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.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre | Newgrange and Knowth World Heritage Sites.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
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.
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 civilisations.
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.
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.
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.
Discover the highlights of the Boyne Valley on a private tour through the UNESCO World Heritage landscape of Brú na Bóinne.
Join the official guided tours of Newgrange and Knowth, while we take care of your group's transport and coordinate the day around the scheduled tomb visits.
Continue to the Hill of Slane, traditionally associated with Saint Patrick,
and the Hill of Tara, the ancient ceremonial seat of Ireland's High Kings.
Enjoy convenient pickup from your accommodation and a relaxed, carefully planned journey through one of Ireland's most historic landscapes.
