Bru na Boinne Day Trip from Dublin

Bru na Bóinne is a location of great wonder and historical significance located in Ireland’s verdant Boyne Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage site, just a short day’s drive from the busy metropolis of Dublin, provides a riveting voyage into the past.

Stepping into this archaeological wonder transports visitors to a time when Neolithic people altered the landscape and left behind enduring monuments that continue to mystify and excite.

Related Read: Brú na Bóinne: The Boyne Valley Tombs Guide For First Time Visitors

We’ll take you to this incredible place and explain why a day trip from Dublin to Bru na Bóinne is an experience you won’t want to miss.

Bru na Boinne Day Trip From Dublin

Bru na Boinne History

These prehistoric graves are very old, with academics estimating that they were built about 3,200 BC. This suggests that these graves are older than Stonehenge plus the Egyptian pyramids combined.

The three major passage tombs were erected next to one other and most likely had a ceremonial role due to their alignments with the equinoxes and solstices. These sites were constantly utilized during the Bronze Age, but just a few Iron Age artifacts were discovered here.

Then came the establishment of Old Mellifont Abbey, the building of Trim Castle, the emergence of Drogheda, the Battle of the Boyne, and the current uncovering of the Great Mound at Newgrange.

It is also said that St. Patrick began his journey to bring Christianity to Ireland atop the neighboring Hill of Slane.

These huge mounds that resemble grassy hills predate the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge.

Best Time to Visit Bru na Boinne

You may visit Bru na Boinne at any time of the year. Honestly, no matter when you visit the Bru na Boinne, you will have a fantastic experience. Still, the season that runs from spring through fall is often regarded as the ideal time to visit Ireland.

Bru na Boinne is exceptionally lovely during this time of year, but be aware that the entire island becomes very busy during the summer season.

Because only a limited number of guests are permitted to visit Newgrange and Knowth each day, Bru na Boinne does not seem overcrowded.

It also means that you don’t have to come to Bru na Boinne very early or late to escape crowds, as you would when visiting other popular destinations in Ireland.

How to Get There

There are numerous methods to reach Bru na Boinne, the most frequent of which is via car. Driving on the left side of the road in Ireland might be challenging for those who have never done it before. You might also take a guided tour or use public transportation to get there.

By Car

Estimated Fuel Cost: $15.00
Duration: 40 minutes

The entrance to the Bru na Boinne Visitor Center is on Staleen Rd, approximately two kilometers west of Donore hamlet and eight kilometers from Drogheda town.

Given the amount of traffic, you can take the M1 or M2, or N2 from Dublin or Dublin Airport to Bru na Boinne. The trip from Dublin to Bru na Boinne should take around one hour.

By Train

Cost: $27.00
Duration: 50 minutes

The Drogheda railway station is a 20-minute walk from the bus terminal. Transfers from Dublin Connolly terminal to Drogheda are made by Irish Rail’s Commuter services to Dundalk, as well as there are several morning schedules out of Dublin that operate on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays which enables a quick connection to Bus Éireann route 163.

By Bus

Cost: $17.00
Duration: 1 hour and 20 minutes

If you wish to travel across Ireland by bus, visit the TFI Local Link website for the most up-to-date timetables.

During the high season, seasonal bus 188 runs from Athboy to Drogheda and back, stopping at Bru na Boinne many times every day. Highway 100X links Dublin to Dundalk and makes a stop at Drogheda. You may also take the rail from Dublin to Drogheda.

6 Best Things To Do at Bru na Boinne

This UNESCO World Heritage Site has some of the world’s most remarkable ancient structures. There’s no shortage of interesting experiences to be enjoyed at Br na Bóinne, from hidden tombs to stunning vistas.

Here are some of the finest things to do at this incredible place, where visitors may go back in time and immerse themselves in Ireland’s rich history.

1. Visitor Center

Begin your adventure in the Boyne Valley at the Bru na Bóinne Visitor Centre, the center for the region’s Neolithic structures and the starting point for all Newgrange excursions.

Immerse yourself in a full-scale duplicate of the chamber at Newgrange before moving on to a model of one of Knowth’s lesser tombs, all of which were restored in 2019 to bring the visitor interpretative center up to speed with current findings and technology.

Before boarding a shuttle to view the actual thing, learn about how people lived 5,000 years ago, including the dwellings they lived in, how they prepared their food, and how they handled their dead.

2. Newgrange

The massive circular stone walls crowned by a grassy dome appear hauntingly futuristic, considering the site’s age, as you approach its white quartz façade.

Stepping into any 5,000-year-old passage tomb is an unforgettable experience, but Newgrange is especially memorable.

There aren’t many instances of prehistoric engineering as amazing as this one, when at the winter solstice, the morning sun beams through a perfectly positioned roof box, illuminating the whole main chamber.

The good news is that access to this practically miraculous occurrence is restricted to 50 people every year, and it is determined by lottery.

3. Knowth

Entrance to Knowth, an additional Neolithic passage tomb near Newgrange, was prohibited until October 2019, thus comparatively few people have gone inside. The Visitor Centre tour is now available for visitors.

Knowth, which is similar in size to Newgrange but has two corridors and one central chamber, is likely to have been used to bury a limited number of priests who were important individuals at the time.

The entrance is marked by lavishly painted kerbstones, and the main burial mound is ringed by 18 smaller satellite mounds, so there’s lots to explore here.

4. Dowth

Dowth, a smaller entrance tomb, completes the Bru na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features two burial rooms as well as a ceremonial basin.

The ‘fairy mound of darkness’ site is completed with prehistoric engravings and an early Christian souterrain escape path.

The mound was destroyed during an excavation in 1847, so the tomb is not accessible, but you may feel a genuine spiritual connection to this ancient monument as you wander about this normally calm spot.

Dowth is not included in the Bru na Bóinne Visitor Centre, therefore you may drive straight up to it before or after seeing the main site.

5. The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara in County Meath, roughly 50 kilometers northwest of Dublin, is a tranquil verdant area with some of Ireland’s greatest views from atop the hill. Climb to the magnificent ridges atop the Hill of Tara in the footsteps of Ireland’s High Kings.

It was formerly the place where Ireland’s leaders were crowned, and it also played a significant role in St. Patrick’s tale as he attempted to preach Christianity.

Nowadays, it’s a great spot to learn about Br na Bóinne’s history and enjoy the Hill of Tara trek.

6. Trim Castle

Trim Castle, being one of the newest portions of Br na Bóinne, depicts the Norman period in this region. Hugh de Lacy erected the three-story castle, which is presently located in the center of Trim, in 1172 and offers views of the River Boyne.

Trim Castle is now available to the public after extensive repair work and the spiral staircase journey to the top rewards you with breathtaking vistas.

After your tour, go for a riverfront walk and have lunch at a local hotel or one of the town’s fantastic eateries.

Best Group Day Tour to Join in Bru na Boinne

A group day excursion to Br na Bóinne is a memorable experience for tourists looking for an immersive journey across Ireland’s rich history and lovely scenery.

Here are some of the greatest group day trips that delve deep into the mysteries of this incredible archaeological site.

Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

Meeting Place: Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, Ireland
Price: $86.00 per person

The Boyne Valley and the Boyne River go through the east Irish counties of Meath and Louth to the sea at Drogheda. Take a guided trip from Dublin to explore this historically significant and beautifully gorgeous location.

This trip includes your admission ticket and allows you to bypass the lines at Newgrange Monument as well as Bru Na Boinne. Discover the nearly 5,000-year-old sites and monuments in this area.

Learn about the history of Ireland and the Irish people, which can be traced back to the early Neolithic immigrants and their megalithic graves, as well as the Celts and their pagan beliefs, in this valley.

Day Tour Highlights:

• •  Visit the astrological as well as ceremonial site of Newgrange.
  • Discover local history at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre.
  • Enjoy the verdant magnificence and rolling hills of the Boyne Valley.

To book this tour click here.

Practical Tips for the Bru na Boinne Day Trip

Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, or simply an inquisitive visitor, this archaeological wonderland will pique your interest. Here are some helpful hints for making the most of your Bru na Boinne day excursion.

Expect an Entrance Fee

The entrance cost at Bru na Boinne is $20 per adult, which covers the Bru na Boinne Tour as well as the Newgrange Chamber.

Remember that this charge includes a qualified guide as well as transportation. It’s not cheap, but it’s worth every penny.

Even if you’re going throughout Ireland on a tight budget, Bru na Boinne should not be overlooked. Bru na Boinne sells a variety of tickets, including the Newgrange Tour and the Knowth Tour.

There is a Limited Amount of Tickets

There are a limited number of tickets available each day, and excursions frequently sell out, particularly during the summer season. You might be able to make reservations in advance depending on the sort of ticket/tour you desire.

To minimize disappointment, we recommend purchasing your tickets online or coming at least 15 minutes before the doors open to ensure you are among the first in line.

Be Prepared for the Weather

Keep in mind that you will not be able to return to your car during the guided tour. As a result, it’s best to be prepared for any sort of weather. A high-quality rain jacket is the most important item on any Ireland packing list.

Waterproof raingear is useful not only in Bru na Boinne but in almost every place you want to visit. Because the guided tour is somewhat long, having a water bottle to remain hydrated is a good idea.

Keep Safe

Bru na Boinne is, in general, a pretty safe area to visit. The location is well-kept, and we felt very safe there. As is customary, never leave your goods in your car, or at least keep them hidden.

If you have mobility concerns, just check the site’s accessibility before visiting. Keep in mind that the corridor and chamber at Newgrange are low and narrow if you are not comfortable in restricted or enclosed places.