice Monastery, which dates back to the 5th century. Here you’ll find gravesites, churches, high crosses, and a sundial.
This Newgrange tour from Dublin includes:
- Round-Trip Transportation from Dublin (meeting point is the AIB Bank)
- An Informative Guide
- Visiting Newgrange, Trims Castle, Slane Castle, the Hill of Tara and Monasterboice Monastery.
- It does not include entrance fees to the sites
☞ CLICK HERE to learn more about this day tour from Dublin to Newgrange (or, click on the image below).
3. Newgrange Private Morning Tour from Dublin
This highly-rated private tour is for those of you who are looking for a shorter tour, that leaves earlier in the morning, and is private.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel (or cruise terminal) at 8:00 am and set off for Newgrange, while passing through the Boyne Valley on the way.
The major perk of this tour is that because you’re leaving earlier in the morning, you’ll have Newgrange and the tombs all to yourself before the other groups of tourists arrive. The major difference is that you’re not visiting the other sites in the area.
After exploring Newgrange, you’ll head back to Dublin through County Meath.
This Newgrange tour from Dublin includes:
- Pick-up directly from your hotel or the cruise terminal in Dublin
- Private Tour
- A Knowledgable Guide
- All Admission Fees
- All Transfers and Tolls
☞ CLICK HERE to learn more about this half-day tour to Newgrange from Dublin (or click the image below).
Visiting Newgrange Independently
If you have your own vehicle and decide to visit Newgrange independently, you’ll need to go to the visitor centre first before heading to the sites.
Once you pass through the visitor centre you will then take a shuttle bus to the Newgrange tomb and Knowth tomb. You have two options: visiting the exterior of these sites, or the interior.
Without pre-booked tickets, access to the site is not guaranteed — which is why joining a tour is a good option.
How Far is Newgrange from Dublin?
Newgrange is located in County Meath, about 50km/30 miles from Dublin by car.
That’s about an hour’s drive from the city centre. If you’re driving you can follow the M1 motorway most of the way before turning off at exit 9. From there you will only be a few minutes away.
What is The Best Way to Get to Newgrange?
If you have a rental car then driving is the easiest option, but, if you would like to learn about the ancient site and surrounding area, I recommend joining a tour for this day trip.
Parking in the Newgrange visitor centre is free and you can explore it at your own leisure. If you are driving yourself then make sure that tickets aren’t sold out on the day because it can get very busy!
How Much Does Newgrange Cost?
Here is the cost of visiting Newgrange and Knowth, for both options — exterior only, or interior as well.
Exterior of Newgrange and Knowth Only:
Adult €12
Senior/Group €10
Children (12-17) €8
Family* €28
Exterior and Passage of Newgrange and Knowth:
Adult €18
Senior/Group €16
Children (12-17) €12
Family* €48
When is Newgrange Open?
Since Newgrange isn’t open during the months of January and February, you’ll want to time your visit to Ireland outside of those months. Here’s a list of when Newgrange is open, which changes depending on the season:
March & April
Open: 9:30am
Last shuttle to monuments 15.00
Last admission to Visitor Centre 16.45
May, June, July & August
Open: 9:00am
Last shuttle to monuments 16:30
Last admission to Visitor Centre 18:15
September
Open: 9:00am
Last shuttle to monuments 15:30
Last admission to Visitor Centre 17:15
October
Open: 9:30am
Last shuttle to monuments 15:00
Last admission to Visitor Centre 16:45
November & December
Open: 9:00am
Last shuttle to monuments 14:30
Last admission to Visitor Centre 16:15
December 24-27 – Closed.
Enjoy This Amazing Day Trip
As you can see, it really is easier and a similar price to join a day trip from Dublin to Newgrange.
Not only will you learn a lot more about the history of the area, but you’ll be able to sit back and fully enjoy the experience — without worrying about getting lost, or driving on Ireland’s roads (which can be a challenge for foreigners!).
The tours also take in many other sites in the area, which is something to consider. Newgrange and the surrounding picturesque Boyne Valley is just one of the many fascinating things to see in Ireland. Don’t miss it!
Images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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