Bru na Boinne, Donore
Bru na Boinne
Bru na Boinne
4.5
09:00 - 19:00
Monday
09:30 - 17:00
Tuesday
09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday
09:00 - 19:00
Thursday
09:00 - 19:00
Friday
09:00 - 19:00
Saturday
09:00 - 19:00
Sunday
09:00 - 19:00
About
Space is limited each day to 650 people, but it is well-worth the visit. The site is 5,000 years old, which makes it older than the pyramids. Historians was once believed Newgrange was a passage tomb, but now is believed to be an ancient temple.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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4.5
2,374 reviews
Excellent
1,725
Very good
459
Average
108
Poor
30
Terrible
52
Nomad715716
8 contributions
This UNESCO site is beautifully maintained. We were bused to the sites. Knouth is in the photo and there are at least 21 mounds. The tour guide Jackie is extremely knowledgeable , friendly and very willing to answer all questions. We also visited Newgrange. We were able to walk inside with Paul, our guide, who was also great! The Vistor Center is immaculate and the walk through information area about Bru na Boinne had really well done graphics ! There was a spacious cafe area with delicious sandwiches, some hot foot and lots of desserts. The staff were very friendly there as well as the rest of the building. I highly recommend visiting!
Written 15 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie S
Princeton, NJ37 contributions
Seeing these amazing structures built 3,200 BC by a people that pre-date Irish civilization was so interesting. Learning what they could have been used for and seeing how well preserved they are was so worth the trip!
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gearoid O
County Kerry, Ireland10 contributions
Business
Fantastic experience as always at both sights at Brú na Bóinne. Looked after very well and the guides are fantastic. Star of the show had to be Caoimhe who was unbelievably polished and informative for someone only starting in the job, her future is bright.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joe B
Norwich, UK271 contributions
Couples
Highly worth a visit, particularly if the weather is good. Really insightful tour and film screening in the outbuilding after. Interesting part of Irish history
Written 4 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
diamonds1974
San Antonio, TX59 contributions
Couples
This was completely awe inspiring! To see the history going back several thousand years BC. If you do not buy the tour to go inside the tombs you are truly missing out!
The tour guides were good, insightful and friendly. Each step of the tour was understandable and informative.
The tour guides were good, insightful and friendly. Each step of the tour was understandable and informative.
Written 19 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris C
Louisville, CO5 contributions
Family
Drove to the site directly by accident. Not allowed to enter even though we had tickets. Told us to go to visitor center (30 minutes), missed the bus, treated rudely by employee, not very accommodating to what sounds like a common mistake, kids missed seeing something we budgeted a day for on our trip from the states…dammit! Stumbled upon Slane Castle instead, enjoyed it very much, wonderful lunch in Slane,nice distillery. Moral of the story, rock n roll is better than Neanderthals!
Written 12 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
wexfordstu1
County Kerry, Ireland2 contributions
Myself and my families experience with the customer service at the centre was really awful. The woman we dealt with at reception had an appalling manner and badly needs to have some training on dealing with the public. The term "Jobsworth" immediately sprang to mind.
We had booked tickets for 5 but on the day we had an additional child with us (due to family circumstances) Even though there were 2 free seats on the bus to Newgrange and there was no extra cost involved, she still would not allow us all to visit and 1 person had to wait on their own in the carpark. It left a very sour taste and an awful impression of the place. The staff here need to be more flexible and treat visitors who have traveled a long way with some respect.
We had booked tickets for 5 but on the day we had an additional child with us (due to family circumstances) Even though there were 2 free seats on the bus to Newgrange and there was no extra cost involved, she still would not allow us all to visit and 1 person had to wait on their own in the carpark. It left a very sour taste and an awful impression of the place. The staff here need to be more flexible and treat visitors who have traveled a long way with some respect.
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jaimee G
Urbana, IL435 contributions
Book online as soon as possible for the date you want. I forgot to book first thing and by the time I logged on 12 hours later, the Newgrange + Knowth tour was already sold out. I ended up getting the Newgrange tour with chamber access and when we visited, all tours were sold out. So definitely book ahead!
When you visit, put Bru na Boinne visitor's center into google maps otherwise you get sent to a dead end and locked gate. Our B&B host told us this happens frequently. She also told us to get there early, but the first 45 minutes of the "tour" is self guided in the visitor's center so you can arrive up to half an hour late and still make it in time to the shuttle bus out to the monument itself. Toilets and cafe in visitor's center. Gift shop still closed. It's about a 5 min walk to the buses, which are well organized and drop you at the base of the monument where your group meets up with your guide.
The guided portion of the tour was excellent. Our guide explained what the monument is made of, different theories for the decorations, and pointed out details for us to notice. Then we were split in half- about 10 people go into the chamber at a time while the other 10 or so can walk around the monument, looking at the details the guide pointed out. Inside the chamber is narrow and short- ducking was involved and they require you to store your bags in bins before entering. Cameras are allowed (if they do not have buckles on the strap), but you cannot take pictures (our guide said this was out of respect). The chamber was amazing- much more moving than I expected it to be. Our guide again pointed out details to inspect and explained the water tight construction. Then she did a light demonstration of what it would be like during the 6 shortest days of the year when the sunlight streams into the chamber for a brief period of time each morning. It was really something special to experience and it is astounding to think just how old this site is. 100% worth the visit.
When you visit, put Bru na Boinne visitor's center into google maps otherwise you get sent to a dead end and locked gate. Our B&B host told us this happens frequently. She also told us to get there early, but the first 45 minutes of the "tour" is self guided in the visitor's center so you can arrive up to half an hour late and still make it in time to the shuttle bus out to the monument itself. Toilets and cafe in visitor's center. Gift shop still closed. It's about a 5 min walk to the buses, which are well organized and drop you at the base of the monument where your group meets up with your guide.
The guided portion of the tour was excellent. Our guide explained what the monument is made of, different theories for the decorations, and pointed out details for us to notice. Then we were split in half- about 10 people go into the chamber at a time while the other 10 or so can walk around the monument, looking at the details the guide pointed out. Inside the chamber is narrow and short- ducking was involved and they require you to store your bags in bins before entering. Cameras are allowed (if they do not have buckles on the strap), but you cannot take pictures (our guide said this was out of respect). The chamber was amazing- much more moving than I expected it to be. Our guide again pointed out details to inspect and explained the water tight construction. Then she did a light demonstration of what it would be like during the 6 shortest days of the year when the sunlight streams into the chamber for a brief period of time each morning. It was really something special to experience and it is astounding to think just how old this site is. 100% worth the visit.
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CarolineWR
U.K.199 contributions
First of all - BOOK online several weeks in advance & book the Knowth & Newgrange package. If you don't, you will only be able to access the exhibition (possibly). If you have English Heritage membership, you get in free!
So well organised and efficiently run. Fantastically attractively designed, informative, glitzy, glossy visitor centre in a gorgeous area. Come a good 40 mins before your booking to have time here first. Then a delightful easy 15 min walk to catch a private bus to Knowth which is stunning, where a brilliant guide will talk you around the site & give you time just to explore. Picked up another shuttle bus at our appointed time & dropped off at Newgrange. Another excellent guide & the chance to go into the centre of the tomb - mindblowing! Back on another shuttle bus to the visitors' centre for refreshments in the excellent café. All staff were wonderful - even the bus drivers were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sites.
So well organised and efficiently run. Fantastically attractively designed, informative, glitzy, glossy visitor centre in a gorgeous area. Come a good 40 mins before your booking to have time here first. Then a delightful easy 15 min walk to catch a private bus to Knowth which is stunning, where a brilliant guide will talk you around the site & give you time just to explore. Picked up another shuttle bus at our appointed time & dropped off at Newgrange. Another excellent guide & the chance to go into the centre of the tomb - mindblowing! Back on another shuttle bus to the visitors' centre for refreshments in the excellent café. All staff were wonderful - even the bus drivers were so knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the sites.
Written 23 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gene R J
Silver Spring, MD8,099 contributions
This was our 3rd stop of 5 on a 130 km tour north of Dublin. After making the mistake of following Google Maps to the Brú na Bóinne (which ended at a dead end locked farm gate), we made our way to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Newgrange, parking among 30 cars and 2 tour buses.
We descended the shaded walkway to the entry docent who stated that the next available tour was in the afternoon. Our tight schedule only permitted a walk through the museum with lots of site details, then over the Boyne bridge to the bus site for a long view of the 340' diameter Newgrange Passage Grave.
Really nice cafe.
We descended the shaded walkway to the entry docent who stated that the next available tour was in the afternoon. Our tight schedule only permitted a walk through the museum with lots of site details, then over the Boyne bridge to the bus site for a long view of the 340' diameter Newgrange Passage Grave.
Really nice cafe.
Written 31 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Departure795131
1 contribution
I want to know the total cost of entry to Bru na Boinne centre, shuttle bus and guide and entry to Newgrange and visit to Knowth?
MutualFun
Michigan241 contributions
When we arrived, the Visitors Center was under repair and there as no cost for entry.
Flora R
25 contributions
Buongiorno,
È possibile prenotare in anticipo per due adulti e un bambino? O le prenotazioni sono solo per i gruppi?
Grazie
Moa S
Helsingborg, Sweden8 contributions
What time do tickets bought on-site usually sell out on saturdays?
PJ C
Lithia Springs, GA193 contributions
The earlier you get tickets, the less time you'll have to wait. Your ticket has a time stamp specifying when your tour will leave. We returned in the later afternoon and they were still selling tickets (sorry, I can't directly answer your question of what time). However, we had a very short wait for our tour while people midday were waiting for almost 2 hours to start their tour.
Pierre B
Saint-Genis-Laval, France
Hello, Is it possible to visit newgrange without the guided walk. Our children are 2 and 4 years old and I am pretty sure this will be too long for them.
PJ C
Lithia Springs, GA193 contributions
Hi, yes and no. The duration of the visit is fixed... a bus drops off and then picks up at specific times. However, you are free to explore the grounds (which are expansive), but you are not compelled to cover the entire grounds or remain strictly with the guide. You have the opportunity to go into the tomb at Newgrange (and should expect to spend a brief moment in total darkness).
I would recommend visiting Knowth rather than Newgrange. Both tours begin at the same museum (each ticketed separately), but Knowth has a little more to "see" / "experience" and may be more engaging for the kids?
Hope this helps.
William L
Melrose, MA135 contributions
Hi,
My wife and I have purchased tickets for Sunday 13 May 2018 with a check in time of 11:15am. Is this ticket just for the visitors center and not the passage tomb at Newgrange. Will I have to purchase additional tickets to see the tombs? Will they still be available at that time? Please advise.
mac09
Lake Geneva, WI128 contributions
Not sure what you purchased, but the tickets would be for Newgrange, Knowth, or both. I highly recommend both. We bought the OPW Pass, which I also highly recommend. Just call and they will mail the pass. It allows admission to both sites plus many other wonderful stops. We certainly benefited from the purchase, both in saving money and time (faster admission). All tours leave from the Visitor's Center. It's a very efficient system in which you receive (if you purchase both sites) two stickers to tell assigned times for the bus to each. Knowth has more burial mounds, beautiful scenery and allows entrance to the beginning of one of the mounds. We loved Knowth and the serenity. You must do the 30-minute tour, then get to walk around on your own. Newgrange has more tourists but is also awesome. Must do the 1-hour tour, 30 minutes of talking and 30 minutes to go inside the mound (they divide the group since the mound is tight inside). Nice cafe at the Vistor's Center. Hope this helps. If you need more information, it's easy to call Bru na Boinne and get a real person to answer further questions. I did it several times.
Hello, I am planning a trip for October and would like to see Newgrange. I am hearing that the only way to get there is on a tour bus from Dublin. Is this correct? Reading here it looks to me like one can simply drive to the visitor center to go to Newgrange. Perhaps someone could clarify this for me. Thank you!
Elaine H
Galloway19 contributions
Drive to the visitors center. From there all visitors board trams that take visitors to the two sites. This is included in the entry fee. The trams run often, so there's little waiting.
sallysh2000
Philadelphia, PA8 contributions
After arriving at Dublin Airport on Sun., Sept. 10, we will drive to Newgrange. How often do tours leave the visitor's center? I'm concerned we will spend our first day in Ireland waiting for hours or being disappointed in not seeing the site. Is there any way to make a reservation?
fe22016
Dublin, Ireland60 contributions
They start early , about 10am maybe earlier but check out the website to be sure.
Erica P
Hightstown, NJ138 contributions
I will be travelling to Ireland with my boyfriend and our flight arrives Saturday, January 6th at 5 AM. Our hotels are quite inland, to the north west and I saw this was literally on our way to them so we really want to make this a stop that morning. But how much time do you think it will take in January to get a tour and be done with the entire tour? We're planning to arrive right at 9 AM, as they open. Just trying to figure out what else, if anything, we can pack in before checking in later that day.
Bonnie S
Denver, CO736 contributions
Check with the tourist info center on the site. We spent about 2 hrs. there. Someone said that Newgrande will be closed until May 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bru na Boinne
- Bru na Boinne is open:
- Mon - Mon 09:30 - 17:00
- Tue - Sun 09:00 - 19:00
- We recommend booking Bru na Boinne 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 2 Bru na Boinne tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Bru na Boinne:
- (0.05 km) Daly's of Donore
- (11.41 km) The Cottages
- (9.34 km) Rock Farm Slane
- (5.30 km) Scholars Townhouse Hotel
- (14.73 km) Decoy Country Cottages
- Restaurants near Bru na Boinne:
- (0.02 km) Boyne Coffee
- (0.05 km) Dalys Inn
- (0.06 km) Boyne Brasserie
- (5.27 km) Goodwins Steakhouse & Grill Bar
- (5.04 km) Simona Cafe
- Attractions near Bru na Boinne:
- (3.11 km) Boyne Boats Adventure
- (3.85 km) Mary Gibbons Tours
- (3.84 km) Newgrange
- (9.32 km) Boyne Valley Tours
- (9.48 km) Newgrange Falconry