Newgrange: Day Trips and Tours from Dublin

The ancient tombs at Newgrange are a treat for history lovers and adventurers alike and are only a short drive from Dublin.

Known for its well preserved architecture and prehistoric artwork, Newgrange dates back to approximately 3200 B.C. — making it older than Stonehenge and the Pyramids of Giza.

Take a Newgrange day trip from Dublin and explore the secrets of this ancient burial mound complex. Learn about the Stone Age history of its tombs and see megalithic artwork that has survived through the centuries.

How to get from Dublin to Newgrange

Newgrange is located just over 40 kilometers from Dublin on a rise overlooking the Boyne Valley. You can access Newgrange by car, train, bus or guided tour. The valley views along the way make it a scenic and memorable journey.

From Dublin to Newgrange by car

Traveling from Dublin to Newgrange by car typically takes from 40 minutes to an hour depending on the route you take. The M1 motorway is the best route to take to arrive there quickest.

From Dublin to Newgrange by train/bus

You can take a train from Dublin Connolly Station to the town of Drogheda in County Louth. The journey takes about 40 minutes and, from there, you can ride a taxi to Newgrange in just over 10 minutes.

It is also possible to reach Newgrange by bus in just under an hour. Catch the bus to Drogheda from outside Drumcondra Station then take a ten minute taxi ride to Newgrange from there.

From Dublin to Newgrange by guided tour

You can also travel to Newgrange from Dublin on an organized day tour. This is one of the most hassle-free options and avoids multiple stops and transfers.

Tour operators usually provide pickup and drop-off options based on where you are staying in Dublin.

How much does the entrance ticket to Newgrange cost?

The cost of Newgrange tickets varies depending on what you would like to visit there. To visit the chambers of the tombs of Newgrange and Knowth you will have to take a guided tour, which lasts from two to three hours. Children under 12 go free.

Prices for a 2-hour tour of Newgrange are:

• Adults: €10
• Seniors: €8
• Children (12 - 17): €5
• Students (with valid ID): €5
• Family of 2 adults and up to 5 children (age 12 - 17): €25

Prices for a 2-hour exhibition and Knowth tour are:

• Adults: €10
• Seniors: €8
• Children (12 - 17): €5
• Students (with valid ID): €5
• Family of 2 adults and up to 5 children (age 12 - 17): €25

Prices for a 3-hour exhibition, Newgrange and Knowth tour are:

• Adults: €18
• Seniors: €16
• Children (12 - 17): €12
• Students (with valid ID): €12
• Family of 2 adults and up to 5 children (age 12 - 17): €48

Brú na Bóinne Visitor center admission only:

• Adults: €5
• Seniors: €4
• Children (12 - 17): €3
• Students (with valid ID): €3
• Family of 2 adults and up to 5 children (age 12 - 17): €13

What is the typical itinerary for a day tour to Newgrange from Dublin?

Most Newgrange tours begin with a pickup at a hotel via minivan, bus or private vehicle. Departure is often early in the morning, and the journey to Newgrange will take you through the scenic Boyne Valley.

Once you get through the visitor center, a shuttle bus will bring you to Newgrange. Here you can explore the monuments and megalithic tombs and discover more about life and death in prehistoric Ireland.

With a Newgrange tour through the monuments of Knowth, your local guide will explain the history of the structures along the way, giving you more time for exploration.

Once you have seen the sights and learned about ancient burial customs, you will return to the visitor center to venture home to Dublin.

Depending on your chosen tour, a day trip to Newgrange may include extra historical locations, such as Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara.

What kind of tours are available to go to Newgrange?

Getting the most out of a day trip to Newgrange from Dublin does not require spending too much time and money. These tours ensure that you have options depending on what you want to see on your visit.

Private tour to Newgrange from Dublin

For a first-class getaway to Newgrange, you should definitely consider taking a private tour.

These tours offer a chauffeur to pick you up from your hotel, and some tours allow groups of up to six passengers, making them a great value option for exploring with friends or family.

Small Group Tour to Newgrange plus Trim Castle from Dublin

These small group tours provide an action-packed day of sightseeing through some of the historical highlights of Ireland.

Take a tour of Newgrange to explore the passage tombs, then head off to the ancient Hill of Tara monument in the Boyne Valley. Next, visit the famous Trim Castle, which appeared in the movie “Braveheart,” and enjoy commentary from your knowledgeable guide.

How much does a tour to Newgrange from Dublin cost?

Group day tours to Newgrange from Dublin cost around €50. These usually include visits to other nearby places, such as the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and Slane Castle, which are sure to appeal to history lovers.

A private tour costs from €550 to €1,300 per group of three to six people. These include your own private car and driver guide, who will escort you throughout your journey.

What will you see and do in Newgrange?

A Newgrange day tour offers the opportunity to learn more about Ireland’s ancient history through its monuments and structures. The main attraction is the Newgrange tomb, which was built by Neolithic people almost 5,000 years ago.

If you also enjoy castles, there are two to explore during your trip. Trim Castle is not only the largest castle in Ireland but also the largest Norman castle in Europe. This castle was also used to film scenes from the film “Braveheart.”

Next on your day trip from Dublin is Slane Castle, which offers scenic views across 1,500 acres of land. You can visit the nearby Hill of Slane, a historic settlement linked to St. Patrick. This portion of Newgrange has been a popular concert destination for bands ranging from Metallica to U2.

Another popular destination along your day trip from Dublin to Newgrange is the Hill of Tara, which has served as the seat of Celtic Kings near the Boyne Valley. You can check out Megalithic art throughout Newgrange to discover the ideas and culture of ancient Ireland.

The Neolithic passage grave of Knowth offers exterior and interior tours. You can stop for lunch in different areas before exploring other locations.

When is Newgrange open over the year?

Newgrange is open throughout the year at the following times:

• February to April: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
• May: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• June to mid-September: 9:00 AM – 7 PM
• Mid-September to the end of September: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
• October: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• November to January: 9:00 AM – 5 PM

When is the best time to visit Newgrange?

The best time to visit Newgrange is in the summer, especially if you prefer traveling in warmer weather. You will be more likely to experience sunny days at Newgrange from May to August.

If you do not mind cloudy days or cooler temperatures, a Newgrange day trip from Dublin can serve as a great weekend adventure at other times of the year.

Travel tips

• Newgrange is a popular destination throughout the year. It is recommended to pre-book your tickets to avoid disappointment.
• Confirm with your tour operator if hotel pickup and drop-off are available.
• Dress in layers to keep warm if you plan to tour Newgrange in the fall, winter or early spring.
• Don’t forget your camera to take pictures of the historical sites.
• Bring water and snacks to enjoy on your action-packed day trip.