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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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Newgrange Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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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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

• Visitor Centre
• Boyne Valley Tours

Newgrange - World Heritage Site

Tomb of Newgrange

Visitor Information

• Directions to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
• Accommodation in the Boyne Valley.
• Boyne Valley Day Tours including Newgrange.
• Private Day Tours - Newgrange and the Boyne Valley.

Boyne Valley Private Tours

Winter Solstice

Newgrange Resources

• Education Packs follow the school curricula and are an aid for teachers and students.
• Newgrange - an overview.
• A Passage to the Afterworld - the story of New Grange.
• Description of Newgrange - by Claire O'Kelly who worked on the excavation of Newgrange.
• Newgrange Images, Aerial Photographs and additional Aerial Visuals .
• Images from inside the Chamber and additional Photographs .
• Irish Archaeologists including Prof. Michael J. O'Kelly who excavated Newgrange.
• Newgrange Plans - The Mound, Passage and Chamber.
• Kerbstones surrounding the base of the Newgrange mound.
• Newgrange Excavation Report Critique - by Alan Marshall.
• 1837 Map showing Newgrange and Knowth.
• Newgrange Tumulus from Wakeman's handbook of Irish antiquities.
• Archive based around the pioneering research of the Stonelight Team.

Private Tour to Newgrange, Knowth, and the Boyne Valley

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

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!

More stories about Ireland

• The best things to do in Dublin
• Exploring the Guinness Brewery
• An itinerary through Ireland's Ancient East
• How to kiss the Blarney Stone
• The breathtaking Cliffs of Moher
• The World Heritage Site of Newgrange
• PLUS: my stories about Northern Ireland

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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Newgrange & Boyne Valley

8hrs | €590

Home > Tours > Newgrange & Boyne Valley

Suitable for:

All ages, small private group

The Boyne Valley, Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a place steeped in history.

Official guided tours to newgrange and knowth passage tombs begin at the brú na bóinne visitor center and, from there, visitors are taken by shuttle bus to the sites. these are unesco world heritage sites where you will join others on the official tours..

We will meet you after the Brú na Boínne Visitor Experience tours of Newgrange and Knowth have finished and drive you in comfort onwards to your next location, the Hill of Slane where in 433AD Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, lit an Easter Paschal fire in defiance of Tara’s pagan King Laoghaire. Your final destination will be the royal Hill of Tara, the inauguration site of the High Kings of Ireland. The name, Tara, comes from Teamhair na Rí or ‘Sanctuary of the Kings’.

Tour Highlights

• Visit the megalithic passage tombs at Newgrange and Knowth with the on-site guide. These are UNESCO World Heritage sites so you will be joining others on the official tour.
• Hill of Slane – A scend to the summit rising above the medieval village of Slane where St. Patrick lit the Paschal fire in 433 AD.
• Hill of Tara – Climb the seat of the High Kings of Ireland and look out over stunning scenery as far as the eye can see. After a wonderful day, Boyne Valley Tours will drive you back to your accommodation in a private vehicle.

Make a booking today!

When you book with Boyne Valley Tours, you will experience over 5,000 years of Irish culture and history, plus breath-taking scenery.

• Phone within Ireland:  087 8354805
• International or WhatsApp:  +353 87 8354805
• USA/Canada: 011 353 87 8354805

Boyne Valley Tours will provide private transportation to the Boyne Valley with a personal tour guide.

Newgrange is open throughout the year; however, some other sites may be closed during the winter months. In such cases, alternative sites will be arranged.

With all of our Boyne Valley Private Tours, we are happy to recommend lunch and coffee stops on the day (please note meals are not included in tour prices).

We look forward to welcoming you!

Admission fees, meals.

• Full refund or future credit if the tour is canceled up to 30 days before a tour.
• 50% refund between 30 days and 10 days before a tour.
• No refund will be issued within 10 days of a tour.

The itinerary can be customized even while on tour! In case you have any particular interest, let me know so we can adapt it!

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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.

Wicklow Gardens & Scenery

Boyne Valley Castles & Abbeys

Meath Megalithic Sites

Book a private tour.

Email: [email protected]   | Phone within Ireland: 087 8354805   | International or WhatsApp: +353 87 8354805   | USA/Canada: 011 353 87 8354805

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Newgrange Tours by Mary Gibbons

You all MUST book the Newgrange Tour with Mary Gibbons. She is a fabulous tour guide with decades of experience. The amount of knowledge in this woman's head is out of this world. I learned more from her on this one tour than I did in my entire high school history classes. Her wisdom makes the ancient world seem not so distant and hard to understand. You walk away from her tour with a new view on how the Irish people helped shape the growth of civilization throughout history. This tour is heavy on history and archeology, but that is what I wanted. Many other tour guides give you surface facts and more modern information, but who speaks about the Irish Golden Age? Mary, that's who. Do not miss out of her Newgrange tour. Newgrange is 1000 years older than the Pyramids. You will not regret this investment. It is now a dream to be in that Passage Tomb on Winter Solstice. Thank you Mary and our driver Patty!

Could you pls specify the tour name and the location involved? Perhaps add it to your title? Thx

This is the tour Christian is writing about. I agree that it's excellent.

Total agree with christian.kolesar!! We took this tour back pre pandemic- August 2018. Found her tour in the Rick Steves Ireland book.

We took the trip about 10 or so years ago and it was great. Not many people can get you inside and the site and she did

Christian’s review is spot on!

My companions and I arrived in Dublin a couple days prior to Rick Steves’ “The Best of Ireland in 14 Days” tour and signed up for Mary Gibbons’ Newgrange, Knowth, and Hill of Tara tour. So glad we did! That tour set the tone for our Best of Ireland tour. If you can swing it, take her tour prior to the RS tour. You won’t be disappointed! Check out her tour here: https://www.newgrangetours.com/

I have a question for those of you who have been on Mary Gibbons tour, I went on her website and see that you have to email them to inquire about availability. How do you pay for the tour, is it in advance or the day of the tour? Also, after you inquire about the tour, do they contact you by phone or email? Thank you.

We signed up for a Newgrange tour in July. We did all correspondence by email, and we will pay with cash on the day of the tour.

We did the tour in 2018. All correspondence was via email. We paid cash on the bus. It was worth every penny.

I totally agree- We had a wonderful day yesterday despite the rain. Mary was enthusiastic, informed and interesting, making up for the lack of sun. Highly recommended!

All of the booking is done through email and you can pay in cash when Mary picks you up!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Newgrange’s lesser-known neighbor is a hidden gem of ancient architecture

I reland’s best known ancient stone age landmark is Newgrange in Co Meath. However, there is another ancient landmark nearby that is sometimes overshadowed by its famous neighbor.

Loughcrew Cairns, also sometimes known as Lough Crew, is an area of historical significance nestled near Oldcastle in Co Meath . The site offers a glimpse into Ireland’s ancient past, when ancient tombs were plentiful across Ireland’s landscape.

Unlike Newgrange , Loughcrew Cairns is made up of 20 tombs, making it one of the four main passage tomb cemeteries in Ireland.

• Ireland's ancient passage tomb Newgrange could have an undiscovered second chamber

Magnificent ancient sites around the east of Ireland

The megalithic monuments sit on top of Slieve na Calliagh which translates to ‘mountain of the witch’ or ‘hag’ in Irish mythology. The name derives from an old legend that claims the tombs were created when the ‘hag’ dropped large stones from her apron pocket as she walked across the land.

The tombs are engraved with petroglyphs which are intricate stone carvings that include circles and patterns. The largest of the passage graves, Cairn T, aligns with the rising sun during the spring and autumn equinoxes. The sunlight illuminates the stone carvings, just like the famous passage at Newgrange .

The tombs at Loughcrew date back over 5,000 years, putting them amongst the oldest Neolithic structures in the world. It is a protected national monument that preserves Ireland’s ancient history . Paying a visit to the area is easy - the Loughcrew walk is a route that takes visitors right up to the tombs so you can read the stone carvings for yourself.

How to watch the winter solstice live streamed from Newgrange

Americans among lucky few who got to witness winter solstice at Newgrange

Heritage Ireland also offers guided tours for those who are interested in learning about the passage tombs and the people who built them.

For the latest local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

+353863551355 -- [email protected] -- PRICE: €75:00

Brú na Bóinne

The Origins of Newgrange

The placename Newgrange is thought to date from the 12th century AD. The Cistercians were the first continental order to come to Ireland and established an abbey at Mellifont on the river Mattock, a tributary of the Boyne. This order introduced an innovative scheme of land management which had previously been practised in France, the Low Countries and in England. The rules of the order stipulated that each abbey be self-sufficient and their estates, utilising lay brother labour were divided into directly worked farms called granges. These granges of nucleated farm buildings were in effect the economic entities designed to provide a surplus for the monks in residence. Therefore, Newgrange probably corresponds with the location of this medieval monastic farm. The co-located ancient passage tomb is named accordingly.

The Origins of Brú na Bóinne

This is an even more interesting history that features two of the most important historians of Britain and Ireland in the 17th century, Edward Lhuyd (pronounced Lloyd) and Roderick O’ Flaherty. The relationship between these two men was responsible for the current Gaelic/Irish assignation of Brú na Bóinne to Newgrange. Lhuyd was the foremost historian of his day, the Keeper of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford and famous for his identification of the linguistic differences and similarities between what are now known as the Celtic languages - Gaelic (Irish), Manx, Scotch Gaelic, Welsh, Cornish and Breton. Upon Newgrange’s rediscovery in 1699, Lhuyd visited the site and then commenced a series of contacts with leading scholars of the time in an attempt to provide some historical and archaeological analysis of Newgrange’s origins. Some considered Newgrange Roman or even Danish in origin but it was the Lhuyd - O’ Flaherty correspondence that unlocked the famous tomb’s mythic and historical origins. O’ Flaherty was a scholar of renown from Connemara who had lost much of his land during the Williamite War settlement. His most famous works are Ogygia (an influence on Robert Greaves, the author of The White Goddess and I Claudius) and Iar Chonnacht, an invaluable study of Connemara in the late medieval period. In 1708 O’Flaherty wrote to Lhuyd that “I found out the cave, whence one was expelled by Druid enchantments whereof you writ to me by the relation of one Mr O’Neill. The cave is Brugh na Boinne, which you saw, as I saw the description thereof with you: out of which Elcmar an Bhrogha turn’d out Aengus an Bhrogha by magick art: both of ‘em so surnam’d from Brugh naBoinne: where King Dagda the said Aengus’s father after 80 years reign gave up the ghost.” There is an earlier version which claims that Elcmar was turned out by Aengus but it does appear that O’ Flaherty is the first scholar to identify Newgrange with the Brú na Bóinne of the medieval Irish sources. Brú na Bóinne translates approximately to mansion or Palace of the Boyne and is now the collective name of the three great passage tombs in the Boyne Valley, Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.