Boyne Valley Holiday Guide 2023 Web Version

Discover
Brú na Bóinne
Newgrange
Newgrange (c 3,200 BC) is the best-known monument of Brú na Bóinne, predating the ancient pyramids of Giza
by 400 years and Stonehenge in England by 1000 years. The passage tomb is surrounded by 97 kerb stones, the
most impressive is the large entrance stone which is covered in swirls and designs. Inside the large mound there
is a long passage leading into a chamber which branches off three ways. The cremated remains of the dead
were laid on large stone basins inside the chamber which usually were accompanied by grave goods.
At dawn on the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year (December 21st), a shaft of sunlight enters the chamber
of Newgrange through a specially designed opening over the doorway which illuminates the chamber. On
December 21st 1967, Prof M. J. O’Kelly was the first person in modern times to see this now world-famous event.
Explore the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Newgrange,
Knowth and Dowth
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Newgrange Newgrange
Knowth
The passage tomb complex lies to the west of Newgrange. The large mound covers two passage tombs placed back to
back which is surrounded by 127 massive kerbstones. Outside this large passage tomb there are eighteen small tombs.
Over three hundred decorated stones make up Knowth which represents the greatest concentration of megalithic
art in Western Europe. Recurring motifs on these stones include circles serpentine forms and spirals. A new exhibit at
Knowth explores the megalithic art of the Boyne Valley, and the story of the archaeologists who discovered it,
including the famed Meath archaeologist Prof George Eogan.
Don’t Forget
All access to the monuments is via the Brú na Bóinne VisitorCentre. Do NOT go directly to Newgrange or
Knowth.
The World Heritage Site of Brú na Bóinne is
Ireland’s richest archaeological landscape
and is situated within a bend in the River
Boyne. Brú na Bóinne is famous for the
spectacular prehistoric passage tombs of
Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth which
were built circa 3200 BC. These ceremonial
structures are among the most important
Neolithic sites in the world and contain the
largest collection of megalithic art in
Western Europe.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre is the starting point for all visits to
Newgrange and Knowth. Do not go directly to the monuments
as you will not gain entry. Visitors are brought via shuttle bus to
the monuments at Newgrange and Knowth. Dowth is not part
of the tour.
The Visitor Centre exhibition is a fully interactive and newly-refurbished
visitor experience exploring the Neolithic culture, landscape
and monuments of Brú na Bóinne. Pre-booking tickets is
essential. Universal access is limited at the monuments — those
who require special assistance or those with mobility issues
please contact us in advance of visit. Tours must be booked at
heritageireland.ie
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, Donore, County Meath, A92 EH5C
Tel: +353 (0) 41 988 0300
E: brunaboinne@opw.ie
Knowth
Dowth
Dowth is the least well known of the three monuments, although it compares in size. The mound is surrounded by a
kerb of 115 stones and has two tombs facing westwards. On the 21st of December (Winter Solstice), the rays of the
setting sun illuminate one of the passages in a similar manner to the rising sun at Newgrange. At least thirty-eight of
the stones at Dowth contain megalithic art, the circle being the most common motif used. There is no access to the
interior of the Dowth Mound, but visitors may still walk around the outside and admire the monument and views.
Knowth
Don’t Forget
Advance booking essential. Book your ticket at heritageireland.ie
35 36
Dowth