Newgrange
Ireland · Meath · 60 m
Description
Newgrange is an extraordinary Neolithic passage tomb in the Boyne Valley and one of Ireland’s most significant prehistoric monuments. Built around 3200 BC, it predates Stonehenge and the great pyramids of Egypt and features a grass-covered mound, 97 carved kerbstones and a reconstructed white quartz façade. At the winter solstice, sunlight enters through an opening above the entrance, travels 19 metres down the passage and briefly illuminates the burial chamber. Newgrange forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Brú na Bóinne, a remarkable prehistoric landscape of monumental tombs and exceptional megalithic art. The surrounding Boyne Valley was also the setting of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne, a pivotal event in the Williamite War.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 day
Travel season
Best time to visit: June – July
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Newgrange passage tomb
- Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site
- Knowth passage tomb
- Winter solstice light alignment at Newgrange (around December 21)
- Dowth passage tomb
- Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
- Knowth megalithic art
- Dowth Henge
- Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre
- Oldbridge House and Battle of the Boyne battlefield
- Hill of Slane
- Hill of Tara
- Trim Castle(Day trip)
- Mellifont Abbey(Day trip)
- Slane Castle(Day trip)
- Boyne Greenway
- Boyne River
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Drogheda