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Things to do in Boyne Valley

Our most recommended things to do in Boyne Valley

From Dublin: Celtic Boyne Valley Tour

1. From Dublin: Celtic Boyne Valley Tour

Join this tour for a day of time travel, visiting the Neolithic tombs of Loughcrew, the predominantly Iron Age Hill of Tara, the 7th Century Christian monastery of Fore Abbey, and the Anglo-Norman Trim castle.  This Celtic tour along Ireland’s Ancient East brings you to the historically significant Boyne valley situated in County Meath (the Royal County) from where the ancient High Kings of Ireland ruled. Then, visit The Hill of Tara, best known for having been the royal residence of the ancient High Kings that ruled Ireland in Celtic times and beyond. It is said that a quarter of Ireland’s landscape can be seen from this hill. Take in this spectacular vista before heading back to the capital. You then travel to Trim Castle, the best preserved, most impressive example of Anglo-Norman castles in Ireland. It offers a spectacular insight into the lives and traditions of the people from the middle ages. Next we head to Loughcrew, the site of multiple passage tombs from the Neolithic age that are 5000 years old. Get up close and personal to pre-history in these cairns with its still-intact rock art, lavishly decorating the inside walls (built more than 500 years before the first pyramids). For our last visit we will take a trip to Fore Abbey, the site where St. Fechin founded a Christian monastery in the 7th Century. It’s believed that before his death, 300 monks lived in the community. Later, the monastery was set on fire 12 times. Among the remains on site, visitors can see St. Fechin’s church, built about 900 AD.

Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

2. Dublin: Boyne Valley with Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne Entry

The Boyne Valley and the Boyne River extend through the counties of Meath and Louth in the east of Ireland to the sea at Drogheda. Explore this historically important and wonderfully scenic area on a guided tour from Dublin. This tour includes your entrance fee and skip the queue at Newgrange Monument and Bru Na Boinne. Discover the sites and monuments in this area that date back over 5,000 years.  Learn about the story of Ireland and the Irish people that can be traced back in this valley to the first Neolithic settlers and their megalithic tombs and to the Celts and their pagan beliefs. Continue to the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre for about 1.5 hours. The Battle of the Boyne in 1690 was the deciding battle not just for the ruling class in Ireland but also in Britain and Europe. It explains the troubles of Northern Ireland and why it is celebrated each year on July 12th by the Loyalist community. Uncover the story of the battle that would eventually lead to the displacement of Irish Celts and their culture throughout the Island of Ireland. It was also a battle for the Throne of England between the catholic King James II and the Protestant King of Holland (William of Orange). Finally, reach Monasterboice for a half-hour stop. Head to the “monastery of Buithe,” a 5th-century monastic site founded by St Buithe which includes two churches built in the 14th century and a Round Tower from the 10th century, but it is most famous for its Celtic High Crosses. Admire the round tower which is about 28 meters tall, and is in very good condition. It was likely built shortly after 968 and damaged in a fire in 1098. The three high crosses date from the 10th century and form part of the scriptural group (showing biblical scenes). Take in the 5.5-metre Muiredach's High Cross which is regarded as the finest high cross in the whole of Ireland. It features Biblical Carvings from the Old and New Testaments of the Bible. It is named after an abbot, Muiredach mac Domhnaill, who died in 923. Relax on the drive back to Dublin arriving around 5:00 PM.

Dublin: Private Boyne Valley and Trim Castle Day Tour

3. Dublin: Private Boyne Valley and Trim Castle Day Tour

Leave the hustle and bustle of Dublin city and visit the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Boyne Valley home to Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and Loughcrew Neolithic tombs. At Newgrange, explore the passage and chamber, which illuminates the innermost chamber revealing ancient artwork. Walk around the one-acre site containing the tomb, and see the 5000-year old roof, still intact and waterproof.  After lunch in Slane, continue further into the Boyne Valley to the Hill of Tara, the seat of Celtic Kings of Ireland including Brian Boru. Move on to Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland. Explore the inside, and head up the spiral staircases to the dining halls and sleeping chambers of the De Lacy stronghold. Finish up the day with afternoon tea in the luxury Dunboyne Castle en-route back to Dublin.  Remember that this private tour is completely customizable to your requirements, and this is a suggested itinerary.

Belfast and Giant's Causeway: 2-Day Guided Tour

4. Belfast and Giant's Causeway: 2-Day Guided Tour

On this 2-day tour from Dublin, you’ll travel to Northern Ireland, which has been experiencing a new dawn after the end of 30 years of political violence. Explore downtown Belfast as well as the glorious glens of Antrim. With its breathtaking scenery, welcoming local residents, unspoiled landscapes, and living history, Northern Ireland is sure to please. Day 1: Dublin to Belfast ADepart Dublin, heading north for the 2-hour drive to Belfast on the new Peace Highway. Your first stop will be St. Peters Cathedral in Drogheda, where you’ll find the fully preserved head of St. Oliver Plunkett. He was beheaded by the English in 1681 and his head now sits staring out from a glass box by the altar. Take a drive off the highway to visit the haunting ruins of Monasterboice. See the 10th-century round tower and learn how residents of the time took refuge from the Vikings. Admire some of the most beautiful Celtic crosses in Ireland, carved by hand by monks in the 9th century. When you arrive in Belfast you’ll have 2 hours of free time. You might consider an optional and highly recommended Black Taxi Tour of the Falls and Shankill Roads. Alternatively, use your free time for lunch and shopping in the city’s bustling downtown area. Depart the city center for a drive to the docks to visit Belfast's number 1 attraction: The Titanic Experience. Spend 2 hours on a tour of the all-new Titanic Belfast. Follow the story from the ship’s conception in Belfast in the early 1900s, through her construction and launch, to her infamous maiden voyage and catastrophic demise. Overnight in Belfast's historic downtown university quarter. Day 2: Belfast – Giant's Causeway – Dublin The tour departs Belfast on a drive through the rolling farmland of County Antrim to the north coast of Ulster. Your first stop will be a photo stop at the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, with views of Rathlin Island, before continuing along the coast. Next, visit the famous Giant's Causeway. Explore the site which features an estimated 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns that were formed during a volcanic eruption 60 million years ago. After at least 2 hours exploring the Giant’s Causeway, you’ll continue on to see the cliff-top ruins of Dunluce Castle, the ancestral home of the MacDonnell Clan. Benefit from paid entrance here and time for a comprehensive exploration. We'll also have time for a photo stop at amazing Dark Hedges - a tree-lined road that is said to be haunted and made world-famous by Game of Thrones. On the return to Dublin, you’ll have a short rest and relaxation stop with time for some refreshments. Arrive back in Dublin with a wealth of songs, stories, and memories of Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway.

Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

5. Best of Ireland 6-Day Backpackers Economy Tour

Discover the highlights of Ireland’s 4 corners, including all the sights of Northern Ireland. Enjoy a night at a traditional Irish pub, plenty of opportunities to dance the night away, hikes through bogs and castle ruins, and much more.  Day 1: Dublin - Belfast Visit Belfast and discover Titanic Belfast and the historic downtown quarter. Spend the night in Belfast. Day 2: Belfast - Derry Explore the Antrim Coast with visits to Dunluce Castle and Giants Causeway and photo opportunities at the Dark Hedges and Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Enjoy a historic walking tour in Derry. Spend the night in Derry. Day 3: Derry - Galway Depart Northern Ireland and road trip along the Wild Atlantic Way to Galway. Stop in surfing hotspot Strandhill for lunch and enjoy a walk on the beach. Enjoy a free walking tour in Galway. Spend the night in Galway. Day 4: Galway - Dingle Head to Annascaul via the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. Spend the night in Annascaul on the Dingle peninsula. Day 5: Dingle - Killarney Enjoy a full day of touring on the Dingle Peninsula, one of Europe’s most spectacular road trips. Spend the night in Killarney. Day 6: Killarney - Dublin Depart Killarney for Dublin. Enjoy a tour of the Killarney National Park and a visit to Blarney Castle in Cork. The tour ends in Dublin by the early evening.

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What people are saying about Boyne Valley

Overall rating

4.7 / 5

based on 918 reviews

Our tour guide David was lovely and very knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed his dark humor and his allowance for ample snacking time along the way. Although the conditions in Boyne Valley were a bit treacherous at first (I went on 30th September 2022, when many a hapless umbrella was lost to the violent wind), I thoroughly enjoyed my experience and was glad to have booked the tour.

Tour was excellent Joe was an informative and fun guide. Make sure you are reasonably fit in order to climb the Hill of Tara. The history and view are amazing.

This is not a popular tour, but we really enjoy it. Because we have a wonderful guide, he introduce many stories to us.

The tour is full of awesome sights and our guide kept us laughing while teaching us a lot about the history of the area

Our guide Johnathon was very informative & entertaining! Not one minute of our 10hr tour was boring. Thanks Johnathon!