Boyne Valley, Meath - Private Shore Excursion

4.8 (4 reviews) 7–9 hours Private tour

out of 5

4 reviews

4.8

Hill of Tara - from south — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Hill of Slane — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

The Boyne Valley is to Irish people what Israel is to Christians. The Boyne Valley is historically the most important part of Ireland.

On this tour you’ll be taken back through the mists of Ireland’s ancient history, spanning over 5,000yrs to visit Newgrange (an ancient passage tomb older than the Pyramids), The Hill of Tara (the old capital of Ireland), Slane (where St. Patrick secured his legacy), Monasterboice Monastery (famed for its elaborately carved High Crosses) and Trim Castle (a mighty spectacle from the 12th century).

Why people love this tour:

1. Walk into a tomb that’s over 5000 years old and be moved by its majesty & mystery.

2. Stand atop the Hill of Tara (Ireland’s historic cultural, spiritual and political capital), contemplating its huge significance whilst peering at Ireland’s endless verdant stretches before you.

3. The myths, legends and histories of St. Patrick, ancient Gaelic Kings, battles and societies open up a whole world that you never knew existed.

Day Trips Full-day Tours Bus Tours Private and Luxury Private Sightseeing Tours Historical Tours Ports of Call Tours Archaeology Tours

At a glance

Duration: 7–9 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Dublin Shore Excursions

What is included

Included

Included: Private transportation
Included: In-vehicle air conditioning: Air-conditioned vehicle
Included: Surcharges on fuel: Fuel surcharge
Included: Parking Fees

Not included

Not included: Purchase your own lunch
Not included: Tips

Itinerary

Hill of Tara

50 min

The Hill Of Tara was Ireland’s historic cultural, spiritual and political capital and you can still feel its huge significance as you walk on this most revered ground. This is where over 142 High Kings of Ireland were inaugurated. Hear the mighty myths of these kings and the epic story of the Stone of Destiny.
Newgrange

2 hours Admission not included

Newgrange is a passage tomb that is believed to not only pre-date Stonehenge, but also the Pyramids! Dating from 3200BC, the passage is aligned with the rising sun on the Winter Solstice, which not only welcomed back the ancestors to the sky from which they came, but served as a calendar as well. You’ll walk 19 metres (60 ft) through the passage to the inner chamber, led by one of the centre’s competent guides. It’s quite a popular site, so we hope to get there when it’s the least busy.

*As of 2020, the Newgrange Visitor Centre has planned to require a visit to both sites of Newgrange and Knowth, which are estimated to take 3hrs. Due to this, and the ineffective booking system, this visit will be optional - discuss with the guide directly after booking.
Hill of Slane

20 min

How did St. Patrick become the world’s most famous national saint? A big episode in his story takes place atop the Hill of Slane. Your guide will lift you back through the mists of time to pagan Ireland, and the event on this hill that was to change Ireland forever into a Christian country.

Atop the sacred hill, we’ll also behold the 15th century ruins of Slane Abbey, with its early Gothic tower. Great panoramic views of the lush Irish countryside are also likely to create a golden memory.
Monasterboice Monastic Site

25 min

At this quaint monastic ruin, you'll witness the world's most celebrated Irish High Crosses (Celtic Crosses). Standing between 5-6.5 metres (21ft) tall, these crosses are elaborately carved with celtic artistic motifs and biblical scenes. The guide will explain to you the history of this native craft of pictoral cross, the biblical episode illustrated and the various purposes they had over the centuries.

Monasterboice also boasts an impressive Round Tower, an architectural feature that is unique to Ireland. The guide will explain the purpose and history of the Round Tower.

It's amazing to consider life when these monuments of stone were created over 1,000 years ago.
Trim Castle

20 min

Trim Castle is the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Like something you’d see in a movie (it was used in Braveheart), the 12th century castle is a spectacle to behold.

A tour of the interior necessitates a fee, and is only by an OPW guide. We suggest exploring the environs of the castle with the guide for some amazing photos.
Slane Whiskey Distillery

50 min Admission not included

OPTIONAL: if you'd like to punctuate your exploration of the ancient sites of the Boyne Valley with a visit to same the local elixir, you can arrange this with your guide.

Slane Whiskey is a beautiful blend of whiskey aged in three different casks, which bestows a flavoursome experience that can be enjoyed by even the whiskey-cautious