Newgrange FAQ

Newgrange is one of Ireland’s most important prehistoric monuments and a key site within the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Below are quick answers to common questions about visiting, tickets, the winter solstice, and what archaeology has revealed.

What is Newgrange?

Newgrange is a large Neolithic passage tomb built around 3200 BC. The monument takes the form of a great circular grass-covered mound, constructed from earth and stone and edged by large kerbstones. A stone passage runs from the entrance to the heart of the monument, measuring about 62 feet (19 metres) in length, and leads to a cruciform inner chamber with a corbelled roof that still remains watertight today.

Who built Newgrange?

Newgrange was built by Neolithic farming communities who lived in the Boyne Valley. They were skilled builders and artists, and the monument’s scale suggests careful planning and strong social organisation.

Has Newgrange always looked the way it does today?

The mound was excavated and restored in the 1960s and 1970s. While the kerbstones and internal structure are original, the white quartz façade is a modern reconstruction based on how the monument may have appeared in prehistory.

Where is Newgrange located?

Newgrange is in County Meath, within the Brú na Bóinne landscape. For maps and travel guidance, see Directions. There is no direct access at the monument itself. All visits are managed through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.

Do I need tickets to visit Newgrange?

Yes. Access to Newgrange is through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre and entry to Newgrange is by guided tour. To purchase tickets go to Visitor Centre.

Should I book in advance?

Booking ahead is essential, tickets can sell out quickly during the summer months. To purchase tickets go to Visitor Centre.

Can I visit Newgrange without going inside?

Access is controlled to protect the monument, the only access to the monument is on a guided tour from the Visitor Centre which includes going inside.

How long does a visit take?

About 2 hours for a visit to Newgrange and about 3 hours to visit Newgrange and Knowth. This includes time at the Brú na Bóinne exhibition at the Visitor Centre.

Is Newgrange suitable for children?

Yes, many families visit Newgrange. The passage is narrow and the chamber is dimly lit, so it is helpful to prepare children for a short enclosed space and to follow the guide’s instructions at all times. Children under 12 are admitted free of charge but still require a ticket. Children aged 12 to 17 receive a reduced rate. All visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Is Newgrange accessible?

The passage and chamber have uneven surfaces and limited space, so access inside is not suitable for everyone. The visitor centre can advise on current arrangements and alternatives, contact information.

What is special about the winter solstice at Newgrange?

Around the winter solstice, sunrise light enters a roof box above the entrance and reaches the chamber floor for a short period but only on sunny mornings. Learn more on Winter Solstice.

Why is the roof box important?

The roof box is a specially constructed opening above the entrance that lets sunlight enter the passage at midwinter. Its precision and durability show remarkable planning and engineering for a monument built over 5,000 years ago.

Can visitors see the winter solstice illumination?

Places inside the chamber during the solstice period are extremely limited and are allocated by lottery. Everyone is welcome to gather outside the entrance to the Newgrange mound on the mornings of 19th to 23rd December inclusive, more information.

How does the winter solstice lottery work?

The lottery is opened annually and applicants are selected for specific mornings around the solstice. Check Solstice Lottery for the latest information and guidance.

Was Newgrange built before Stonehenge?

Yes. Newgrange was built around 3200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge in its main stone phase and older than the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Is Newgrange older than the pyramids?

Newgrange was built around 3200 BC, which is earlier than the Great Pyramid of Giza. This is one way to put its age and engineering achievement into context.

What has archaeology found inside Newgrange?

Excavations identified cremated human remains and other evidence that Newgrange was used as a tomb, as well as a ceremonial monument. The structure, alignment, and art show careful planning and skilled stonework.

Was Newgrange used only as a tomb?

No. While it was used for burial, the monument’s scale, art, and winter solstice alignment suggest it also served as an important ceremonial and seasonal gathering place.

How many people were buried in Newgrange?

Excavations found the cremated remains of a relatively small number of individuals, suggesting burial was selective and symbolic rather than for a large population.

What is megalithic art?

Megalithic art is the abstract carving found on stones at monuments like Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Motifs include spirals, circles, arcs, and lozenges. The entrance stone at Newgrange is a good example of megalithic art.

What are Knowth and Dowth?

Knowth and Dowth are major related passage tombs in the same landscape. Together they help show that Newgrange was part of a much larger ceremonial complex.

Is Newgrange aligned only to the winter solstice sunrise?

Yes, Newgrange is aligned only with the winter solstice sunrise, while Dowth is aligned with the winter solstice sunset, and Knowth is aligned with the equinoxes. Taken together, these monuments point to a wider seasonal and ceremonial framework across the landscape rather than a single, isolated alignment.

Where can I find further reading?

Start with Books and Articles for accessible background and detailed discussions. For the tri-spiral motif featured in the Newgrange chamber, see Tri-Spiral.

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This FAQ is intended as a helpful guide for visitors. Ticketing and access arrangements can change, so always confirm information at Heritage Ireland.