Tour description: Newgrange & Knowth

The World Heritage Property of Brú na Bóinne or ‘fort of the Boyne’ is Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape. Situated within a bend in the River Boyne are the spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth dating from circa 3200BC. These ceremonial structures, containing the largest collection of megalithic art in Western Europe, are among the world's most important Neolithic sites and, together with numerous smaller monuments, form a necropolis that has been the wonder of antiquarians for centuries.

Dr William Wilde, a 19th century surgeon, worked on the Irish Census, catalogued the antiquarian treasures of the Royal Irish Academy, and was the father of Oscar Wilde. His passion was archaeology, and he studied the monuments of the Boyne Valley in ancient Irish manuscripts, where legend meets history:

In the Senchas-na-Relec, or the History of the Cemeteries, contained in the Leabhar na h-Uidhre, a work compiled at Clonmacnoise in the 12th century, the monuments are: ‘The bed of the Dagda first; the two paps of the Morrigan, at the place where Cermud Milbhel, son of the Dagda, was born; the grave of Boinn, the wife of Nechtan; the mound of Tresc; the grave of Esclam, the Dagda's brehon, which is called Fert Patric at this day; [the monuments of] Cirr and Cuirrell, wives of the Dagda; these two hillocks; the grave of Aedh Luirgnech, son of the Dagda; the cave of Buailcc Bee; the monument of Cellach, son of Mael-cobha; the monument of the seed of Cinaedh, son of Irgalach the prison of Liath-Macha; the glen of the Mata, i. e. the Monster, as some assert; the pillar-stone of Buidi, the son of Muiredh, where his head is interred; the stone of Benn, i. e. the monument on which the monster, Mata, was killed; it had one hundred and forty legs and four heads; the Mound of the bones; the Caisel (stone enclosure) of Aengus, &c. &c.’

Our excursion will include coach transfers from and to Maynooth Campus. There will be a hot lunch before the visit begins with a self-guided exhibition viewing at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre. The exhibition is an interactive experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape and monuments of Brú na Bóinne.

A shuttle bus will then transfer us to Knowth for a guided tour of the outside of the mound and viewing the onsite exhibition rooms. The passages and chambers at Knowth are closed to the public. The shuttle bus then transfers from Knowth to Newgrange for a guided tour of the chamber. Newgrange’s internal chamber is so constructed that at the Winter Solstice the rising sun sends a beam through a roof-box, along a 62 foot long passage into the chamber. The beam widens as the sun rises, lighting the whole chamber. We will watch a simulation of this phenomenon.

Please note that Brú na Bóinne occupies an area approximately three miles by one mile where alongside the three great mounds of Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth there are numerous smaller barrows. Due to the size and nature of the site, access between the visitor centre and the monuments is restricted to shuttle bus.

We must be punctual for the bus!

Additionally, due to the timing of this tour, guests may be slightly late for the start of the Friday evening Welcome Buffet in Pugin Hall. It will be important to depart from Brú na Bóinne as punctually as possible. We will encourage casual dress for the Welcome Buffet so that there should not be a need to get changed in between.

For more information:

https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth

Accessibility

The site, other than the visitor centre, is unsuitable for guests with restricted mobility.

The passage and chamber at Newgrange are low and narrow, so may not suit guests with claustrophobia.

Warm and waterproof clothes, and sensible footwear are advised.