Dublin to Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, Monasterboice Monastic Site

Embarking on a journey through Ireland’s historic heart, this tour from Dublin delves into the captivating Boyne Valley. Visitors will uncover the grandeur of prehistoric monuments like Newgrange and Knowth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing the ingenious Neolithic culture. Exploring the iconic Celtic high crosses at Monasterboice Monastic Site, travelers gain insights into the country’s remarkable religious heritage. With knowledgeable guides leading the way, this immersive experience promises to illuminate the remarkable past that shaped the Emerald Isle. But the true wonder lies in what’s yet to be discovered.

Key Points

• Small-group guided tour from Dublin exploring Ireland’s historic castles and Celtic heritage in the Boyne Valley.
• Tour offers an immersive experience at significant archaeological sites, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne.
• Visitors can explore the grandeur and ingenuity of prehistoric monuments like Newgrange and Knowth, showcasing the sophisticated culture of Neolithic people.
• The tour also includes a visit to the 5th-century Monasterboice Monastic Site, featuring iconic Celtic high crosses and the remains of the old monastery.
• The tour provides a convenient and excellent value experience, with transportation in a comfortable minibus and knowledgeable guides.

Tour Overview

This small-group guided tour from Dublin takes visitors on a journey to explore Ireland’s historic castles and rich Celtic heritage in the Boyne Valley.

With 209 glowing reviews, the tour offers an immersive experience at some of the country’s most significant archaeological sites.

Travelers will marvel at the prehistoric monuments of Newgrange and Knowth, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne, and discover the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery and its captivating Celtic High Crosses.

Friendly, knowledgeable guides ensure a seamless and engaging experience, while transportation in a comfortable minibus and included entrance fees make this tour a convenient and excellent value.

Destination Highlights

The tour takes visitors on an immersive journey through Ireland’s remarkable Celtic heritage, starting with the prehistoric monuments of Newgrange and Knowth. Travelers will marvel at the grandeur of these ancient sites, which showcase the ingenuity and craftsmanship of Ireland’s early inhabitants.

The tour then ventures to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Bru Na Boinne, where visitors can explore:

• The remarkable passage tombs and burial chambers of Newgrange, dating back over 5,000 years
• The nearby Knowth site, featuring impressive megalithic art and inscriptions

The 5th-century Monasterboice Monastic Site, home to towering Celtic High Crosses and the ruins of an early Christian settlement.

Prehistoric Monuments

Visitors marvel at the grandeur and ingenuity of the prehistoric monuments dotting the Boyne Valley, which showcase the remarkable achievements of Ireland’s early inhabitants.

The crown jewel is Newgrange, a 5,000-year-old passage tomb with an intricately carved entrance and a roof box that illuminates the inner chamber during the winter solstice.

Nearby, Knowth features two large passage tombs and over 200 smaller satellite tombs, providing a glimpse into the sophisticated culture of the region’s Neolithic people.

These awe-inspiring structures, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, leave visitors with a deeper appreciation for the skill and ambition of Ireland’s ancient builders.

UNESCO World Heritage

Bru Na Boinne, located in County Meath, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that encompasses the prehistoric monuments of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, showcasing the remarkable achievements of Ireland’s Neolithic inhabitants.

This ancient landscape, dating back over 5,000 years, is renowned for its impressive passage tombs, decorated with intricate carvings and aligned with the sun’s movements. Visiting this UNESCO site offers insights into the sophisticated engineering and astronomical knowledge of the past.

Key features include:

• The iconic Newgrange passage tomb, with its famous spiral-decorated entrance stone
• The unparalleled collection of megalithic art at the Knowth site
• The lesser-known but equally impressive Dowth passage tomb and its surrounding monuments

Exploring Bru Na Boinne is a captivating journey through Ireland’s rich prehistoric heritage.

Monastic Site Exploration

After exploring the prehistoric monuments of Bru Na Boinne, the tour continues to the well-preserved Monasterboice Monastic Site, which offers a glimpse into Ireland’s medieval religious past.

Established in the 5th century, the site features the iconic Celtic high crosses, each intricately carved with biblical scenes and intricate knot work.

Visitors can wander through the remains of the old monastery, including the round tower, church ruins, and graveyard.

The highlight is the towering high crosses, such as the famous Muiredach’s Cross, considered one of the finest examples of Celtic stone carving.

This stop provides a fascinating contrast to the prehistoric wonders seen earlier, showcasing Ireland’s rich cultural and religious heritage.

Transportation and Guidance

The tour transports guests in a small minibus, allowing for an intimate and personalized experience as they’re guided through the historic sites.

The qualified and friendly guide provides valuable insights and anecdotes, enhancing the overall understanding of the Celtic heritage and the significance of the Boyne Valley.

Guests can sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey, knowing that:

• All transportation is included, with hotel pickup and drop-off at the same location in Dublin
• The guide is knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture of the region
• Entrance fees to the Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Site are covered in the tour price

Meeting and Pickup Details

Guests meet at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin at 9:00 AM to begin their small-group tour of the Boyne Valley.

The tour departs promptly at this time, so punctuality is key.

From the meeting point, the group travels together in a comfortable minibus to explore the historic sites of Newgrange, Bru Na Boinne, and Monasterboice.

At the end of the tour, guests are returned to the same meeting location on Suffolk Street, arriving back in Dublin around 5:00 PM.

This convenient pickup and drop-off location makes it easy for participants to join the tour directly from their accommodations in the city center.

Tour Inclusions

This small-group tour from Dublin to the Boyne Valley includes a range of features to provide a comprehensive and enriching experience for participants. Transportation in a comfortable minibus, a qualified and friendly guide, and pre-paid entrance fees to the key attractions of Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne are all included in the tour package.

Marvel at the prehistoric monuments at Newgrange and Knowth.

Visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Bru Na Boinne.

Explore the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery and its Celtic High Crosses.

These inclusions ensure that guests can fully enjoy Ireland’s rich Celtic heritage and historic landmarks without any additional costs or hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour’s group size is small, with a maximum of a few dozen participants. This allows for a more personalized and interactive experience as the guide takes the group to explore Ireland’s historic castles and Celtic heritage.

Can the Tour Accommodate Vegetarian or Vegan Dietary Requirements?

The tour can accommodate vegetarian and vegan dietary requirements. Travelers should notify the tour operator in advance, and the guide will work to ensure suitable food options are available during the tour.

Are There Any Physical Requirements or Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any strict physical requirements, but passengers should be able to walk moderate distances and climb some stairs. Travelers with mobility issues are advised to discuss their needs with the tour operator prior to booking.

Can the Pickup Location Be Changed to a Different Dublin Location?

The pickup location can be changed to a different Dublin location, but this must be arranged with the tour operator in advance. Additional fees may apply for a customized pickup. Customers should contact the operator to inquire about alternative pickup options.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour company offers a 10% discount for seniors and students upon presentation of valid ID. Discounted tickets can be purchased directly through the tour company or at the meeting point prior to departure.

Recap

This immersive tour from Dublin explores Ireland’s remarkable prehistoric and medieval heritage.

Visitors will experience the grandeur of Newgrange, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne, and the iconic Celtic high crosses at the Monasterboice Monastic Site.

Knowledgeable guides provide insights into Ireland’s Neolithic and medieval past, offering a unique glimpse into the country’s rich cultural history.