tourism in newgrange

A Guide To Visiting Newgrange: A Place That Predates The Pyramids

By Author Cristina Miceli

Posted on Last updated: January 2, 2024

A visit to the Newgrange monument is one of the most impressive things to do in Meath .

Part of the Brú na Bóinne complex alongside Knowth , Newgrange is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it dates back to 3,200 BC.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything from where to get Newgrange tickets and the history of the area to how to enter the Newgrange Winter Solstice Lottery Draw.

Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Newgrange

Photos via Shutterstock

Although a visit to the Newgrange visitor centre (aka Brú na Bóinne) is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Part of the brilliant Boyne Valley Drive , you’ll find Newgrange on the banks of the River Boyne in Donore, a 15-minute drive from Drogheda .

2. Opening hours

The Newgrange visitor centre is open seven days a week. The opening hours for Newgrange vary by season and, as tickets can only be booked 30 days in advance, it’s hard to tell future opening and closing times. You’ll find the hours when you go to book a ticket .

3. Admission (book in advance!)

Newgrange tickets vary depending on the tour type (we’d recommend booking them in advance). Here’s how much entrance costs (note: Heritage Card holders get in free + prices may change):

• The Brú na Bóinne tour + Newgrange chamber is €18 for an adult and €12 for kids/students
• The Newgrange tour + exhibition is €10 for an adult and €5 for kids/students

4. Magic on 21st December

The entrance at Newgrange is finely aligned with the angle of the rising sun on December 21st (the Winter Solstice). On this day, a beam of sun shines through a roof-box that sits above its entrance and floods the chamber with sunlight (more info below).

5. The Newgrange visitor centre 

In the Brú na Bóinne Visitor centre you’ll find an exhibition on Newgrange and Knowth’s history. The centre also has a cafe, a gift shop and a bookshop.

6. Tours from Dublin

If you’re visiting from Dublin, this tour (affiliate link) is well worth considering. It’s €45 p/p and includes transport to Newgrange, the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle . Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pay the entry fees yourself.

The history of Newgrange

Newgrange is one of the most prominent passage tombs in the world and it’s arguably one of the most notable landmarks is Ireland .

It was constructed around 3,200 BC, during the Neolithic period.

It is one of the most popular places to visit in Ireland and, once you dive into its history, you quickly understand why.

Why was Newgrange built

Although its purpose is heavily debated, many archaeologists believe that Newgrange was built either to serve an astronomically-based religion, or to be used as a place for worship.

Some also believe that it was built by a society that revered the sun, which would make sense when you consider what takes place at Newgrange on December 21st (see below).

In Irish mythology , Newgrange is said to be the home of the Tuatha De Dannan (a tribe of gods).

It’s construction

It’s only when you start to look at how Newgrange was made that you really start to appreciate the dedication required to construct this magnificent structure.

There are many different theories about how Newgrange was constructed. Many geologists believe that the thousands of pebbles that were used to construct the cairn were taken from around the nearby River Boyne.

Some 547 slabs make-up the inner section of Newgrange along with the outer kerbstones. It’s believe that some of these were taken from as far away as Clogherhead Beach (19km from Newgrange).

The entrance to the tomb contains white quartz that was sourced from the Wicklow Mountains (over 50km away), while stone from the Mourne Mountains (50km away) and the Cooley Mountains were used, also.

The winter solstice

Our obsession with the Newgrange monument all began on the 21st of December 1967, when M.J. O’Kelly of University College Cork became the first person in modern history to witness one of the greatest natural feats in Ireland.

The entrance at Newgrange is finely aligned with the angle of the rising sun on December 21st (the Winter Solstice). On this day, a beam of sun shines through a roof-box that sits above its entrance and floods the chamber with sunlight.

The beam travels its way 63 feet into the chamber at Newgrange and continues through the chamber until it comes to a Triskelion symbol , illuminating the entire chamber in the process.

If you’d like to visit Newgrange on the Winter Solstic, you’ll need to enter a lottery, that often gets 30,000+ entries. To enter, you need to email [email protected].

What you’ll see on the Newgrange tour

One of the reasons that a trip to Newgrange is so popular is due to the sheer volume of history the monument, and the entire Brú na Bóinne complex, boasts. Here’s what to expect.

1. The mound and passage

Newgrange mainly consists of a vast mound, measuring 279 feet (85 metres) in diameter and 40 feet (12 metres) in height. This structure was built by alternating layers of stones and earth.

Access to the mound can be found on the southeastern side. This is the main entrance of Newgrange, opening on a 62-feet (19-meter) long passage.

At the end of this, three chambers off a larger central one were found. Inside those chambers, the remains of two bodies were discovered along with other objects such as a used flint flake, four pendants and two beads. 

2. 97 large kerbstones

One of the most striking features of the Newgrange monument is the 97 large stones, known as kerbstones, encircling the base of the mound. This particular type of stone, graywacke, cannot be found anywhere near this site.

Scholars believe that they were carried all the way to Newgrange from Clogherhead, around 20 km away from the site. It’s still unclear how these were carried. Some believe that rough sledges were used while others speculate that boats transported these massive stones to Newgrange. 

3. Neolithic rock art

Many rocks, including the kerbstones, are decorated with graphic Neolithic art. There are ten different categories of carvings present on this site.

Five of these are curvilinear and include motifs such as circles, spirals and arcs, while the other five are rectilinear, such as chevrons, parallel lines and radials.

The purpose of these carvings is still unclear. Some scholars believe they were merely decorative while others give them a symbolic meaning as many carvings were found in places that could not have been visible.

Things to do near Newgrange

One of the beauties of the Newgrange visitor centre is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Meath .

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from the Newgrange monument (plus places to eat and where to grab a post-adventure pint!).

1. Knowth and Dowth

The visit departing from Brú na Bóinne Visitor centre will also bring you to a second Neolithic site known as Knowth . Another less known Neolithic site is Dowth .

2. Old Mellifont Abbey (15-minute drive)

Situated in Mellifont, County Louth, Old Mellifont Abbey was the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland. It was built in 1142 with the help of a group of monks coming from France. In 1603, the treaty that put an end to the Nine Years War was signed here.

3. Slane Castle (15-minute drive)

Photo by Adam.Bialek (Shutterstock)

Slane Castle is one of the more unique castles in Ireland . It’s played host to some of the biggest names in Rock and Roll and it’s also home to an excellent whiskey distillery. Make sure to visit the village of Slane along with the ancient Hill of Slane , too.

FAQs about the Newgrange monument

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How does the Newgrange winter solstice work?’ to ‘When was Newgrange built?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What is Newgrange?

Newgrange is a passage tomb that dates back to 3,200 BC. While its purpose is unknown, it’s widely believed that it was a place of worship.

Is the Newgrange visitor centre worth visiting?

Yes. This is one of the most impressive historical attractions in Ireland, and it’s 100% worth experiencing first hand.

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Everything you need to know about visiting Newgrange: Getting there, cost and what to expect

The ancient burial tomb is in the Boyne Valley in Co Meath

• 22:39, 29 JUN 2023

Newgrange is the most visited archaeological site in Ireland.

Located in the Boyne Valley in Co Meath, the passage tomb dates back to the Stone Age at around 3,200 BC. At around 5,200 years old, it's older than the pyramids of Egypt.

Not only does the site draw in visitors because of its construction, it is also revered for its alignment with astronomy as its passage and chamber flood with light on the winter solstice.

Read more: Older than Egypt's pyramids: The history and mystery of ancient Irish burial tombs

Read more: Historic Irish site named as one of the best tourist attractions in the world by Tripadvisor

The tomb is a must-visit for lovers of ancient history and Irish culture alike. Here's everything you need to know if you plan on joining the estimated 200,000 visitors Newgrange pulls in each year.

Booking and cost

You need a ticket to see Newgrange. The only way to access the monument is through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.

Tickets are required to be booked in advance. There are four tour/exhibition options of varying admission rates, though children under 12 get in free to all.

The main one, and most recommended, is the Brú na Bóinne Tour and Newgrange Chamber. This includes a guided tour of Newgrange and the nearby passage tomb of Knowth, access to Newgrange's passage chamber, and access to the visitor center exhibitions.

As of 2023, the admission rates for this tour are as follows:

• Senior (60 and over): €16
• Students with ID: €12
• Children over 12: €12
• Family ticket (Two adults and up to five children aged 12-17): €48

To book online, visit heritageireland.ie .

Alternatively, you can book a private tour that includes transport to and from Dublin at newgrangetours.com .

How to get there

The only way to access the monuments is through the visitor center, so that's where you need to go. After you've explored the exhibitions, you'll be taken from the center to the monuments via shuttle bus.

If you're driving or going by taxi, this is the address to key into Google Maps: Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Brú na Bóinne, Glebe, Donore, Co Meath, A92 EH5C. From Dublin, the fastest route is via the M1. Parking is available at the visitor center.

By public transport, the easiest way is to go to the nearby town of Drogheda. If you're traveling from Dublin, you can get a train from Connelly Station, the Expressway 100X bus from numerous stops in the city center or the Matthews 901 express coach from North Cumberland Street.

You can then get the Local Link 188 bus from Drogheda Bus Station. This will drop you directly to the visitor center.

What to expect

Many visitors love experiencing the simulation of Newgrange's passage and chamber filling with light as it does on the winter solstice. Yet as it's a confined, dark space, it may not be suitable for everyone.

The passage and chamber are low and narrow. Those with mobility issues, claustrophobia, or who otherwise require special assistance are asked to contact the center in advance. Call +353 041 988 0300 or email [email protected].

There are restrooms at the visitor center and at the monuments themselves. Ask your guide to point them out as Newgrange is on a hill and so is a bit of a walk away from its toilet facilities.

There is no access to Knowth's interior on any of the tours so the only tomb chamber you can enter is Newgrange. Bags aren't allowed inside and must be left in secured containers provided at the tomb's entrance.

Taking photos or videos inside the chamber is not permitted.

There is a picnic area if you opt to bring food, or a café at the visitor center if you want to buy. The visitor center also has a gift shop.

• Most Recent

Visit Newgrange: An ancient mystery

Even today, the ancient site of Newgrange still holds a great mystery – who built it and why?

Written by Michael Turtle

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle. A journalist for more than 20 years, he's been travelling the world since 2011.

Michael Turtle is the founder of Time Travel Turtle and has been travelling full time for a decade.

Updated: January 24, 2024

Visit Newgrange from Dublin

Built more than 5000 years ago, the ancient tomb of Newgrange is one of the most important historical sites in Ireland - even named as a World Heritage Site.

There are only a limited number of spots each day to go inside Newgrange, so here's everything you need to plan your visit to the Brú na Bóinne area.

What is Newgrange?

Who built newgrange.

• My top tips for visiting Newgrange
• The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

“Let me show you what it’s like on the winter solstice,” the guide says as he turns off the lights. Here, on a visit to Newgrange, we’re thrust into pitch blackness, with just cold stone all around us.

The guide flicks a switch and a narrow band of orange light appears on the floor. It’s clear to make out but is only just there, almost swallowed up by the darkness around us.

He flicks another switch and the beam becomes stronger. It now stretches from up the end of the long narrow passage and hits the stones near where I’m standing at the very back.

It’s still black everywhere else and my hand is invisible in front of my face – just a vague silhouette. But this orange ray is bold and warm. It brings with it such power and… hope.

For millennia, this orange beam has been appearing down the passage just once a year, on the winter solstice… but nobody knows exactly why Newgrange was designed to achieve that effect.

There are lots of theories and educated guesses – and I’m not the first to think of power and hope .

Those two ideas form one of the strongest theories about the Newgrange site here in Ireland, about an hour’s drive from Dublin.

Why is Newgrange important?

Newgrange is an ancient tomb built more than 5000 years ago that is an incredibly well-preserved monument offering insight into the prehistoric people who once lived in Ireland. It also contains Europe’s largest concentration of prehistoric megalithic art. Newgrange is part of a World Heritage Site called Brú na Bóinne, that includes the other nearby prehistoric landmarks of Knowth and Dowth.

How old is Newgrange?

The prehistoric monument of Newgrange was built around 3200 BC, making it older than other similar landmarks like Stonehenge – or even the Pyramids of Giza.

Can you go inside Newgrange?

Yes, you can go inside Newgrange to see the main passage and the the rocks inside that have megalithic art carved onto them. Entry to Newgrange is only possible with guided tours from the site’s visitor centre.

To learn more about why the prehistoric tomb of Newgrange was built like this – and who built it all those millennia ago – the best thing to do is visit Newgrange for yourself.

There’s a modern and sophisticated visitor experience, although numbers to actually go inside Newgrange itself are limited, so you’ll want to book well in advance.

To visit Newgrange from Dublin, I would recommend this excellent day trip that also includes some other interesting sights along the way. (Places are limited, so book as soon as possible!)

Along this part of the River Boyne’s north bank, in an area known as Brú na Bóinne, is a collection of ancient graves and other historic monuments around three great burial mounds – Knowth, Dowth, and Newgrange.

Of those three, Newgrange is certainly the most significant and is undoubtedly the highlight of a visit. So, let’s have a look at some of the history of Newgrange and what you’ll discover when you come here.

Newgrange, at its simplest, is an enormous burial mound built more than 5000 years ago (before the Pyramids or Stonehenge). It was surely more than that, though.

It must have also had some kind of ceremonial role in the society of people who lived in these lands all those years ago.

How? Well, we don’t know for sure. But it’s clear that this chamber where the winter solstice shines was the focus.

The chamber is about 6 metres high and it is deep in the very centre of the mound, which is about 76 metres in diameter. To get to it, I’ve come through the narrow passage from the very edge, squeezing between rocks on a couple of occasions and ducking my head a couple of times.

But, here in the centre, there is plenty of space. The three sides that don’t have the passageway entrance have alcoves that may have been altars or may have been where the remains of the deceased were kept.

Some of the rocks – on the walls and the ceilings – are carved with mysterious artwork. I would love to show you some pictures of them but photography isn’t allowed inside the mound.

In some ways this is a good thing. Photos would not be able to convey the sense of being inside the chamber and it’s something which is best experienced for yourself.

There is a spiritual energy inside the chamber of Newgrange.

The best time to be here, to experience the power, is on the winter solstice – the day the guide is now replicating for us. Because even 5000 years ago, the humans who built Newgrange had an incredible understanding of astronomy and geometry.

For just a matter of minutes at about 9 o’clock on the morning of the winter solstice, the rising run will shine directly down the passage, through a special box at the entrance.

Well… I say that humans had a good understanding of astronomy back then but, really, the best way to put it is that they had no choice but to understand the seasons. It was about survival.

Winter in Ireland didn’t just mean months of biting cold, it meant a scarcity of food – so understanding the movement of the sun meant being able to plan your harvests and prepare for bad times.

One theory amongst archaeologists is that Newgrange was used as a plea to the gods to bring back the sun. The winter solstice is the turning point when the days will start to get longer again.

Perhaps the people of 5000 years ago worried that one day that wouldn’t happen, that the days would just keep getting shorter until they lived in eternal darkness.

Perhaps the ceremonies in that chamber were to ask for their light back and to send that message to the deities directly back up that beam of orange.

These people from Newgrange are interesting, and even though we don’t know a lot about them, they’ve left us quite a lot to work with.

Newgrange is just one site of many in the area – the whole ensemble being called Brú na Bóinne. There are two other large mounds called Knowth and Dowth that presumably hold some particular significance, and at least 40 smaller mounds within relatively easy reach.

This collection of structures shows us that these communities were transitioning from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled agriculture. They began cultivating crops such as wheat and barley and domesticating animals like cattle, sheep, and pigs.

Even the construction of the tombs, all those years ago before the wheel was invented, is impressive, and the artworks give us an indication of what was important to them – these carvings often depict abstract symbols, spirals, and other motifs, possibly representing their cosmological beliefs or spiritual concepts.

But, still, there’s a mystery and you are left to wonder what these people were thinking.

The rock positioned at the entrance to the mound at Newgrange is the most famous of them all. Take a look at it here:

My guide suggests a few of the popular theories about what it’s depicting:

• It shows the passage of the sun in the days around the winter solstice…
• It’s a map of the area with the three mounds prominent…
• It’s some kind of ancient pictorial language…

Oh, or it could just be a pretty pattern that doesn’t mean anything. That’s a popular theory as well.

Because the construction of Newgrange and other megalithic sites would’ve required considerable planning and specialised knowledge, historians assume the people had a well-organised social structure. That means there were probably leaders, as well as skilled craftsmen and builders.

And, because Newgrange and the other megalithic sites show evidence that rituals were held here, that suggests the people followed some form of religion – one that probably had its own related burial rites and seasonal festivals.

Visiting Newgrange

You can visit Newgrange – and you can even go inside the central passage within the tomb.

But because it’s a really small space inside the tomb, entry to Newgrange is only with a guided tour, and there’s a limited number of them each day (with a limited number of spots on each tour).

That’s why booking in advance and as early as possible is really important!

There are two ways to book a spot to see Newgrange. If you’re travelling out to the site independently, you can buy tickets for the available tours through the official visitor centre here .

If you would like to join a tour with transport from Dublin, or if you want to see if a tour operator still has tickets for a day that appears sold out on the official site, you can go with this excellent day trip .

Until a few years ago, you could drive right up to a carpark next to the main tomb. But now that road is closed to tourists.

Instead, you need to head to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, about two kilometres away, from where all the activities are run for the group of ancient sites. (I’ve got more info about the visitor centre below.)

Where is Newgrange?

Newgrange is in the countryside near the town of Drogheda, about 40 kilometres north of Dublin. It’s accessible from the nearby Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The official address is Brú na Bóinne, Glebe, Donore, Co. Meath, A92 EH5C. You can see it on a map here .

How do you get to Newgrange?

To access Newgrange, you need to go to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. By car, it’s about a 40-minute drive from Dublin and there’s plenty of parking. By public transport, there are several different routes you can do, combining buses and trains. The quickest is to take the 901 bus to Drogheda (35 mins) and then transfer to the 163 bus to the visitor centre (23 mins).

When is Newgrange open?

Newgrange is only accessible with a guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. There are normally about 12 tours throughout the day. The visitor centre is open at the following times throughout the year: January: 09:00 – 16:15 February – March: 09:30 – 16:45 May – August: 09:00 – 17:45 September: 09:00 – 17:15 October – December: 09:00 – 16:15

How much is the Newgrange entry fee?

The main tour of Brú na Bóinne from the visitor centre, which includes visiting Knowth and going into the Newgrange chamber, costs: General: £18 Senior (60+): £16 Student/child (12+): £12 Family: £48

Are there tours to Newgrange?

The only way to actually go inside Newgrange is on a tour run by the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, which you should book in advance (as early as possible). For a tour from Dublin to Newgrange that includes entry to Newgrange and some great stops along the way, I would recommend this excellent day trip .

As well as the tour from Dublin that I’ve recommended, there are a handful of other Newgrange tours available that might better suit your circumstances, including a private tour and one that includes Trim Castle . You can see the options here:

It’s not possible to go inside the chambers at Knowth, so Newgrange is really the main event. However, it’s not the only thing here, and it’s definitely worth giving yourself enough time to look through the visitor centre – or even join some of the other experiences here at Brú na Bóinne.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

Just two kilometres from the Newgrange mound, the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is your first port of call for all the activities here, and a wealth of information about the ancient people who built the neolithic structures.

Within the visitor centre is a modern and interesting exhibition about many aspects of the story. What caught my attention were the sections about the people who lived here.

They’re depicted wearing animal furs as clothes, hunting with simple weapons, gathering around a fire in a crude tent. But then the text says “these humans were almost identical to humans today”.

I look at the models of the men and think they look nothing like me. They’re primitive and ancient and have foxes hanging from the roof of their tent.

But, then again, they dragged heavy stones from 80 kilometres away and built a waterproof chamber in an enormous mound that is perfectly aligned with an astronomical event.

What what these people thinking? What did they know?

The exhibition here doesn’t answer all those questions, but it gives you a lot more information than you probably had before coming here.

The exhibition is included with the main tour ticket, but if you just want to see the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre without taking a tour, it costs £5 for general admission, £4 for a senior, and £3 for a student/child.

Although the exhibition is interesting, obviously it’s the burial mounds themselves that are the most important things to see.

All of the tours of the area leave from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, and there are three main options to choose from:

• First, there is the main Brú na Bóinne Tour , which includes a visit to Knowth and into the chamber at Newgrange. (£18 general, £16 senior, £12 child, £48 family)
• Another option is the Newgrange Tour , which goes to Newgrange and inside the chamber but doesn’t visit Knowth at all. (£10 general, £8 senior, £5 child, £25 family)
• And there is the Knowth Tour , which only visits Knowth (which you can’t go inside) but not Newgrange. There’s normally a bit more availability on this one if the Newgrange ones are booked out. (£10 general, £8 senior, £5 child, £25 family)

All of the tours tend to get booked out – often more than two weeks in advance – so I would recommend getting your tickets as soon as possible here on the official website .

And, I should also mention that a bit further afield and not part of the Brú na Bóinne area, there’s also the megalithic site of Loughcrew , another group of passage tombs from the 4th millennium BC.

All of these tombs, even somewhere like Newgrange, may not have the reputation of Stonehenge… but they are just as mysterious.

It’s a mystery that will probably never have an answer – but visiting Newgrange, and going inside the chamber to see where that winter solstice sunrise hits the carved rock at the end, is a really special way to connect with the people who lived here more than 5000 years ago!

THE BEST ACCOMMODATION IN DUBLIN

The city is easy to get around but I think you’ll find Dublin’s best accommodation south of the river, around St Stephen’s Green.

Being a student city, there are lots of hostels but I would recommend Generator Dublin .

Dublin can be expensive but you can get an affordable private room at Destiny Student – Tannery .

For a really cool hotel with a distinct style, I love The Dean Dublin .

And for modern five-star luxury, I don’t think you’ll find better than The Marker Hotel .

Time Travel Turtle was a guest of Tourism Ireland but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

This site is on the UNESCO World Heritage List ! I'm on a mission to visit as many World Heritage Sites as I can. Only about 800 more to go... eek!

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7 thoughts on “Visit Newgrange: An ancient mystery”

Newgrange is totally fascinating. It was also a big surprise for me. Had no idea about this site before our trip in 2004. I have to admit that because of my claustrophobia I almost didn’t make it through the passageway to see the solstice demonstration. But after turning around halfway and bolting out, I came back and was glad I did.

I’m glad you did too because I don’t think you can get an understanding of the site without going inside – that’s sort of the whole point of it! I also didn’t know much about it before I went so it was fascinating to learn all of this.

Such a cool experience! There is so much history and culture present here and it is almost more interesting because no one knows the true story or reasoning of the people who built Bru Na Boinne. Thanks for the post.

I agree – the mystery makes it even more fascinating. Sometimes using your imagination to conjure up ideas of how it would have been is half the fun!

With all due respect to Professor O’Kelly and his extensive research, I think a great disservice has been done by constructing (I hesitate to use the term reconstruction) of the white quartzite facade. The fact that the construction required additional modern engineering to support them adds skepticism to the assumed shape and slope. Modeling is one thing, but it is still conjecture. Doing actual forensic construction based upon moldeling – and doing so in a way that makes the structure appear so unrealistically modern runs the risk of being labeled “bad science.” The facade’s less than complete encurclement appears contrary to the symetry and complete circles depicted in the carvings – again adding skepticism. Although I have yet to look at Dr. Kelly’s writing, one question that initially arose in my mind is whether the amount of stone present was sufficient to encircle the entire structure if it had been done in a soil matricx, whcih would also have been more stable. Going forward to construct the wall of quartz stone presents it as fact that this was the initial construction – when there is plenty of reason to hold off. I design underground excavations and structures for a living, and am stunned at the engineering of the known details of the New Grange, and by themselves, they stand as a marvel. But the creation of a nearly vertical quartz cobble wall defies their understanding of stable stone construction.

Yes, it’s a very good point. I didn’t go into it in detail in my story, but there is very fair argument about whether Newgrange should have been reconstructed based on theories, rather than any direct evidence of how it actually looked. As you say, the interior (which I think is the highlight) has maintained its integrity and the major engineering marvels are still in place. But I do wonder whether it give the wrong impression to have the white wall around the base when it may actually have been nothing like that 5000 years ago!

Can you go and look at these structures from the outside if yours are not available ?

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With its stunning winter solstice illumination, Newgrange is a passage tomb of global sign...

Its breathtaking winter solstice illumination makes Newgrange a passage tomb of global significance. But did you know Ireland’s quintessential wow moment is 5,000 years old?

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Yep, 5,000 years. That’s older than Stonehenge. It’s older than the great Egyptian pyramids, too. And five millennia later, it hasn’t lost any of its wonder.

But first things first: Newgrange can’t be visited directly. If you’re driving, set your course for the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre as opposed to Newgrange itself. Here, you’ll find an interpretive centre where you can buy tickets, and proceed by shuttle bus for a guided tour of Newgrange and of the nearby passage tomb at Knowth. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry – day tours can be arranged from Dublin.

Arriving at the iconic tomb is a wow moment, to say the least. Standing outside the 80-metre mound, shored up with spiral-engraved kerbstones and white Wicklow quartzite, a guide reveals the myths and history behind the monument. Newgrange may have been designed as a tomb or a temple but in spite of the knowledge that archaeologists have garnered from the site since its discovery, it continues to surprise and intrigue.

Newgrange, County Meath

Once the scene has been set for you as a visitor, you’ll step inside the passage tomb itself, squeezing through standing stones carved with spiralling rock art and graffiti dating back to the 1800s (before Newgrange was taken into State care). Ducking under beams of wood, you’ll emerge into the cool confines of a cruciform-shaped chamber, like a stony igloo squirreled away within a hill.

This inner sanctum is where a lucky few (chosen by lottery from thousands of applicants annually) huddle together to witness the annual winter solstice illumination in December. In this moment, when megalithic engineering and nature come sensationally into sync, a shaft of light can be seen snaking 19 metres up the passageway, ultimately bathing the chamber in light. You'll get goosebumps…

If you’re not one of the lucky ones, don’t fret. All visitors are treated to a simulated solstice, with an orange beam of light artificially showcasing the effect. It’s a tantalising taster – little wonder legend suggests that this was the site where mythological hero Cú Chulainn was conceived.

Newgrange isn’t the only passage tomb in Ireland, of course. In fact, it’s not the only passage tomb at Brú na Bóinne. Together with nearby Knowth and Dowth, Newgrange was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. Not bad for a site that once looked destined to become a quarry!

Not far away, near Oldcastle, County Meath, you’ll find a lesser-known cluster of passage tombs. Spotted around a handful of hills at Loughcrew are several cairns also dating from around 3,200BC. Because they’re more obscure and harder to get to, the Indiana Jones effect is all the more titillating.

If you get the sense that you’re being watched here, you may well be right. Some 60km away, atop of Slieve Gullian in County Armagh, the passage of another tomb points directly back towards Loughcrew. Slieve Gullian’s two cairns lie on either side of a summit lake, with the southern tomb said to have a winter solstice alignment at sunset. On a good day, the views stretch as far as Dublin Bay.

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One of the great wonders of the ancient world, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae or even the Pyramids of Egypt. Foremost among the passage-tombs of Europe, Newgrange has long evoked the wonder of archaeologists and laymen alike. The magnificent entrance slab - 'one of the most famous stones in the entire repertory of megalithic art' - is especially satisfying, the confidently executed spiral and lozenge motifs still crisply defined after 5,000 years.

The triple spiral, found only at Newgrange, occurs both on the entrance stone and inside the chamber. The passage is long, over 60 feet (20m), and leads to a cruciform burial chamber with a corbelled roof which rises steeply upwards to a height of nearly 20 feet (6m). There are regular tours of the different sites, but advance booking of tours is recommended.

Built by Neolithic farming communities about 5000 years ago, the passage tombs have clear astronomical alignments such as the Winter Solstice Sunrise at Newgrange and the Equinox Sunrise at Loughcrew. Judging from the splendour and magnificence of Newgrange and Knowth it is likely that these temples of the ancestors were places of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, open in 1997, is designed to present the archaeological heritage of the Boyne Valley, which includes the megalithic passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. The Centre is the starting point for all visits to both monuments, and contains extensive interpretative displays and viewing areas.

All visitors wishing to visit Newgrange and Knowth must begin their visit at the Visitor Centre. There is no direct access to these monuments.

Last tour of monument is 1hour 30mins before closing time of the Centre. Last admission to Visitor Centre is 45 minutes before closing. All groups of 15 or more must book in advance. Please note that this is a very busy site and visitors must expect a delay in the summer months if visiting Newgrange and Knowth and access is not guaranteed.

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Top choice in County Meath

Why you should go

Newgrange is one of the most remarkable prehistoric sites in Europe, famous for the illumination of its passage and tomb during the winter solstice sun . Newgrange, together with Dowth and Knowth , are the three main Megalithic passage tombs that make the Brú na Bóinne Unesco World Heritage site . The site is so ancient (constructed about 5200 years ago) that it predates  Egypt's pyramids by some six centuries.

Winter Solstice

It’s magical to see it at any time of year but winter solstice (weather permitting) is incredibly special — a bucket-list event if you’re lucky enough to nab a ticket. At around 8.20am on the winter solstice (between December 18 and 23), the rising sun's rays shine through the roof-box above the entrance, creep slowly down the long passage and illuminate the tomb chamber for 17 minutes. There is little doubt that this is one of the country's most memorable, even mystical, experiences. No matter when you visit, there's a simulated winter sunrise for every group taken into the mound.

History: facts and legends

Newgrange dates from around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. No one is quite sure of Newgrange’s original purpose — it has been the subject of much archaeological debate over the years. The most common theories are that it was a burial place for kings or a center for ritual. The tomb's precise alignment with the sun at the time of the winter solstice suggests it was also designed to act as a calendar.

After being sealed for several millennia, Newgrange was eventually rediscovered in 1699 when a local landowner began quarrying the mound for stones. Over time, Newgrange, like Dowth and Knowth, deteriorated and at one stage was even used as a quarry. Archaeological excavations didn't begin until the 1960s. The site was extensively restored in 1962 and again in 1975.

Newgrange's name derives from 'New Granary' (the tomb did in fact serve as a repository for wheat and grain at one stage), although a more popular belief is that it comes from the Irish for 'Cave of Gráinne', a reference to a popular Celtic myth. The Pursuit of Diarmuid and Gráinne tells of the illicit love between the woman betrothed to Fionn MacCumhaill (or Finn McCool), leader of the Fianna, and Diarmuid, one of his most trusted lieutenants. When Diarmuid was fatally wounded, his body was brought to Newgrange by the god Aengus in a vain attempt to save him, and the despairing Gráinne followed him into the cave, where she remained long after he died. This suspiciously Arthurian tale (substitute Lancelot and Guinevere for Diarmuid and Gráinne) is undoubtedly a myth, but it's still a pretty good story. Newgrange also plays another role in Celtic mythology as the site where the hero Cúchulainn was conceived.

Inside Newgrange

A startling 80m in diameter and 13m high, Newgrange's white round stone walls, topped by a grass dome, look eerily futuristic, despite its ancient origins. Underneath the dome lies the Stone Age passage tomb. A superbly carved kerbstone with double and triple spirals guards the tomb's main entrance, but the area has been reconstructed so that visitors don't have to clamber in over it. Above the entrance is a slit, or roof-box, which lets light in. Another beautifully decorated kerbstone stands at the exact opposite side of the mound. Some experts say that a ring of standing stones encircled the mound, forming a great circle about 100m in diameter, but only 12 of these stones remain, with traces of others below ground level.

Holding the whole structure together are the 97 boulders of the kerb ring, designed to stop the mound from collapsing outwards. Eleven of these are decorated with motifs similar to those on the main entrance stone, although only three have extensive carvings. The white quartzite that encases the tomb was originally obtained from Wicklow, 70km south – in an age before horse and wheel, it was transported by sea and then up the River Boyne. More than 200,000 tonnes of earth and stone also went into the mound.

You can walk down the narrow 19m passage, lined with 43 stone uprights (some of them engraved), which leads into the tomb chamber about one third of the way into the colossal mound. The chamber has three recesses, and in these are large basin stones that held cremated human bones. As well as the remains, the basins would have held funeral offerings of beads and pendants, but these were stolen long before the archaeologists arrived. Above, the massive stones support a 6m-high corbel-vaulted roof. A complex drainage system means that not a drop of water has penetrated the interior in 40 centuries.

Tickets and other practicalities

Brú na Bóinne Unesco World Heritage site in County Meath is roughly a 45-minute drive from Dublin . Access to Newgrange is granted by guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre where a shuttle bus will take you to the tombs. Allow plenty of time: an hour for the visitor center alone and two hours for Newgrange. Tickets are sold on a first-come, first-served basis (no advance booking). Arrive early in the morning or visit midweek and be prepared to wait, especially in summer. Alternatively, visiting as part of an organised tour, such as Mary Gibbons Tours  (€45 per adult - departs from Dublin), guarantees a spot.

Tickets for the Brú na Bóinne and Newgrange Chamber tour cost €18 per adult, €12 for children between the ages 12 and 17, and €16 for seniors. Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost €48. Children under 12 go free.

To be in with a chance of witnessing the Solstice Sunrise event on one of six mornings around the winter solstice, enter the free lottery that's drawn in late September; 50 names are drawn and each winner is allowed to take one guest (be aware, however, that over 30,000 people apply each year). Fill out the form at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre or email [email protected]

Where to stay near Newgrange

Some of the best accommodation options near Newgrange are in the town of Slane , with a small choice that runs from budget to luxury.

Slane Farm Hostel

Rock Farm Glamping

Conyngham Arms

Get In Touch

https://www.worldheritageireland.ie

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Built in a spiral design echoing Newgrange, this superb interpretive centre houses interactive exhibits on prehistoric Ireland and its passage tombs. It…

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Heritage Ireland

Brú na bóinne visitor centre: newgrange, knowth and dowth.

BOOK ONLINE

See all opening times

2024 Admission Charges

Ticket availability is very limited. Pre-booking tickets is essential – all visitors including children/infants must have a ticket.

Unaccompanied minors (children under 18 years of age) will not gain admission.

For wheelchair users or visitors who require special assistance please email [email protected] in advance of booking.

For group bookings (15 – 24 tickets): email [email protected]

Getting here

Donore Drogheda Co. Meath A92 EH5C

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The World Heritage Property of Brú na Bóinne is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape and is situated within a bend in the River Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which were built circa 3200BC. These ceremonial structures are among the most important Neolithic sites in the world and contain the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe. Visitor Centre, Newgrange and Knowth Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth. The Visitor Centre exhibition is a fully interactive visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Brú na Bóinne. Visitors are brought via shuttle bus to these monuments and pre-booking tickets is essential. Access to Newgrange and Knowth is by guided tour only. Pre-booking for the Visitor Centre only is not required. Seasonal Tour Options: 29 February – 6 November 2024

1. BRÚ NA BÓINNE TOUR + NEWGRANGE CHAMBER A guided tour to Knowth and Newgrange Access to the chamber at Newgrange Includes exhibitions at Knowth and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre No access to the chambers at Knowth PREBOOKING ESSENTIAL (This is the main tour option)

2. NEWGRANGE TOUR + EXHIBITION A guided tour to Newgrange Access to the chamber Includes the exhibitions at Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre PREBOOKING ESSENTIAL (This is a limited tour option and is not available every day)

3. KNOWTH TOUR + EXHIBITION A guided tour to Knowth Includes exhibitions at Knowth and Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre No access to the chambers at Knowth PREBOOKING ESSENTIAL (This is a limited tour option and is not available every day)

4. VISITOR CENTRE EXHIBITON ONLY Self-guided exhibition Does not include visits to monuments (These tickets are not available to pre-book)

Groups of 15 – 24 must pre-book one of our group time slots by emailing [email protected] for availability.

Opening Times

Visitor Centre Opening times

January 9:00 – 16:15

February 9:30 – 16:45

March 9:30 – 16:45

April 9:30 – 16:45

May 9:00 – 17:45

June 9:00 – 17:45

July 9:00 – 17:45

August 9:00 – 17:45

September 9:00 – 17:15

October 9:00 – 16:15

November 9:00 – 16:15

December 9:00 – 16:15*

Tours to Newgrange and Knowth operate within the opening time of the Visitor Centre

Click the ‘Book Online’ link for available tour times *Earlier opening on winter-solstice mornings (19 – 23 December) with regular tour options suspended Closed 24 – 27 December inclusive Groups of 15 – 24 must pre-book one of our group time slots by emailing [email protected] for availability.

• Universal access is limited at the monuments — Please contact us in advance if you require special assistance or have mobility issues.
• The passage and chamber at Newgrange is low and narrow. It may not be suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or mobility issues – If you have any concerns, please contact us in advance.
• Brú na Bóinne is a very busy site.
• Tickets are limited
• Visitors may incur long delays or not gain access to the sites. Access is not guaranteed without pre-booked tickets
• There is no access to the chambers at Knowth.
• The monuments are outdoor sites with no shelter, please dress appropriately for the weather.
• Photography: Not permitted in the passage or chamber at Newgrange. A permit is required for commercial filming/photography.
• Bags are not permitted inside Newgrange. Visitors must leave them in the secure containers provided.
• The opening of OPW sites can be weather dependent and to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all, access may be subject to change at short notice. Every attempt will be made to announce these closures ahead of time, but if you doubt them, please check with the site for its Open/Close Status.

041 988 0300

[email protected]

By Car – Public car park close to site.

By Bus – Take the X8 to Cashel and walk 500m from the centre of Cashel town off the Dublin Road.

By Train – The nearest train station is Thurles.

Click the relevant icon below to open Maps directions

Getting Here

Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to Newgrange and Knowth.   Do not go directly to the monuments as you will not gain entry. Visitors are brought via shuttle bus to the monuments

Open location in Google Maps

Facilities Restrictions

• Audio guide for exhibition
• Baby Changing
• Bicycle Parking
• Card Accepted
• Changing exhibitions
• Coach parking
• Events Venue
• Picnic Area
• Wheelchair Accessible Toilet

Restrictions

• All access to Newgrange & Knowth via Brú na Bóinne centre only
• Assistance dogs only

Social Guide

Download, print and read our social guide (PDF) about visiting Brú na Bóinne. This will help first-time visitors, families and people with developmental and learning disabilities to prepare for a visit to Brú na Bóinne.

Download the Brú Na Boinne Chamber Tour Guide

Download the Knowth Tour and Exhibition Guide

Download the Newgrange Tour and Exhibition Guide

Educational Resources

View our Educational Resources for Brú Na Boinne Visitor Centre (Newgrange and Knowth)

(3 resources)

Nearby sites to visit

Battle of the boyne visitor centre – oldbridge estate.

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Approx. 3.8 km from Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth

Old Mellifont Abbey Monastic Site

Visit Ireland’s very first Cistercian foundation

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How to Visit Newgrange and Knowth: 6 Awesome Tips

Newgrange and Knowth are part of the Brú na Bóinne area of County Meath , Ireland.

Brú na Bóinne means “palace of the Boyne” and it was so named because it’s this area of the Boyne River where the ancient people of Ireland built these incredible structures.

This is the place that was sacred to them.

Newgrange and Knowth are the 2 sites you can visit.

Dowth is a third site that is not open to the public due to its instability.

But all 3 are part of Brú na Bóinne where you can see incredible ancient sites and passage tombs.

It’s at this time of year — Winter Solstice — that Newgrange becomes even more magical.

So, as a traveler, what is the best way to see these sites?

Are there any tips or tricks?

The answer is yes.

But first…

The River Boyne.

Where is Brú na Bóinne? Can I get there from Dublin?

The Brú na Bóinne area is about 45km north of Dublin.

So it’s an easy day trip from the Irish capital.

And in fact, you can take tours to Newgrange and Knowth from Dublin so you don’t have to drive.

Or if you want to drive yourself, it makes a great overnight stop on your way to other parts of Ireland.

The Brú na Bóinne area is really beautiful with green rolling hills dotted with cows and sheep.

There are a few towns nearby that make a good base should you want to stay overnight.

Consider Drogheda for a larger town and smaller towns such as Slane or Trim.

Brú na Bóinne area with its green hills dotted with sheep. It’s really lovely!

6 tips for visiting Newgrange and Knowth

#1 — you must go with an organized tour.

Please, do NOT show up at Newgrange or Knowth on your own.

You MUST go to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center to buy your ticket for an organized tour.

And it’s worth the €6-13, depending on if you see one or both of the sites as the guides are good and the tours very informative.

You can buy your ticket in advance, but only 36 hours.

Or you can go with an organized tour from Dublin.

Your choice.

But please follow the signs for the visitor center as this is where the tours begin.

You will board a bus that will take you to the actual site where a guide will meet you.

Then you board the bus back to the visitor center.

Easy peasy.

A view of Newgrange from the road leading to the visitor center. Whatever you do, do NOT show up at either Newgrange or Knowth directly.

#2 — Go early

If you don’t buy your ticket in advance — which I’ve never done — go early, especially at busier times (May through mid-September).

I’ve never had an issue getting a ticket for a tour, but 2 of the times I visited, it was just me.

The website does advise buying a ticket in advance so if you can, then do so.

And if you have a large group, then you must pre-book.

But I still recommend going early even if you book in advance as you beat the tour bus crowds that are going to come through.

Newgrange is open year round from either 9am or 9:30am to various evening hours depending on the month.

Knowth is open from 30 March to 7 November.

Mounds at Knowth. Do visit early in the day as it tends to be less busy.

#3 — Do visit both Newgrange and Knowth

On my first 2 visits to Brú na Bóinne, I only toured Newgrange — which I LOVE!

This year, I decided to just visit Knowth.

My advice is to see both.

They’re different, but equally impressive.

Newgrange is a passage tomb and you are allowed inside the chamber.

It’s inside the small chamber that you’ll be rewarded with the Winter Solstice sunrise experience.

It’s cool as hell!

Knowth also has a passage tomb the size of Newgrange.

Actually there are 2 entrances and passageways at Knowth.

But Knowth also has satellite mounds/passage tombs scattered about the site.

And the rock art here is incredible.

The downfall is you can’t go inside the chambers as Knowth is still being excavated.

So while you are allowed to enter a small chamber immediately inside Knowth, you don’t get to go way inside of it.

But you can take a look down a passage way and it looks amazing.

Newgrange and Knowth are completely different experiences.

But both worthy of time.

It takes about 3 hours to see both as well as spending some time in the visitor center.

Newgrange on my second visit in 2010 with my parents and Irish friend.

The window box of Newgrange that allows the winter solstice sunrise light into the chamber.

The stone that sits outside the entrance to Newgrange. I love this!!

The main mound/passage tomb at Knowth.

I love the artwork at Knowth. It’s really beautiful!

This is the one passageway in Knowth. While it is not open to walk through, you do get a good look at it from the inside chamber where your tour begins.

#4 — Take the time to wander around on your own a bit

I like that the tours to both Newgrange and Knowth allow a bit of time to wander around the site on your own.

The guide will tell you what time to be back at the bus stop.

Respect that.

But do take the time the guide gives you to really look at the site you are visiting.

There’s a lot to see if you get up close and look.

Use that time.

A couple of the mounds at Knowth. The one on the right is the main passage tomb. And there are more as you wander around the site.

Walking around Newgrange allows you to really see the entire mound.

#5 — Use your imagination

Both Newgrange and Knowth do require you to use a bit of your imagination.

The guides are fabulous at painting a picture of what the experts think life was like back when these structures were built.

They speculate as to what each was used for by the ancient people.

But it’s up to you, the visitor, to picture it in your mind — to imagine what life would have been like and what these sites may have looked like at that time.

The Knowth site. It’s cool to walk around and imagine what life was like waaaayyyy back.

#6 — Spend some time in the visitor center

The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Center is definitely worthy of your time.

It’s included in your tour fee no matter if you choose to visit just one or both of the sites.

Do spend some time viewing the exhibits as it helps to get a clearer picture of what life was like in this piece of Ireland at the time these structures were built.

It’s an excellent visitor center with lots of insightful information.

And there’s a place to grab a bite to eat and to buy your Knowth or Newgrange souvenir.

Some of the artwork at Knowth which is really stunning!

The Boyne River.

Bonus tip — Do stop by Dowth

While you can’t really see Dowth as you do Newgrange and Knowth, you can actually drive to it and wander about it a bit.

It’s on the north side of the river, a couple of miles from the Slane to Drogheda road and East of Newgrange.

Dowth suffered from some very unprofessional excavation back in 1847 which is a shame.

2 passage tombs were discovered, but as a result of the poor excavation, it’s very unstable so you can’t go into it.

But you can see the mound which is about the same size as Newgrange and Knowth.

You can commune with the ancient spirits without a lot of people around.

I wish I had done this!

And lastly…

Happy Winter Solstice!!

Are you ready to visit Newgrange and Knowth?

Well I’m ready to lend a hand. Who am I? I’m Lynne Nieman and I’m a personal travel planner helping people like you create your perfect European adventure. Whether you need help planning part or all of your trip, I’m ready to assist you in making your travel dreams come true!

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5 reasons to visit Newgrange, Ireland

Newgrange is the best-known Neolithic passage tomb in Ireland and its 5,000-year-old walls hide many secrets and legends, most of them still unknown and forgotten with the passing of time.

This tomb is located in the Boyne Valley (County Meath) and consists of around 200,000 tonnes of rock , with a width of around 85 metres . It might not seem very spectacular for the modern eye, but we can’t forget that this structure was built during the Neolithic period when the everyday material was just stone.

Surprisingly, this place isn’t widely known outside of Ireland, unlike other megalithic structures around the world such as Stonehenge. Keep reading to learn more about this magical spot and make sure to pay a visit as soon as you can, I’m sure you will want to repeat in the future!

( Transparency Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate links from the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate programs. As an affiliate and Amazon Associate I will earn a small commission from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost for you )

1. It was the Home of the Tuatha de Dannan…

The Tuatha de Dannan were a God-like race with magical powers that ruled Ireland thousands of years ago. They are an essential part of Irish folklore, and it is said that, although they live in the Otherworld, they interact with mortals and the human world too.

According to the myth, Newgrange was the home of the Daghdha (the leader of the Irish pantheon, also known as “the Good God” or “Father God”) and later, his son’s Aengus Óg (the Irish god of love, poetry and Youth).

Not only that, but it is said that the famous hero Cú Chulainn was concieved here too.

2. …And It’s The Door to the Otherworld Too!

Can it get more epic than this? I don’t think so!

The main chamber is not only where people placed the remains of the dead, but also, it was believed to be the nexus between the two worlds (the dead and the living) and where they could get in touch with the spirits of their deities and ancestors .

We can feel how much these communities cared about death rituals and the afterlife by the amount of work and time invested in building such a complex tomb, that hides much more than the eye can see.

Also, as many anthropologist and folklore tales have pointed out, the Neolithic chambers of Newgrange and other passage tombs are very similar to a womb . As we saw before, many tales locate the birth of different deities and heroes in Newgrange, so these sacred sites might have been perceived as places of conception and birth too, death was just a part of the life’s cycle.

3. You can Relive the Magic of Winter Solstice like your Neolithic Ancestors

The success or failure of a harvest meant the survival or starvation of the whole community, so astronomical events such as Solstices and Equinoxes were very important for Neolithic farmers . They marked the passing of time, as well as the beginning and end of the different seasons. This knowledge was crucial in order to predict when to plant or harvest crops and get the best growth out of the land.

Due to all of this, it’s not difficult to imagine how these celestial events became so important that they influenced all areas of life too, from birth to death.

A perfect example of this is Newgrange, which is aligned with the Winter Solstice . Every year, at dawn, a ray of light goes through the roof box (a small opening on top of the main door), along the passage and reaches the inner chamber for 17 minutes.

Due to changes in the tilt of the Earth’s axis, the sunbeam stops 2 metres before touching the back recess, but thousands of years ago it most likely reflected onto the triple spiral stone at the end of the tomb . We know this because of a local tale that talked about how the triple spiral was illuminated during the Winter Solstice, even before Newgrange was excavated in 1962!

Why Newgrange was built in this way? As with most prehistoric remains, it’s impossible to know what the original builders had in mind, but seeing how linked to birth and death this place was, the Winter Solstice might have been a celebration of life’s cycles , the victory of life over death or even the marriage of the Sun and the Earth , which leads to fertility.

Nowadays, anyone can relive this magical moment as people did 5,000 years ago by visiting Newgrange on the Winter Solstice and seeing the sunrise from the outside of the tomb. Only a lucky few can go inside and the only way to do this is by participating in their Winter Solstice lottery draw , so best of luck if you decide to give it a try! (and don’t forget to take loads of pictures so the rest of us can envy you in silence…)

4. The Visit doesn’t end with Newgrange!

Newgrange isn’t the only passage tomb at Brú na Bóinne, there are as many as 35 in the area! The two most notable tombs, other than Newgrange, are Dowth and Knowth , although only the last one is included in the official guided tour.

Knowth is the biggest passage tomb of the complex and this tomb alone is the home of more than a third of megalithic art examples in all of Western Europe.

It has two passages : one pointing to the East and another pointing to the West. This suggests that it might have been aligned with the equinoxes , unfortunately, this tomb has been inhabited multiple times up until the 12th century and its original walls were moved or destroyed over time.

Dowth is a smaller passage tomb that isn’t part of the official tour, but you can still see it if you have the chance to drive to the location. One of its two passages is aligned with the sunset around the Winter Solstice.

And if you are still hungry for more… don’t forget to have a look at the exhibition in the Visitor Centre!

5. Admire its Megalithic Art within Hand’s Reach

Of course, this doesn’t mean you should be touching everything you see carelessly! (Please, don’t be THAT person…)

Newgrange has 97 beautifully decorated kerbstones in total and, unlike other megalithic monuments, you can come as close to them as you want and admire all the details of the intricate carvings (as I said at the beginning, use caution and help to protect these stones, so everybody can do the same in the future! )

The most notorious example of these kerbstones is the Portal Stone , which features the famous triple spiral symbol, also found in the tomb’s main chamber. Although the triple spiral or triskelion is often attributed to the Celts, this symbol was carved at least 2,500 years before they arrived in Ireland.

Another two fascinating examples of these kerbstones are numbers 15 and 52 at the neighbouring tomb of Knowth . These two stones feature what is believed to be a sundial and a moon calendar respectively and are amazing examples of the incredible astronomical knowledge of these Neolithic dwellers.

Do you want to learn how the lunar calendar worked? Look at this interesting video where Chris Bruno explains how kerbstone 52 served as a calendar :

Sadly, we don’t know the meaning behind most of these carvings or their original purpose : they might be maps of the area, astronomical maps or maybe, the process of carving these patterns had a meditative, spiritual or merely decorative purpose.

Learn More About Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne

You may not be able to travel right now, but fear not! Dive deeper into the fascinating history of Newgrange in the comfort of your own home with these books:

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Are you in love with Newgrange’s mysterious art? Now you can bring its magical carvings into your home too:

Newgrange Tote Bag

Newgrange Framed Art

Triple Spiral T-shirt

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Newgrange and Boyne Valley: Best Day Tours From Dublin

• By Oisin Feeney
• March 26, 2020
• Category: Meath

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

2. boyne valley: full-day celts and castles guided tour, 3. newgrange private morning tour from dublin, visiting newgrange independently, enjoy this amazing day trip.

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).

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

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 . 

• 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).

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. 

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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About The Author

Oisin feeney.

Oisin is a journalist and award-winning photographer. Published in Lonelyplanet.com, buzz.ie, Derry Journal and Irishcentral.com. Currently working as a tour guide in Ireland, Italy, France and Iceland, Oisin is an expert on Ireland.

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Newgrange Tours By Mary Gibbons provides visitors with our world-renowned bus tour of some of the most famous and iconic locations of Ireland’s Ancient East. Our guided tour visits Newgrange Passage Tomb of the UNESCO World Heritage Listed Site of Brú na Bóinne and we also visit the Hill of Tara, the ancient capital of Ireland.  With our tour, visitors can skip the line and are guaranteed access to the Newgrange monument.

Along with entering the monument passage and chamber, visitors also explore and discover the world famous collection of decorated kerbstones that surround the passage tomb. These stones display some of Europe's best-preserved examples of Neolithic art.

This is one of Ireland’s premier historical and archaeological tours, in operation for over 30 years. Mary Gibbons has a wealth of experience guiding people, not only in Ireland but to some of the great sites of the World including; Pompeii and Herculaneum, Stonehenge, Jerusalem, Rome, The Vatican City and the Great Wall of China. Interested in booking your spot on our next Brú na Bóinne tour? Get in contact with Newgrange Tours By Mary Gibbons today. +353863551355 / [email protected]

With our tour, visitors can skip the line and are guaranteed access to the Newgrange monument and Knowth monument.

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Information on Newgrange

Newgrange is approximately 5000 years old. It is Ireland's greatest Neolithic Passage Tomb, world famous for its annual Winter Solstice and home to some of Europe's richest collections of megalithic art.

Information on the Hill Of Tara

The historic seat of Irish kings, it is thought that over 140 kings reigned in Ireland in the name of Tara. In ancient mythology, Tara was revered as a dwelling of the gods.

Information on Knowth

Of similar vintage and located to the west of Newgrange, on a ridge of shale overlooking the river Boyne, the enormous tumulus of Knowth covers two passage tombs, placed back to back.

NB Please note Newgrange is open all year round Knowth is closed between November and February.

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Our accessible, engaging and entertaining tour has attracted the attention of some of the world’s best-known travel guides and travel writers.

We provide visitors with fascinating insights into the discovery of the Brú na Bóinne site in the 17th century. We also explore how American archaeologists played a pivotal role in on the earliest writing regarding the site.

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Home > Tour Location > Newgrange

Newgrange is a Stone Age monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, Ireland.

Newgrange & Boyne Valley Tour

Newgrange was built about 3,200 BC (5,200 years ago) during the Neolithic period, which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by large stones known as kerbstones some of which are engraved with artwork.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however Newgrange is now recognised to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance.

The passage and chamber is aligned with the rising sun on the mornings around the winter solstice. It is the best know monument within the Brú na Bóinne complex, alongside the similar passage tomb mounds of Knowth and Dowth, and as such is a part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. Newgrange also shares many similarities with other passage tombs in Western Europe, such as Gavrinis in Brittany, Maeshowe in Orkney and Bryn Celli Ddu in Wales.

After its initial use, Newgrange was sealed and it remained so until the passage and chamber were rediscovered in 1699. In the 1970s, the front of the monument was reconstructed.

The Neolithic people who built the monument were farmers, growing crops and raising animals such as cattle in the area where their settlements were located; they had not yet developed metal, so all their tools would have been made out of stone, wood, antler or bone.

Newgrange & Megalithic Tour

In this section

The Mound and Passage Tomb

The Newgrange monument primarily consists of a large mound, built of alternating layers of earth and stones, with grass growing on top and a reconstructed facade of white quartz stones studded at intervals with rounded cobbles covering part of the circumference.

The mound is 85m (279ft) across and 13m (43ft) high, and covers 4,500 sq.m (1 acre) of ground. Within the mound is a chambered passage, which can be accessed by an entrance on the south-eastern side of the monument. The passage stretches for 19m (63ft), or about a third of the way into the centre of the structure. At the end of the passage are three small chambers off a larger central chamber, with a high corbelled vault roof. Each of the smaller chambers has a large flat “basin stone”, which was where the bones of the dead were probably deposited.

The walls of this passage are made up of large stone slabs, twenty-two of which are on the west side and twenty-one on the east, which average out at 1.5 metres in height; many are decorated with carvings. Situated around the perimeter of the mound is a circle of standing stones, which archaeologists regard as having been later, during the Bronze Age, centuries after the original monument had been abandoned as a tomb.

Megalithic Art

Newgrange contains various examples of Megalithic Art including circles, spirals, arcs, chevrons and lozenges, radials. One of the most notable examples of art at Newgrange is the triskele-like features found on the entrance stone.

It is about 3m (10ft) long and 1.2m (4ft) high and about 5 tonnes in weight. It has been described as “one of the most famous stones in the entire repertory of megalithic art.” Archaeologists believe that most of the carvings were produced prior to the stones being erected in place, although the entrance stone was instead carved in situ before the kerbstones were placed alongside it. Various archaeologists have speculated as to the meaning of the decoration. George Coffey who produced a study of art at New Grange in the 1890s believed them to be purely decorative, whilst others, like Michael J. O’Kelly who led the 1962 & 1975 excavation at the site, believed them to have some sort of symbolic purpose because some of the carvings had been in places that would not have been visible, such as at the bottom of the orthostatic slabs below ground level.

Newgrange Construction

The complex of Newgrange was originally built about 3200BC, making it over 5,000 years old.

According to carbon-14 dates it is about five hundred years older than the current form of Stonehenge, and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt, as well as predating the Mycenaean culture of ancient Greece. Geological analysis indicates that much of building materials used to construct Newgrange was greywacke stone from the rocky beach at Clogherhead, Co Louth, approx. 20 km to the north-east. The greywacke stone blocks were possibly transported to the Newgrange site by sea and up the River Boyne by securing them to the underside of boats at low tide. None of the structural slabs were quarried, for they show signs of having been naturally weathered, but they must have been collected and then transported somehow largely uphill to the Newgrange site.

Meanwhile, the stones used for the cairn, which together would have weighed around 200,000 tonnes, were likely taken from the river terraces between Newgrange and the Boyne, and there is indeed a large pond in this area which has been speculated was the site quarried out by Newgrange’s builders to use for material for the cairn. Professor Frank Mitchell suggested that the monument could have been built within a space of five years, basing his estimation upon the likely number of local inhabitants during the Neolithic and the amount of time they would have devoted to building it rather than farming. This estimate was however criticised by Michael J. Kelly and his archaeological team, who believed that it would have taken a minimum of thirty years to build.

Excavations have revealed deposits of both burnt and unburnt human bone in the passage, indicating human corpses were indeed placed within it, some of which had been cremated.

From examining the unburnt bone, it was shown to come from at least two separate individuals, but much of their skeletons were missing, and what was left had been scattered about the passage. Various grave goods were deposited alongside the bodies inside the passage. Excavations that took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s revealed seven ‘marbles’, four pendants, two beads, a used flint flake, a bone chisel and fragments of bone pins and points. Many more artefacts were found in the passage in previous centuries by visiting antiquarians and tourists, although most of these were removed and missing or were held in private collections. Nonetheless, these were sometimes recorded, and it is believed that the grave goods that came from Newgrange were typical of Neolithic Irish passage grave assemblages.

Purpose of Newgrange

There have been various debates as to its original purpose.

Many archaeologists believed that the monument had religious significance of some sort or another, either as a place of worship for a “cult of the dead” or for an astronomically-based faith. Newgrange Triple SpiralThe archaeologist Michael J. O’Kelly, who led the 196 “1975 excavations at the site, believed that the monument had to be seen in relation to the nearby Knowth and Dowth, and that the building of Newgrange “cannot be regarded as other than the expression of some kind of powerful force or motivation, brought to the extremes of aggrandizement in these three monuments, the cathedrals of the megalithic religion.”

O’Kelly believed that Newgrange, alongside the hundreds of other passage tombs built in Ireland during the Neolithic, showed evidence for a religion which venerated the dead as one of its core principles.

He believed that this “cult of the dead” was just one particular form of European Neolithic religion, and that other megalithic monuments displayed evidence for different religious beliefs which were solar, rather than death-orientated.

Winter Solstice

On the mornings around the winter solstice , the rising sun shines directly along the long passage into the chamber for about 17 minutes and illuminates the chamber floor.

Professor Michael J. O’Kelly was the first person in modern times to observe this event on 21st December 1967. The sun enters the passage through a specially contrived opening, known as a roofbox, directly above the main entrance. Although solar alignments are not uncommon among passage graves, Newgrange is one of few to contain the additional roofbox feature.

The alignment is such that although the roofbox is above the passage entrance, the light hits the floor of the inner chamber. Today the first light enters about four minutes after sunrise, but calculations based on the precession of the Earth show that 5,000 years ago first light would have entered exactly at sunrise. The solar alignment at Newgrange is very precise compared to similar phenomena at other passage graves such as Dowth or Maes Howe in the Orkney Islands, off the coast of Scotland.

Mythology and folklore

During the medieval period, Newgrange and the wider Brú na Bóinne Neolithic complex, gained various attributes in local folklore, which was often connected to figures from wider Irish mythology.

During the medieval period, Newgrange and the wider Brú na Bóinne Neolithic complex, gained various attributes in local folklore, which was often connected to figures from wider Irish mythology. The monuments of the Brú were thought of by some as being the abode of the supernatural Tuatha De Danann, whilst others considered them to be the burial mounds of the ancient kings of Tara. Amongst those who believed the folkloric tales relating the Brú to the Tuatha De Danann, it was commonly thought that they were the abode of the most powerful of the Tuatha, particularly The Dagda, his wife Boann and his son, Oengus. According to the 11th century Book of Lecan, the Dagda had built the Brú for himself and his three sons, whilst the 12th century Book of Leinster describes how Oengus tricked his father into giving him the Brú for all eternity. Another text, The Pursuit of Diarmaid and Grainne also implies that Oengus owned the Brú, when he declared how he took his friend Diarmaid to it.

The name "newgrange".

In the 12th century mound and the land around it become part of outlying farmland owned by the Cistercian Abbey of Mellifont.

These farms were referred to as ‘granges’. By 1378 it was simply called ‘the new grange’. Newgrange & Boyne Valley Tour

Newgrange in the 17th and 18th centuries.

In 1699, a local landowner, Charles Campbell, ordered some of his farm labourers to dig up a part of Newgrange, which then had the appearance of a large mound of earth, so that he could collect stone from within it

The labourers soon discovered the entrance to the tomb within the mound, and a Welsh antiquarian named Edward Lhwyd, who was staying in the area, was alerted and took an interest in the monument. He wrote an account of the mound and its tomb, describing what he saw as its “barbarous sculpture” and noting that animal bones, beads and pieces of glass had been found inside of it. Soon another antiquarian visitor also came to the site, named Sir Thomas Molyneaux, who was a professor at the University of Dublin.

He talked to Charles Campbell, who informed him that he had found the remains of two human corpses in the tomb, something that Lhwyd had not noted. Subsequently, Newgrange was visited by a number of antiquarians, who often performed their own measurements of the site and made their own observations, which were often published in various antiquarian journals; these included such figures as Sir William Wilde, Sir Thomas Pownall, Thomas Wright, John O’Donovan, George Petrie and James Ferguson.

Newgrange in the 19th and 20th centuries

In the 19th century a folly was constructed a few yards behind Newgrange.

The folly, with two circular windows, was made of stones taken from Newgrange monument. In 1882, under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, Newgrange, along with the nearby monuments of Knowth and Dowth, was taken under the control of the state (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, as it was then known), and they were placed under the responsibility of the Board of Public Works.

In 1890, under the leadership of Thomas Newenham Deane, the Board began a project of conservation of the monument, which had been damaged through general deterioration over the previous three millennia as well as the increasing vandalism caused by visitors, some of whom had inscribed their names on the stones.

Access to Newgrange

Access to Newgrange is by guided tour only. Tours begin at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre from which visitors are bussed to the site in groups of up to 24 per shuttle bus.

To experience the phenomenon on the morning of the Winter Solstice from inside Newgrange, one must enter a lottery at the interpretive centre. At the end of September each year, 50 names are drawn by local school children, 10 names for each morning the chamber is illuminated, 2 places in the chamber are awarded to each of the lottery winners.

A reserve list is also drawn, the reserve list is there in case someone whose name is drawn for the initial list is not contactable or else finds it impossible to travel to Newgrange on the date they have been assigned. Places allocated by lottery are non-transferable. Lottery winners cannot offer their place in the chamber to someone else.

This location features in the following tours

When you book with Boyne Valley Tours you will experience over 5,000 years of Irish Culture and History. Choose from our tours across the Boyne Valley as well as popular Wicklow Tours and Highlights.

Newgrange & Boyne Valley

Meath Megalithic Sites

Cruise Excursions

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