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.  NOTE: Between Nov 1st – March 1st – Knowth is not accessible so the tour at Bru Na Boinne is slightly shorter. 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.