Meath and Newgrange Tour

Newgrange & Knowth Passage Tombs with visits afterwards to Mellifont Abbey, Monasterboice and the Hill of Slane

Newgrange
One of only two UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Republic of Ireland and pre dates both the standing stones of Stonehenge in England and the pyramids in Egypt.

The great passage tomb is world famous for the phenomena during the winter solstice in December when a single shaft of dawn sunlight precisely penetrates and illuminates the inner chamber of the tomb.

Knowth
The Megalithic passage tomb at Knowth was built in the same period as Newgrange, around 3200 BC and has an astronomical alignment to the equinoxs occuring in March and September. The mound features two passages leading to separate burial chambers and is surrounded by 17 smaller cairns or tombs.

Knowth contains a wealth of examples of Megalithic art - many of the engravings are in spiral form like those at Newgrange plus there are a variety of other imagery including the oldest known illustration of the moon in history.

Mellifont Abbey
A National Monument of Ireland, the Abbey was founded in 1142 by Cistercian Monks. Later in 1690 it served as William of Orange's headquarters during the Battle of the Boyne.

Monasterboice
This site contains the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement established in the 5th century. It features a striking 28m tall round tower and three high crosses dating from the 10th century, one of which is considered to be the finest example in Ireland.

Hill of Slane
The hill rises above the medieval village of Slane, made famous over the years by the rock concerts at Slane Castle. The summit is where Ireland's patron saint, Saint Patrick lit the paschal fire in defiance of the pagan High King Laoire at Tara, thus bringing Christianity to Ireland. The breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside stretch as far as the Irish Sea.

New Visitor Experience at Brú na Boínne
Brú na Boínne (meaning 'Palace of the Boyne) Visitor Centre is the starting point for visits to both Newgrange and Knowth. Visitors are taken by shuttle bus from the Visitor Centre to the monuments.

The tour will last approximately 2 hours 30 minutes.

Please note that it is essential to pre book your tour online with Brù na Boínne (LINK TO HERITAGE IRELAND) there are no walk-in tickets available. Face coverings are mandatory during your visit.

Admission Fees for the Brú na Boínne Tours (outside only option):

Adults €12
Seniors €10
Children (12yrs - 17yrs) €8
Family €28

Custom Irish Tours will suggest a time for you to book your Newgrange and Knowth tour that will allow sufficient time afterwards to continue on with your travel itinerary for the rest of the day.

We will meet you after the Newgrange and Knowth passage tombs tour finishes and will drive you in comfort onwards to your next location, a short half hour journey away to the beautiful ruins of Mellifont Abbey. Afterwards we will guide you around Monasterboice before ending a day steeped in history at the summit of the Hill of Slane.

With all of our Custom Irish Tours we are happy to recommend a lunch stop on the day (please note admission fees and meals are not included in tour prices).

Please note that the Bru na Boinne for Newgrange and Knowth must be booked separately and can be done so on the official Heritage Ireland Website