Newgrange & Knowth Visitor Information
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre | Newgrange and Knowth World Heritage Sites
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
To visit the monuments at Newgrange and Knowth, visitors must commence their experience at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. This centre serves as an interactive gateway, providing a comprehensive exploration of Neolithic culture, the landscape and the monuments located at the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site.
Shuttle buses transport visitors from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre to Newgrange and Knowth, where they take part in guided tours led by the official on site guides. Tickets can be purchased online 30 days in advance of the tour during the main season, and 7 days in advance during the winter season.
Key Points for Visitors
Pre booking is essential. All access to Newgrange and Knowth is by guided tour, with limited numbers on each departure. Tickets can be purchased online.
Ticket release dates. From 1 January to 31 March, online booking is available 7 days in advance. From 1 April to 1 November, online booking is available 30 days in advance. From 2 November to 31 December, online booking is available 7 days in advance.
Tour options. From March to early November, the standard Brú na Bóinne tour includes the Visitor Centre exhibition and guided visits to both Knowth and the Newgrange chamber, and lasts approximately three hours. From early November to the end of February, the Newgrange Tour with Exhibition operates, including the exhibition and a guided visit to Newgrange only, with a typical duration of around two hours.
Newgrange only tours. From early November to the end of February, Knowth is closed and Newgrange is the only tour option available. During the main season, the standard Brú na Bóinne tour includes both Newgrange and Knowth, with limited availability of the Newgrange only tour.
Children must be included in bookings. Children under 12 are free but still require a ticket and must be included in the online booking.
Visitor Centre exhibition. Visits begin with a self guided exhibition at the Visitor Centre before travelling by shuttle bus to Newgrange and Knowth.
There is no direct access to the monuments. Private vehicles cannot drive directly to Newgrange or Knowth. All visitors use the shuttle bus system from the Visitor Centre.
Dress for the weather. Much of the visit takes place outdoors and the sites are exposed. Wear sturdy footwear and have waterproof clothing to hand.
Newgrange chamber access. The passage at Newgrange is narrow and the chamber is dimly lit. Visitors should be comfortable with enclosed spaces and uneven surfaces. There is no access to the chambers at Knowth.
Aerial Photograph of Newgrange UNESCO World Heritage Site
Ireland's rich heritage is punctuated with awe-inspiring ancient sites, but few are as captivating as Newgrange. Nestled in the lush landscape of the Boyne Valley, this enigmatic passage tomb stands as a testament to the extraordinary engineering and astronomical prowess of our ancestors. Dating back over 5,000 years, Newgrange has mystified historians, archaeologists, and visitors alike, leaving an indelible mark on our understanding of prehistoric civilizations.
Newgrange Kerbstone 67
At the heart of the Boyne Valley, Newgrange reigns as one of the most significant Neolithic sites in Europe. Built around 3,200 BCE, it predates both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Its meticulous construction and alignment with celestial events provide invaluable insights into the ancient people's knowledge of astronomy, architecture, and spirituality.
Stunning images of Newgrange by Robert and Cathy Ardill
Newgrange's striking design showcases the architectural ingenuity of its builders. The massive mound, composed of thousands of tons of earth and stone, covers a central chamber accessed through a long passage. The exterior is adorned with intricately carved megalithic art, featuring spirals, geometric patterns, and animal motifs. These carvings, rich in symbolism, continue to captivate researchers, sparking debates about their meanings and significance.
Newgrange from the south bank of the River Boyne
The true marvel of Newgrange lies in its alignment with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. During this astronomical event, a narrow beam of sunlight penetrates the passage and dramatically illuminates the central chamber for a brief period. This spectacle demonstrates the extraordinary precision with which the tomb was constructed, highlighting the deep reverence the ancient people held for celestial cycles and the changing seasons.
Private Tour | Newgrange, Knowth and the Boyne Valley
Embark on a journey through time and heritage with our exclusive private tour to Newgrange, Knowth, and other captivating sites nestled in the enchanting Boyne Valley. Immerse yourself in the rich history and mystique of these World Heritage sites, where ancient wonders come to life.
Newgrange and Knowth, both designated as UNESCO World Heritage sites, stand as testament to the ingenuity of our ancestors. Dating back over 5,000 years, these Neolithic passage tombs are older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Step inside the chambers of Newgrange, where the winter solstice illuminates a narrow passage, casting an ethereal light on the ancient carvings within. Explore Knowth, adorned with megalithic art, and unravel the mysteries of a bygone era.
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. Beyond the renowned Newgrange and Knowth, our private tour takes you on an intimate exploration of lesser-known gems in the Boyne Valley.
Leave the logistics to us as you embark on a stress-free exploration of the Boyne Valley. Our private tours ensure a personalized and comfortable experience from the moment we pick you up at your accommodation to the time we drop you back.
Newgrange: Ancient Irish passage tomb, built around 3200 BCE