Brú na Bóinne: Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth

In a quiet part of County Meath, close to the River Boyne, is one of the most important prehistoric landscapes in the world. For over 5,000 years, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne has cradled secrets borne of Neolithic ingenuity, hidden within sacred structures built of earth and stone. Brú na Bóinne’s wondrous collection of megalithic art is dotted across more than 90 monuments, but the site is best known for Newgrange – an iconic passage tomb that’s over 5,000 years old. Learn about Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, and enjoy a guided tour of Newgrange and Knowth.

Newgrange’s iconic spiral-engraved kerbstones and white Wicklow quartzite topped with grass make an impressive sight, but step into the dark heart of this tomb and you come face to face with the ancient rituals, symbolism and artistry of Ireland’s Neolithic people. Their astronomical and engineering expertise is displayed every year on the winter solstice when a single shaft of light pierces the monument through a “light box” and illuminates the entire burial chamber at the heart of the tomb. That such accuracy was achieved so many millennia ago is just one of the reasons why Newgrange continues to intrigue archeo-astronomers.

Brú na Bóinne is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions and tickets are limited in number. Pre-booking online is essential to secure access. Once at the site, your visit will start at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. This interactive experience is perfect for understanding the history of the Newgrange and is an engaging exploration of the area’s Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments. If your preference is to only access the visitor centre, you do not need a ticket. After that, you’ll be taken by shuttle bus to the passage tombs, where you can enjoy a guided tour. As the monuments are outdoor sites, it’s important to dress accordingly. 

Although Newgrange is more widely known, the vast monument at Knowth stands as one of the true marvels of the ancient world. One and a half times the size of Newgrange, it features two long internal passages and is encircled by 18 smaller satellite tombs, an awe-inspiring architectural achievement. At Knowth, although there is no access to the chambers, it’s possible to enjoy its exceptional megalithic art, and visits are by guided tour. Large stones decorated with spirals, wave-like motifs and geometric symbols are thought to display details of important rituals, represent maps of the stars or simply celebrate life. Known as the “Fairy Mound of Darkness”, Dowth, by contrast, has been reclaimed by nature to a much greater extent. Though there are currently no guided tours of the tomb, visitors are free to explore the outside of the structure.

Explore more of Ireland’s historic landmarks

Downstairs at the Visitor Centre you’ll find Brambles café, which is open throughout the year and is a convenient option for refreshments before or after your visit. The small and scenic village of Slane is a short distance west of Brú na Bóinne, and is home to the historic Conyngham Arms Hotel, formerly an 18th-century coaching inn. The country-kitchen style restaurant here offers an all-day dining menu that uses artisan produce from the Boyne Valley. There’s also a Sunday lunch menu, as well as afternoon tea.

Drogheda town is roughly a 15-minute drive from Brú na Bóinne and offers a wider selection of places to eat including Bru Bar Bistro, Scholars Townhouse Hotel and D’Vine at Distillery House.

Discover the great flavours of Ireland’s Ancient East

Newgrange is situated within the Boyne Valley. It’s one of the richest historical areas on the island of Ireland, as well as offering lush green landscapes and the grey-green waters of the River Boyne. You can enjoy those landscapes with walks or cycles along the Royal Canal Greenway, which follows the path of the canal from Dublin to the River Shannon and passes through the Boyne Valley.

Follow history back through the years at the Hill of Tara, once the seat of Ireland’s high kings, and the Hill of Ward, where the ancient festival of Samhain – now Halloween – was once celebrated. Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman fortification on the island of Ireland, is also worth a visit and is an impressive sight as it looms over the River Boyne. The three-storey keep here is a massive 20-sided tower protected by a ditch, curtain wall and a water-filled moat.

Finally, whiskey lovers should head to Slane Castle where the Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery Tour will take you on an adventure into the pride and passion that goes into each bottle.

Brú na Bóinne and the wonders that surround it offer a fascinating glimpse into Ireland’s distant past. Come and discover the timeless magic and monumental sites of Ireland’s Ancient East for yourself. Start planning today.