Celts and Castles Tour of Ireland.
Highlights: Brú na Bóinne, Newgrange, Knowth monuments, Slane Castle, Trim Castle and the Hill of Tara. Historical tour from the first settlers in Ireland to the Celts, the Vikings, Anglo-Normans to the present day.
About the Tour: The tour starts from the centre of Dublin and travels to Brú na Bóinne. Which sits on the River Boyne in county Meath, about 40 minutes’ drive north of Dublin. It is famous for the passage tombs of Newgrange and Knowth. Here you join a tour to visit these incredible monuments. The Megalithic sites of the Boyne Valley were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1993. There is a visitor centre here where you can enjoy a snack of coffee as well as an interpretive tour about the whole world heritage site.
Newgrange, this is the best-known Irish passage tomb and dates to c.3, 200BC. We will be able to enter this tomb and see some of the best Megalithic art in Europe. The most impressive of these stones is the highly decorated Entrance Stone. Newgrange monument is astrologically aligned to the Winter solstice.
Knowth: This is also part of the Bru Na Boinne tour at Newgrange. The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds.
(Our visit here can take approx. 3-4hrs)
After our visit at Newgrange, we will travel towards the small town of Slane. We stop for some lunch in this small town, in one of the local cafes or Pubs. The food in Irish Pubs is excellent and there is usually a great selection to choose from.
Slane Castle: We will stop at the entrance to Slane Castle for a photo opportunity. This Castle has been in the Conyngham family for over 300 years and was built and designed by James Gandon in 1785. Slane today is known better for large rock concerts and where U2 recorded their “Unforgettable Fire” Album.
The tour continues on through the countryside in county Meath towards the town of Trim and Trim Castle. We will join a tour of the Keep which brings you to the top of the Tower. Hear all about the long and exciting story of the largest Anglo-Norman Castle in Europe. It was also the film location for the movie “Brave Heart” about William Wallace and Scotland’s struggle for independence.
(Please note that Trim Castle is closed between 01 Nov to 31 Jan)
The final place we visit on this tour is The Hill of Tara.
It was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. There are over thirty monuments visible, and probably as many again detected using special non-intrusive archaeological techniques and aerial photography. You will see the Mound of the Hostages, the stone of destiny (Lia Fail), ancient standing stones and many more in this sacred place.
Afterwards, we travel back towards Dublin and should arrive back at 18:00
Apart from its important heritage, the Boyne Valley is a truly wonderful area full of natural beauty, mystery and intrigue – a place you will never forget.
“So memorable in ancient history and so rich in monuments of the past is it…. that the history of Ireland might be written in tracing its banks” (William Wilde, Father of Oscar Wilde – The Beauties of the Boyne, 1849)
What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, Umbrella, Rain gear just in case, Camera, Water
FAQ’s
Q. Is there a stop for Lunch,
A. Yes we stop for lunch along the way.
Q. Do we enter Newgrange monument?
A. Yes you enter Newrange and Knowth monumnets from the Brú na Bóinne centre. They are locall authorities who look after these monuments and the tour within this area can only be rovided by them.
Q. How do I recognise your tour bus
A. All our buses are white and have “Hilltoptreks” written on them
Booking Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email and voucher instantly after booking
In the event that you do not receive an email from us, please check your Spam folder or notify us via email
You do not need to print your confirmation as the Guide will have your name on his list for the tour.
New Flexible Cancellation Policy:
If you can’t do your tour due to the any COVID19 travel restrictions. You will get a full refund or we can postpone to another more suitable date, otherwise the policy is as below.
If you cannot make the tour on the date requested and you contact us with in 48hrs of your tour date, then we may be able to provide an alternative date depending on availability.
