Discover Ireland’s ancient wonders on this captivating day trip from Dublin. Venture beyond the city limits to uncover the mystical ruins of Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that predates the Egyptian pyramids. Explore the Celtic heritage of Monasterboice, where ornate high crosses stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. This guided tour offers a seamless way to explore Ireland’s rich history, leaving you with a deeper understanding of the country’s captivating past. Get ready to be transported back in time and uncover the secrets that lie beyond Dublin’s bustling streets.
Key Points
- This small-group guided tour from Dublin explores Ireland’s historic castles, Celtic heritage, and UNESCO World Heritage site Newgrange.
- The tour also visits the Bru Na Boinne visitor center, the Battle of the Boyne site, the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery, and the Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice.
- Transportation is provided in a minibus, and a qualified guide offers insightful commentary throughout the tour.
- The tour is suitable for history enthusiasts and those interested in cultural heritage, with a maximum group size of 16 for a more personalized experience.
- Inclement weather and accessibility considerations are addressed, with recommendations for appropriate attire and the availability of infant seats.
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Tour Overview
This small-group guided tour from Dublin takes visitors on a journey to explore Ireland’s historic castles and rich Celtic heritage.
Travelers will marvel at the prehistoric monuments at Newgrange and Knowth, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The tour also includes a visit to the Battle of the Boyne site, where a significant historical event took place.
Plus, guests will explore the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery and admire the Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice.
With a qualified and friendly guide, transportation in a small minibus, and included entrance fees, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive experience into Ireland’s captivating past.
Key Sites Visited
Among the key sites visited on this tour, Newgrange stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – an ancient passage tomb dating back over 5,000 years. Nearby, the prehistoric monument of Knowth captivates visitors with its collection of passage tombs and carved kerbstones. The tour also includes a stop at the Battle of the Boyne site, where a pivotal 17th-century clash between the forces of King William III and King James II took place. Plus, travelers explore the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery and admire the Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice, a remarkable example of early medieval Christian art.
| Site Visited | Description |
|---|---|
| Newgrange | UNESCO World Heritage Site, ancient passage tomb |
| Knowth | Prehistoric monument with passage tombs and carved kerbstones |
| Battle of the Boyne | Site of a pivotal 17th-century clash between King William III and King James II |
| St. Bhuite Monastery | 5th-century monastery |
| Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice | Early medieval Christian art |
Transportation and Guide
The tour provides transportation in a small minibus, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience for up to 16 travelers.
A qualified and friendly guide accompanies the group, offering insightful commentary and guidance throughout the day. Travelers can relax and enjoy the journey while the guide handles all the logistics, from pickups to entrance fees.
The small group size allows for a more personalized experience, with ample opportunities to ask questions and interact with the guide.
Whether you’re a history buff or simply looking to explore Ireland’s rich cultural heritage, the transportation and guide provided on this tour ensure a seamless and enriching experience.
Meeting and Pickup
The tour begins at the Molly Malone Statue on Suffolk Street in Dublin, where travelers should arrive by 9:00 AM for pickup.
From there, the small group will depart in a comfortable minibus, accompanied by a qualified and friendly guide. The pickup time is carefully coordinated to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.
Key pickup details include:
- Meeting point: Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin
- Pickup time: 9:00 AM
- Return to original meeting point at the end of the tour
With these logistics in place, the tour is set to immerse participants in Ireland’s rich history and stunning landscapes throughout the Boyne Valley.
Entrance Fees and Inclusions
Included in the tour price are the entrance fees to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Newgrange and the Bru Na Boinne visitor centre, allowing visitors to fully enjoy these ancient and significant landmarks.
The tour also covers the entrance fee to the Battle of the Boyne site, where visitors can learn about this pivotal moment in Irish history.
Plus, the tour includes a visit to the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery and the impressive Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice.
With all these entrance fees covered, travelers can focus on exploring these remarkable historic sites without worrying about additional costs.
Weather and Accessibility
Given the unpredictable Irish weather, the tour operator typically recommends visitors bring rain gear and dress in layers.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, the company does provide infant seats for those traveling with young children.
The tour’s accessibility features include:
- Rain gear highly recommended in case of inclement weather
- Casual, layered clothing advised to adapt to changing conditions
- Tour not wheelchair accessible, though infant seats available
- Maximum group size of 16 travelers for a more intimate experience
Group Size and Confirmation
Although the tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers, visitors can rest assured they’ll receive a more intimate experience.
Confirmation is provided at the time of booking, ensuring guests have all the necessary details to prepare for their journey. The small-group format allows for more personalized attention from the knowledgeable guide, who can tailor the experience to the interests and needs of the participants.
With confirmation received immediately, travelers can look forward to their adventure with confidence, knowing they’ve secured their spot on this exploration of Ireland’s historic Boyne Valley.
The manageable group size also ensures a comfortable and efficient tour, allowing everyone to fully enjoy the rich cultural heritage of this remarkable region.
Additional Details
Travelers embarking on this tour can expect a comfortable and weather-prepared experience, as the tour operator recommends packing rain gear in case of inclement conditions. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, though infant seats are available for those traveling with young children.
With a maximum group size of 16, guests can look forward to a more personalized exploration of Ireland’s historic Boyne Valley.
Highlights of this tour include:
- Confirmation received at the time of booking for hassle-free planning
- Transportation in a small minibus for a cozy and intimate experience
- Friendly, qualified guide to provide valuable insights and commentary
- Entrance fees to the iconic Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne sites included
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does the Tour Typically Last?
The tour typically lasts around 8-9 hours, running from 9:00 AM to around 5:00-6:00 PM. This allows ample time to explore the key historic sites and attractions in the Boyne Valley region.
Is Food/Lunch Included in the Tour Price?
The tour price does not include food or lunch. Travelers are responsible for their own meals during the tour. Snacks and refreshments may be available for purchase at some of the sites visited, but are not provided as part of the tour.
Can We Take Photographs at the Sites?
Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs at the sites on this tour, though photography may be restricted in certain areas. Guests should check with their guide for any specific rules or limitations on photography during the tour.
Are There Any Restrictions on Items Allowed on the Tour?
Guests are allowed to bring small personal items on the tour, but larger bags and backpacks may be restricted. Photography is generally permitted, but certain areas may have restrictions. It’s best to check with the guide for specific guidelines.
Do We Get Free Time to Explore the Sites on Our Own?
The tour provides time for travelers to explore the sites independently. Guided commentary is given, but visitors have the opportunity to wander and discover the historical landmarks at their own pace during the tour.
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Recap
This guided tour from Dublin offers an immersive exploration of Ireland’s rich history and Celtic heritage.
It includes visits to the UNESCO-listed prehistoric monuments of Newgrange and Knowth, the 5th-century St. Bhuite monastery, and the stunning Celtic High Crosses at Monasterboice.
With a small-group format, it provides a personalized and comfortable journey for history enthusiasts seeking to discover Ireland’s captivating past.