Boyne Valley Local Area - Places to Visit
Newgrange - Passage Tomb
Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, built around 5,200 years ago. It predates Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza and is the best known monument at Brú na Bóinne.
A stone passage leads to a cruciform chamber aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice. Access is by guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.
Knowth - Passage Tomb
The great mound at Knowth is contemporary with Newgrange and Dowth and forms part of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site. It is surrounded by eighteen smaller satellite mounds.
Knowth has two passage tombs and the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe, with richly decorated kerbstones around the main mound. Visits are included on the Brú na Bóinne guided tour from the Visitor Centre. Guide to Knowth
Dowth - Passage Tomb
Dowth is the third great passage tomb of Brú na Bóinne, less visited than Newgrange and Knowth but equally ancient. The mound is encircled by decorated kerbstones, including the Stone of the Seven Suns.
Dowth has two passage tombs and shares a winter solstice alignment with Newgrange, when the setting sun illuminates the chamber of Dowth South. There is no public access to the chambers, but the mound can be viewed from nearby. Guide to Dowth
Loughcrew - Stone Age Cairns
Loughcrew in County Meath is a major prehistoric complex that is often overlooked alongside the better-known passage tombs of Brú na Bóinne. Clusters of megalithic cairns are dotted around the Slieve na Calliagh hills at Loughcrew.
At Cairn T the backstone of the chamber is illuminated by a beam of light at sunrise on the spring and autumn equinoxes. Guide to Loughcrew
Fourknocks - Stone Age Tomb
Fourknocks is a passage chamber tomb built about 5000 years ago. It is located 10 miles southeast of Newgrange between Ardcath in County Meath and the Naul in County Dublin.
Fourknocks has a short passage leading into a wide pear-shaped chamber with three smaller offset chambers. The original roof was probably a wooden structure supported by a central pole. The current concrete roof was constructed in 1952 at the end of a 2-year excavation. Guide to Fourknocks
Hill of Tara - Royal Seat of the High Kings
The Hill of Tara in County Meath is one of Ireland's most important ancient ceremonial landscapes, and for centuries served as the royal seat of the High Kings of Ireland.
The hill rises above the Meath plain with dramatic views across the Boyne Valley. Monuments include the Neolithic Mound of the Hostages, the Lia Fáil or Stone of Destiny, and the great earthwork enclosures that made Tara the focus of Irish mythology and politics. Guide to Hill of Tara
Battle of the Boyne Site
The Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre is located in the 18th century Oldbridge House, which is on the battle site. There is free access to the battle site, parklands and coffee shop; there is a charge for access to Oldbridge House Visitor Centre.
The Battle of the Boyne between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II, was fought in July 1690. Both kings commanded their armies in person, 36,000 on the Williamite side and 25,000 on the Jacobite side - the largest number of troops ever deployed on an Irish battlefield. At stake were the British throne, French dominance in Europe and religious power in Ireland. Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
Millmount Museum and Martello Tower
Millmount Museum and Martello Tower are located at Millmount in the centre of Drogheda, County Louth overlooking the historic river Boyne. The area is rich in heritage dating back over 3,000 years while the town itself is over 800 years old.
It is the oldest surviving man-made structure in the town with a dramatic history and many stories to tell. Young or old, whatever your interests, you will enjoy a warm welcome and a great day out. Millmount Museum
Beaulieu House
Beaulieu House has been home to the same family since it was built in 1666, a true gem and rare survivor of Irish history. Enjoy guided tours of the house and four acres of walled garden.
Beaulieu estate was formed by the Plunkett family in 1082. The present owner is the tenth generation descendant of Sir Henry Tichbourne governor and defender of Drogheda in the siege of 1641. Situated on the north bank of the river Boyne, between Drogheda and the coast. Guide to Beaulieu House
Day Tours of County Meath
Personalised Day Tours of Meath, the royal county, rich in heritage and history. Visit the heritage capital of Ireland as your driver brings you from one location to the other to stroll around at your ease.
Take a recommended tour or design your own, choose from the Boyne Valley megalithic monuments at Newgrange and Knowth, Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, the Hill of Slane, Slane Castle, the Battle of the Boyne site, Loughcrew and many more heritage sites, castles and ancient ruins. Private transport in a Skoda Superb Sedan or Mercedes Minivan. Private tour options