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Newgrange & Hill of Tara Tour

A private tour of Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.

Price
€660 / group
Tour duration
8 hours
Group size
Up to 8 guests
  • Meath

About this tour

Embark on a journey through time with our full-day private tour of Newgrange and the Boyne Valley. This tour offers you an exclusive exploration of some of Ireland’s most significant historical and cultural sites.

Your adventure begins at Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than both the Pyramids and Stonehenge. This ancient passage tomb, dating back over 3,200 years, is one of the world’s most important archaeological landscapes. Here, you’ll get to step inside the monument and marvel at the ancient art and engineering.

From Newgrange, we’ll venture into the heart of the Boyne Valley. This region is rich in heritage and beauty, with sprawling landscapes that have witnessed thousands of years of Irish history. You’ll discover archaeological highlights, including the Hill of Tara, once the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland.

Throughout the tour, our local guides will share their extensive knowledge and passion for Irish history and culture. They’ll also take you off the beaten path to lesser-known sites, offering a unique and intimate experience of Ireland.

This tour is fully customizable, allowing you to explore at your own pace and focus on the sites that interest you most. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or simply curious about Ireland’s past, our Newgrange and Boyne Valley tour offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of Ireland.

Highlights

  • Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre
  • Newgrange
  • Hill of Tara
  • Monasterboice Monastic Site and Mellifont Abbey
  • Four Knocks
  • Slane Castle

What to expect

  1. Stop 1: Collection and Drop-off

    Start your day with a convenient pick-up directly from your hotel or place of stay. At the end of the tour, you can choose to return to your hotel or any other location in the city that suits your plans.

  2. Stop 2: Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre

    This is the starting point for most tours of Newgrange and Knowth. The visitor centre itself has a wealth of information about the Neolithic sites of the Boyne Valley.

  3. Stop 3: Newgrange

    Step back in time with a visit to Newgrange, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating back to 3,200 BC. As entrance procedures are strictly first come first serve, we'll provide you with details on how to pre-book tickets once you've completed your booking with us.

  4. Stop 4: Hill of Tara

    Next, explore the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. Here, you'll learn about Celtic High Kings and the rich history of this sacred site.

  5. Stop 5: Monasterboice Monastic Site and Mellifont Abbey

    If time allows, we'll visit the Monasterboice ruins, the remains of an early Christian monastic settlement, and Mellifont Abbey, the first Cistercian abbey built in Ireland.

  6. Stop 6: Four Knocks

    Another optional stop is Four Knocks, a Passage Chamber Tomb built about 5000 years ago. This can be an alternative sight to Newgrange if tickets are not available.

  7. Stop 7: Slane Castle

    Extend your day with a visit to Slane Castle, the family seat of the Conyngham family since the late 18th century. Some other noteworthy sights around the Boyne Valley area.

  8. Stop 8: Trim Castle

    This is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Trim Castle played a key role in the history of the region and was used as a location in the movie "Braveheart."

  9. Stop 9: Bective Abbey

    A beautiful Cistercian abbey on the River Boyne, Bective Abbey offers stunning photo opportunities.

  10. Stop 10: Loughcrew Cairns

    These are a group of Neolithic passage tombs dating to 3000 BC. The tombs are located on three different hills and offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

  11. Stop 11: Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre

    This visitor centre offers a fascinating insight into the Battle of the Boyne, one of the most significant events in Irish history.

  12. Stop 12: Customizable Itinerary

    As this is a private guided tour, your guide is always open to suggestions and will accommodate your interests. If you wish to see something else that captures your attention on the day, no problem. Just remember, Newgrange is the star of the show, but we'll do our best to ensure you get the most out of your day in the Boyne Valley and County Meath.

  13. Stop 13: Comfort and Refreshments

    Throughout the tour, you'll travel in a comfortable vehicle driven by our experienced guide. We'll also provide light snacks, including Irish goodies, fruit, and water, to keep you refreshed during your journey.

Additional info

Start Time

The start time of the tour is flexible and can be adjusted based on your Newgrange ticket timings. We'll assist you in purchasing the correct Newgrange tickets to ensure a seamless experience.

Your tour company

Touristy Ireland

Award winning private tours around Ireland, tailored just for you. We're a local team of friendly, experienced guides who are passionate about Ireland's history and culture. From taxi drivers to chauffeurs and private small coach tours, our guides bring a unique perspective to each trip. Every tour is private and built around your interests, from Dublin city highlights to Newgrange, Glendalough, the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant's Causeway.

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What's included

Included

  • Private vehicle and driver-guide
  • Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel or cruise ship
  • Light snacks and water

Not included

  • Entrance tickets to attractions

Meeting point

Hotel pickup in Dublin

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Good to know

Cancellation policy

Full refund: cancel 7 days or more before your tour. 50% refund: cancel between 7 days and 24 hours before your tour start time. No refund: cancellations within 24 hours of the start time. Tell us as early as possible if your plans change. We're happy to reschedule where we can, depending on availability. Cruise ship guests: if your ship can't dock in Dublin or Dún Laoghaire, we recommend travel insurance that covers shore excursions. If your cruise line cancels your arrival and you tell us before your pick-up time, we may be able to offer a partial refund or a credit towards a future tour, though we can't guarantee it.

Questions

Can the Boyne Valley tour be customised to my interests?

Yes. Your guide can shape the day in the Boyne Valley around what interests you most: the passage tombs at Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, abbeys and high crosses, or quieter corners of Meath. If there's a stop you'd rather skip, we can change the route on the day.

Can you guarantee access inside Newgrange?

OPW access is limited and timed. If sold out, we’ll aim for same‑day cancellations or offer excellent alternatives such as Fourknocks and the Brú na Bóinne exhibition.

Is the Hill of Tara difficult to walk?

It’s a gentle grass walk with mild slopes. Waterproof shoes help in wet weather.

What other Boyne Valley sites can we include?

Trim Castle, Monasterboice high crosses, and Slane are popular add‑ons if time allows.

How long is the drive from Dublin?

Roughly 1 hour to Brú na Bóinne; timings vary with traffic.

Are there lunch options nearby?

Yes—there are cafés at the visitor centre and good pubs in nearby towns; your guide will suggest the best on the day.

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€660 / group

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