Celtic Boyne Valley Tour from Dublin

Celtic Boyne Valley Tour – Ireland’s Ancient East

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Overview

Join us as we journey through Ireland’s Ancient East to explore the historic Boyne Valley. Our day tour takes you into one of Ireland’s most ancient regions. Your guide introduces you to the most significant sites in Celtic history and takes you right into the heart of County Meath, the ‘Royal County’. Here, the High Kings of Ireland ruled the country and people over the centuries. There are many historical sites such as Neolithic tombs, castles, and other historical highlights to explore. Surrounded by the lush green landscape Ireland is best known for, it is an adventure not to be missed.

Our guides will lead you through an exciting and informative day with tales of history, mythology, and royalty. You will be both informed and entertained; our guides are professional, knowledgeable and have a lovely sense of humour.

Effortlessly travel from the Stone Age to modern times, as we explore the Boyne valley! We depart at 8:00am with a full and exciting schedule before returning to Dublin by approximately 6:00pm.

This is a tour that takes you into the depths of Celtic history and allows you to explore sites of historical significance and stunning landscapes.

Itinerary

08:00 AM – Depart Dublin

The Celtic and Boyne Valley Tour meeting location is at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street beside St. Andrews Street Post Office(location map is linked on the booking page), you will be greeted by a member of staff who will bring you to the bus.

The tour departs at 08:00 am sharp.

(Please Arrive 15 minutes before Departure time)

09:30 AM – Loughcrew Megalithic

Next stop, Loughcrew Megalithic Cairns. From the bus you have an uphill walk to the top of Slieve na Galliagh, the Mountain of the Hag. .

The hill tops are crowned with the remains of a complex of chambered cairns. Here your guide walks you through the cairns dating back to 3,500 BC. Many of the stones within the chambers are carved with ancient engravings which most likely preceded the monumental carved stones of Newgrange in the Boyne Valley. Though many monuments have been destroyed, it remains an awe-inspiring place of breath-taking beauty, a tribute to neolithic vision.

While you are at the highest point in Co. Meath, affording spectacular views. Sit in the Hags chair and hear fantastic historical and mythical legends surrounding this area. It is a truly impressive site and a unique experience

11:00 AM – Trim Castle

Trim Castle is the largest, best-preserved & most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Trim gets its name from the Irish Baile Átha Troim, meaning ‘Town of the Ford of the Elder Trees'. Trim Castle was built in 1172, shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland. King Henry II granted his baron Hugh de Lacy the Kingdom of Meath, along with custody of Dublin. The King feared that another of his barons Richard de Clare (also known as Strongbow) might set up a rival Anglo-Norman kingdom in Ireland and gave de Lacy Meath as a counterbalance to Strongbow's powerbase in the south of Leinster.

A beautiful castle, you might recognise some of it from the big screen when it became the City of York in Mel Gibsons, blockbuster movie Braveheart.

12:20 PM – Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara is the jewel in the crown of the Boyne Valley landscape. A site that has been in use for more than 5000 years as a place of burial and assembly, it grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. From its rolling slopes one can see all the way to the other great sites of the Boyne Valley, including Loughcrew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond. In later centuries it remained the focus of Gaelic identity and remains to this day the beating heart of Ireland.

14:30 PM – Monasterboice Monastery

Next stop will be the Monasterboice Monastery, located in County Louth, Ireland. It is a historic site renowned for its remarkable collection of Celtic high crosses and ancient ruins.

It dates back to the 5th century, this monastery stands as a testament to Ireland's early Christian heritage. Visitors can marvel at the intricately carved high crosses, notable for their detailed biblical scenes and intricate designs. The site also features the remnants of a round tower and an ancient church, offering a glimpse into the monastery's rich history and spiritual significance.

15:15 PM – Drogheda Father Connolly Way

The Final stop before heading back to Dublin is Father Connolly Way, situated in Drogheda. Father Connolly Way honors the legacy of Father Michael Connolly, a beloved figure in the local community.

This picturesque road serves as a vibrant hub, lined with charming shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. Named after the esteemed priest known for his tireless advocacy for social justice and community welfare, the street embodies his spirit of compassion and solidarity.

Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined avenue, admiring its architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Father Connolly Way stands as a tribute to his enduring impact, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill among residents and visitors alike.

06:00 PM – Arrive back in Dublin

I hope you enjoyed the Celtic and Boyne valley tour, please feel free to leave your driver guide a review.

Or why not book another tour with Irish Day tours, City Sightseeing or the Irish Whiskey Museum. You can do this via the QR code or in our Tourism office on College Green, opposite the entrance to Trinity College.

*All times are approximate and subject to change based on traffic conditions.

Pickup

8.00am at the Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk Street beside St. Andrews Street Post Office View on map

(Please arrive 10 minutes before departure time)

Drop off

Our Tourism office on College Green, opposite the entrance to Trinity College.

Things to bring

  • Camera

  • Sunglasses

  • Raincoat – just in case it rains!

  • Packed lunch or money for lunch & snacks

  • Headphones to listen to the commentary on the multi-lingual app

  • Charging cable and power bank to keep your devices charged (some buses do have charging ports but not all)

  • Spending money / credit card to pick up souvenirs & tip your driver!

  • Appropriate shoes for walking on rough terrain

Inclusions/exclusions

Inclusions:

  • Professional driver/guide

  • Modern comfortable coach transportation

  • Wi-Fi (onboard vehicles, where fitted)

  • Multi-lingual app (Eng, Fr, Es, De, It)

  • Entry to Trim Castle

  • Guided tour of Hill of Tara & Loughcrew Passage Tomb

Exclusions:

  • Lunch

  • Snacks

  • Tips

Cancellation policy

You are entitled to a full refund only if you give us a minimum of 24 hours’ notice of your intention to cancel.

If you cancel your day tour within 24 hours you can choose to change your tour to another date (subject to availability).

If you are late for the bus in the morning or are a no show, you are not entitled to a refund and will be charged in full for the tour.

This policy applies to all of the Ei Travel Group webshops which include but are not limited to; www.cliffsofmohertours.ie, www.giantscausewaytours.ie, www.irishdaytours.ie and www.daytours.ie.

A minimum number of 6 passengers is required to operate a tour. We give until 3pm the day prior to the tour to reach this number and will then contact customers with details of cancellation.

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