Newgrange
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
1,007 reviews
Excellent
733
Very good
160
Average
48
Poor
26
Terrible
40
Jayebug
Washington State, USA18 contributions
Sep 2022 • Family
We loved our visit, but I wanted to write a review to help out folks looking for information like I was before my trip. We booked the Bru na Boinne trip with visit to Newgrange only. We were bringing two kids aged 10 and 6 and weren’t sure how well it would work for them. It was definitely a good choice. The time you are given for your visit is the time you arrive to the visitor center, and your bus to Newgrange will leave 45 minutes after that. It’s enough time to explore the visitor center. One of our kids loved the visitor center (walk through a cool virtual reality forest into a few spaces with educational videos) while the other was a bit bored. But it allows you to go at your own pace so we could hurry or slow as needed. We took a short snack break at the cafe, then made the 10 minute walk to the bus. The kids loved the short bus ride. When we arrived at Newgrange, the guide was *so funny* although most of the jokes went over the kids’ heads. But we learned a lot, and the format worked well for the kids: five minute talk, move to a different spot, five minute talk, go into the structure, then 10(ish) minutes inside. The kids did not find the inside scary, because it was very well lit and spacious once you get to the center. Even when they turned the lights off, there is still a beam of light on the floor. I wouldn’t recommend the tour for kids under five, or very rambunctious bigger kids, because it’s a small quiet space on the inside, and all the adults on the tour (including us) were a rapt audience. But our kids did fine.
After the inside bit you’re back outside with a few minutes to explore. I wished we had more time there, but thought it was efficient and worthwhile.
So, if it helps: prep your kiddos that they will have to stand quietly a few times and be in a small cave for a little while (and I held their hands for the “turn the lights off” part) and they can do fine. It’s not their favorite memory of the trip, but they did learn a bit, and the visit was a highlight for us adults!
After the inside bit you’re back outside with a few minutes to explore. I wished we had more time there, but thought it was efficient and worthwhile.
So, if it helps: prep your kiddos that they will have to stand quietly a few times and be in a small cave for a little while (and I held their hands for the “turn the lights off” part) and they can do fine. It’s not their favorite memory of the trip, but they did learn a bit, and the visit was a highlight for us adults!
Written September 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
138Paul138
Canterbury, UK937 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
It is best to book online prior to arrival and ensure you start your tour at the Visitor Centre. You cannot go directly to the monument without having first gone to the visitor centre. The system does make sense as the guided tour of the monument is via a shuttle bus service from the visitor centre and wristbands are issued to account for visitors.
The visitor centre is very well done. Excellent information and exhibits. There are toilets onsite and a very good cafe. Wheelchair access is possible but a wheelchair user cannot get inside the monument due to steps and the narrow passageway leading to the inner tombs. Having completed the visitor centre tour you walk about 200m to the bus stop and taken to the monument. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable mixed with good humour. Small groups are taken into the centre of the monument. The passage in is low and narrow but once inside you can’t help feeling amazed at the age and history. It is a shame you can’t take photos inside. They tell you that they want you to see the inside with your eyes not a screen? What about showing my family where I’ve been and promoting Newgrange with my pictures on social media?
Once back outside you have time to walk around the site before being driven back to the Visitor Centre on the shuttle bus. Overall a very good tour and an amazing slice of history.
The visitor centre is very well done. Excellent information and exhibits. There are toilets onsite and a very good cafe. Wheelchair access is possible but a wheelchair user cannot get inside the monument due to steps and the narrow passageway leading to the inner tombs. Having completed the visitor centre tour you walk about 200m to the bus stop and taken to the monument. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable mixed with good humour. Small groups are taken into the centre of the monument. The passage in is low and narrow but once inside you can’t help feeling amazed at the age and history. It is a shame you can’t take photos inside. They tell you that they want you to see the inside with your eyes not a screen? What about showing my family where I’ve been and promoting Newgrange with my pictures on social media?
Once back outside you have time to walk around the site before being driven back to the Visitor Centre on the shuttle bus. Overall a very good tour and an amazing slice of history.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scotlandmac
Glasgow, UK12,605 contributions
Nov 2021
We only saw the exterior due to Covid closure of the interior but it was still well worth it. Stunning site with other mounds visible in distant fields. The entrance corridor was lit up giving us a good view of the impressive slabs lining the walkway.
An interesting short tour by the guide too and impressive carved slabs.
Give yourself plenty time to get there as our SatNav took us the wrong way completely as did Google Maps. Both took us to where the little minibuses leave to do the tour, rather than the Visitor Centre. You can't park down the small road where the buses are and it was another 10 min drive to go back through Slane where we FINALLY picked up a signpost.
They do build in about 40 mins from your entry time until your minibus departs for the monument - we were told this is because' so many people can't find us!' Better signposting would help!
We expected a 30 min drive but were well over an hour after all the faffing around and getting lost.A stressful start...
An interesting short tour by the guide too and impressive carved slabs.
Give yourself plenty time to get there as our SatNav took us the wrong way completely as did Google Maps. Both took us to where the little minibuses leave to do the tour, rather than the Visitor Centre. You can't park down the small road where the buses are and it was another 10 min drive to go back through Slane where we FINALLY picked up a signpost.
They do build in about 40 mins from your entry time until your minibus departs for the monument - we were told this is because' so many people can't find us!' Better signposting would help!
We expected a 30 min drive but were well over an hour after all the faffing around and getting lost.A stressful start...
Written December 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sandra O
Fernandina Beach, FL62 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
So far this is the highlight of my visit to Ireland. I am amazed that I was allowed to enter a structure built over 5000 years ago, even before the pyramids!!!
I purchased the Tour Plus Exhibition.
On arrival I was checked in and given an armband with instructions as to where to board the bus. My ticket was scheduled for 9:30 (they would not open the doors until 9:30) and I was to meet the bus at 10:15, giving me 45 minutes to view the exhibition and pick up a snack at the cafe.
The exhibition has a lot of information. I think it would be better to see it after the tour, or before and after the tour.
It is about a 5 minute walk down a boardwalk and an even path from the visitor’s center to where you meet the bus. The driver was waiting. When all visitors were present we boarded the bus for the 5 minute ride to Newgrange. There were 6 adults and a baby on our bus.
We were met by the guide and lead to the structure. He gave a brief overview and discussed the outside.
We were required to lock all our backpacks/purses together in a footlocker prior to entering the tomb. The entrance is quite low and the short passageway is very narrow. I would have had to crawl if I had been wearing my small backpack.
The guide gave us a detailed account of the history while we were inside the chamber. He was very knowledgeable about archeology in general and Newgrange in particular. He was able to answer all of our questions. He turned off the light and showed with a spotlight the path of the sun during winter solstice. It was an altogether awesome experience.
We were then allowed a few minutes to walk around outside before boarding the bus to return to the visitors center.
My visit was on the last day of the off-season. Your visit may include a different format.
I purchased the Tour Plus Exhibition.
On arrival I was checked in and given an armband with instructions as to where to board the bus. My ticket was scheduled for 9:30 (they would not open the doors until 9:30) and I was to meet the bus at 10:15, giving me 45 minutes to view the exhibition and pick up a snack at the cafe.
The exhibition has a lot of information. I think it would be better to see it after the tour, or before and after the tour.
It is about a 5 minute walk down a boardwalk and an even path from the visitor’s center to where you meet the bus. The driver was waiting. When all visitors were present we boarded the bus for the 5 minute ride to Newgrange. There were 6 adults and a baby on our bus.
We were met by the guide and lead to the structure. He gave a brief overview and discussed the outside.
We were required to lock all our backpacks/purses together in a footlocker prior to entering the tomb. The entrance is quite low and the short passageway is very narrow. I would have had to crawl if I had been wearing my small backpack.
The guide gave us a detailed account of the history while we were inside the chamber. He was very knowledgeable about archeology in general and Newgrange in particular. He was able to answer all of our questions. He turned off the light and showed with a spotlight the path of the sun during winter solstice. It was an altogether awesome experience.
We were then allowed a few minutes to walk around outside before boarding the bus to return to the visitors center.
My visit was on the last day of the off-season. Your visit may include a different format.
Written March 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Scott P
32 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
The history of the place is amazing, and there is still a lot of mystery about some of the artifacts left here. The countryside itself is beautiful and honestly the scenery alone made the trip worth while. It’s some what confined inside so they have to break you into groups when it’s crowded so you might do a bit of waiting around but still worth it.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
nanomatrix
Somerdale, NJ10 contributions
May 2019
On my tour of the country, I opted for a jaunt up from Dublin to see this location. It so happens the day I went it was completely free, definitely helps at the end of a trip, but kind of sad that I can review the tourist center they were renovating. You can eat in the parking lot on the way to New Grange, don't drive directly to the site you need to be bussed in so be sure to go to the visiting area, park, have some food in the lot from the trucks and get in line to catch your shuttle. The shuttles run from the parking lot to the site, there are some interesting insects that essentially just go in the wind and float around, but I digress. The walk from the shuttle drop off is a nice scenic view over some nice water and a really cool suspension bridge, when you get to New Grange monument there will be a tour, guide be sure to huddle around him and be prepared to follow his instructions they are extremely useful, but keep in mind going inside there are no photos permitted. I won't tell you what is inside of what essentially is a tomb, but it predates known sites like the pyramids. It is amazing. The entrance is tight and there is some shuffling so if you are bigger or claustrophobic this is not for you. However if you enjoy looking back into time, pick a nice weather day and check this place out. It was fantastic. I live in the US and we have things that are cool, but it was nice to see something older than anything manmade that exists in my country or many countries even...
Written February 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David T
United Kingdom38 contributions
Jun 2022
First off; you have to book tickets for a tour, you can't just turn up. The website works well and the folk at the visitor centre keep the little queue moving nicely when you arrive. Liked the atmospheric exhibition. Timed shuttle bus takes each tour group from near the visitor centre up to Newgrange and/or Knowth. We had a lovely driver and an excellent guide for our visit to newgrange.
The site itself is atmospheric, quite enigmatic, and the interior just stunning. Don't be put off by the narrow passge - there was comfortable space for our party of 13 once inside and the roof is high at the end of the passage.
A must-see.
The site itself is atmospheric, quite enigmatic, and the interior just stunning. Don't be put off by the narrow passge - there was comfortable space for our party of 13 once inside and the roof is high at the end of the passage.
A must-see.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bovivet
Tiverton, UK37 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Turned up at 3.00, and was pleased to see a virtually empty car park. Then, the ticket desk told us that they were fully booked and we were not able to visit. Despite pleading that we didn’t need the bus, we just wanted to walk around the site, we were denied entry and bolted to the empty cafe before taking the hour’s drive back to Dublin. Maybe our fault for not checking about the ticketing arrangements, but to be honest, you may be best avoiding the hassle and just looking at the videos. It does seem a lot of fuss about a small hill.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sam3314
Derby, UK1,948 contributions
Nov 2021
Newgrange is an amazing site that is well worth a visit. Go to the Visitor Centre first and they will drive you to the site itself (this makes driving and parking easier). The visitor centre has an excellent display and a replica of the tomb which means you can experience the passage and tomb despite the actual chamber been closed at present. You have a ticket for a timed bus and a short walk over the river takes you to the bus. You then go to the site and meet a guide who explains what you can see. You then have time to explore and take photos yourself before returning on the bus. There is also a good cafe and facilities at the visitor centre. Booking in advance is recommended as numbers are limited. The stone artwork is very interesting.
Written November 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pam V
Anchorage, AK44 contributions
Sep 2022 • Friends
Poor communication from site. We booked online and left early to get there. We knew we couldn’t go directly to the site but had to go to the visitor center. Mapquest took us to the historic site, not the visitor center. There was nothing visible from the parking area there about how to get to the visitor center. Finally an employee showed up and directed us to the visitor center. All signage in the area directed you to Newgrange, not the visitor center. Arrived at the center only to learn the shuttle bus left 5 minutes earlier and there was absolutely no provision for getting on another bus or any other accommodation for visiting the site. Visitor center was nice but no refund of tickets or the extra hotel night we booked so we would be close to the site. Extremely disappointed overall. Staff was apologetic and several staff freely admitted that lots of people got lost and missed their chance to see this historic site. Their phone message evidently clarifies thus confusion but we received our confirmation online and had no need to call. Very frustrating.
Be careful and plan ahead!!!
Be careful and plan ahead!!!
Written September 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tennisbabe
Bannockburn, IL79 contributions
This may sound like a silly question, but everyone says to book ahead, but I don't know who to book with. Please advise. Thanks!
Lynette
Do foreigners,Canadians,need a Heritage card and oor a voucher to buy tickets to Newgrange?If so,ho9w to get them.
Kris M
Omaha, NE132 contributions
No - you can buy tickets online or at the visitor’s center. I’m an American, and didn’t need anything special. Just bought the ticket online and showed up!
Paige S
New York3 contributions
The calendar to buy tickets stops in March. I am going in May. Will I be able to visit?
John M
Lurgan, UK1,946 contributions
I think that you will have no problem visiting the site in May as it's the peak season and the covid restrictions are being lifted now. I think the website has a 3 month booking system for tickets to allow for the numbers to visitors to visit.
neiljdza
County Wicklow, Ireland23 contributions
What is the cost of tickets at Newgrange and Knowth
Mary Anne C
Alberta, Canada274 contributions
If I remember correctly, it was approx. 7 Euros/person.
Margherita T
Trento, Italy4 contributions
Ciao! Quanto dura la visita alla tomba di Newgrange?
brunobass63
Verona, Italy80 contributions
Ciao, la visita, dal centro visitatori e ritorno, dura circa un'ora e mezzo. Tieni però presente che, essendo le visite a numero chiuso, in base all'orario di arrivo al centro visitatori, potresti dover attendere anche un'ora il tuo turno.
Can we purchase tickets to new range and knoweth on line.
Barbara O
San Diego, CA316 contributions
I donât know when you plan to visit Newgrange. Currently the visitor Centre is closed for renovation until about October so online ticket sales are not possible.
Can we purchase tickets to new range and knoweth on line.
Mrsheephead1986
London, UK128 contributions
I’m not sure but yours are very frequent so you’ll always get a ticket no worries
Claire D
Kilkenny, Ireland87 contributions
Hi all... just a quick question. Had planned on visiting Newgrange and Hill of Tara this Saturday coming.
Would it be advisable to bring a baby along..3 months old?!
Are they places easily accessible?
Do you need to book in advance or can you juat turn up on the day?
Any help would be greatly appreciated
Amanda
44 contributions
To get into Newgrange is a tight squeeze. With any stroller or gear you wouldn’t get in at all and I’m sure they have more info and restrictions on their sight. The walk around the sight is doable though as it’s open. Hill of Tara is all outdoors and in fields with no pathways. Again, I wouldn’t suggest a stroller unless it has 4x4 and Hill of Tara is all outdoors with no escape from the elements.
You can visit either on your own. Newgrange won’t guarantee access as bus tours get first shot, but I’d guess this time of year is fine. Hill of Tara is best to do with a tour so you get the history, but a nice walk anyway.
Good luck
Newgrange (Donore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Newgrange
- We recommend booking Newgrange tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 8 Newgrange tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Newgrange:
- Small-Group Celtic History Tour from Dublin: Newgrange, Knowth (From $82.11)
- Private Newgrange Tour (From $744.51)
- 10-Day Ultimate Small-Group Tour of Ireland from Dublin (From $2,597.02)
- 6- Day Wild West and Northern Ireland small group tour of Ireland (From $1,483.56)
- Newgrange Private Chauffeur Full Day Sightseeing Tour (From $1,395.95)
- Hotels near Newgrange:
- (3.45 mi) Rock Farm Slane
- (9.53 mi) The Cottages
- (7.72 mi) Decoy Country Cottages
- (8.59 mi) Athlumney Manor B&B
- (5.43 mi) Scholars Townhouse Hotel
- Restaurants near Newgrange:
- (0.01 mi) The Newgrange
- (2.95 mi) Inside Out
- (5.48 mi) Goodwins Steakhouse & Grill Bar
- (8.99 mi) Room 8
- (9.58 mi) Pizza Soprano
- Attractions near Newgrange:
- (0.01 mi) Mary Gibbons Tours
- (0.81 mi) Knowth Megalithic Passage Tomb
- (3.34 mi) Boyne Boats Adventure
- (2.96 mi) Slane Whiskey Distillery
- (2.40 mi) Bru na Boinne