Step back into ancient Ireland on this immersive, full-day journey through the Boyne Valley, exploring sites older than the Pyramids.
The Boyne Valley is to Irish people what Israel is to Christians. The Boyne Valley is historically the most important part of Ireland.
On this tour you’ll be taken back through the mists of Ireland’s ancient history, spanning over 5,000yrs to visit Newgrange (an ancient passage tomb older than the Pyramids), The Hill of Tara (the old capital of Ireland), Slane (where St. Patrick secured his legacy), Monasterboice Monastery (famed for its elaborately carved High Crosses) and Trim Castle (a mighty spectacle from the 12th century).
Walk into a passage tomb (Newgrange) that’s over 5000 years old and be moved by its majesty and mystery.
Something you’ll never forget is to be standing atop the Hill of Tara (Ireland’s historic cultural, spiritual and political capital), contemplating its huge significance whilst peering at Ireland’s endless verdant stretches before you. The panoramic views from Tara (meaning ‘Place of Great Prospect’) allow you to see Ireland as it is, and as it was long ago. Maybe you can see Ireland as it will be?
The myths, legends and histories of St. Patrick, ancient Gaelic Kings, battles and societies open up a whole world that you never knew existed.
The guide has a deep connection to these places. It is through the guide’s genuine fascination and love for this land and nation of ours that you’ll experience the most valuable aspect of travel – understanding a country like a native feels it in their heart.
Still planning your trip to Ireland? Consider our other Driving Day Tours from Dublin.
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The Hill Of Tara was Ireland’s historic cultural, spiritual and political capital and you can still feel its huge significance as you walk on this most revered ground. This is where over 142 High Kings of Ireland were inaugurated. Hear the mighty myths of these kings and the epic story of the Stone of Destiny.
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Newgrange is a passage tomb that is believed to not only pre-date Stonehenge, but also the Pyramids! Dating from 3200BC, the passage is aligned with the rising sun on the Winter Solstice, which not only welcomed back the ancestors to the sky from which they came, but served as a calendar as well. You’ll walk 19 metres (60 ft) through the passage to the inner chamber, led by one of the centre’s competent guides. It’s quite a popular site, so we hope to get there when it’s the least busy. *As of 2020, the Newgrange Visitor Centre has planned to require a visit to both sites of Newgrange and Knowth, which are estimated to take 3hrs. Due to this, and the ineffective booking system, this visit will be optional – discuss with the guide directly after booking.
2 hours • Admission Ticket Not Included
How did St. Patrick become the world’s most famous national saint? A big episode in his story takes place atop the Hill of Slane. Your guide will lift you back through the mists of time to pagan Ireland, and the event on this hill that was to change Ireland forever into a Christian country. Atop the sacred hill, we’ll also behold the 15th century ruins of Slane Abbey, with its early Gothic tower. Great panoramic views of the lush Irish countryside are also likely to create a golden memory.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
At this quaint monastic ruin, you’ll witness the world’s most celebrated Irish High Crosses (Celtic Crosses). Standing between 5-6.5 metres (21ft) tall, these crosses are elaborately carved with celtic artistic motifs and biblical scenes. The guide will explain to you the history of this native craft of pictoral cross, the biblical episode illustrated and the various purposes they had over the centuries. Monasterboice also boasts an impressive Round Tower, an architectural feature that is unique to Ireland. The guide will explain the purpose and history of the Round Tower. It’s amazing to consider life when these monuments of stone were created over 1,000 years ago.
25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Like something you’d see in a movie (it was used in Braveheart), the 12th century castle is a spectacle to behold. A tour of the interior necessitates a fee, and is only by an OPW guide. We suggest exploring the environs of the castle with the guide for some amazing photos.
20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
OPTIONAL:
if you’d like to punctuate your exploration of the ancient sites of the Boyne Valley with a visit to same the local elixir, you can arrange this with your guide. Slane Whiskey is a beautiful blend of whiskey aged in three different casks, which bestows a flavoursome experience that can be enjoyed by even the whiskey-cautious
50 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
We offer Cancellation Insurance as an add-on for each of our tours. Cancel for free for a full refund up to 48 hours before the tour’s start time. (For more info, see our T&Cs).
