Newgrange is one of Ireland’s most extraordinary ancient sites — a Neolithic passage tomb built around 3,200 BC, making it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian Pyramids. It is also one of the most popular attractions in the country, which means getting in requires more planning than you might expect. This guide covers everything you need to know before you book.
What is Newgrange?
Located in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, Newgrange is a massive circular Stone Age mound with a 19-metre passage leading to an inner chamber. Every year at the winter solstice, the rising sun perfectly illuminates the chamber for 17 minutes — a feat of ancient engineering that still astonishes visitors today.
Newgrange is part of the Bru na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the passage tombs of Knowth and Dowth. All visits start at the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre in Donore, Co. Meath — you cannot drive directly to the monument itself.
Key facts at a glance:
Built: circa 3,200 BC
Location: Donore, Co. Meath (Eircode A92 EH5C)
Distance from Dublin: approximately 45 minutes by car
Tour duration: 2 to 3 hours depending on tour type
UNESCO listed: 1993
Tour Options
There are two main tour types, depending on the time of year you visit. Both include access to the self-guided exhibition at the Visitor Centre before the shuttle bus departs.
Option A — Bru na Boinne Tour + Newgrange Chamber (1 March to 1 November)
The main season tour. Includes the visitor exhibition, a guided visit inside Newgrange’s chamber, and a visit to Knowth. Lasts approximately 3 hours. This is the tour most visitors want — and the one that sells out the fastest.
Option B — Newgrange Tour + Exhibition only (November to February)
The winter tour. Includes the exhibition and a guided visit to Newgrange only. Knowth is closed during this period. Lasts approximately 2 hours. Still includes access to the chamber inside Newgrange.
Important: There is no direct vehicle access to Newgrange or Knowth. All visitors travel by shuttle bus from the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre to the monuments.
Ticket Prices
Tickets are managed by the OPW (Office of Public Works). All prices below are for the main Bru na Boinne Tour + Newgrange Chamber. Children under 12 visit free but still require a ticket.
Main Season Tour — Bru na Boinne Tour + Newgrange Chamber:
Adult: EUR 18.00
Senior (60 and over): EUR 16.00
Child (aged 12 to 17): EUR 12.00
Child (under 12): FREE (ticket still required)
Student (valid ID required): EUR 12.00
Family (max 2 adults + 5 children aged 12-17): EUR 48.00
Winter Tour — Newgrange Tour + Exhibition only:
Adult: EUR 10 | Senior: EUR 8 | Child/Student: EUR 5 | Family: EUR 25
Visitor Centre Exhibition only (no monument access):
Adult: EUR 5 | Senior: EUR 4 | Child/Student: EUR 3 | Family: EUR 13
Tip: The OPW Heritage Card (EUR 40 per adult, EUR 90 family) gives free entry to all OPW sites including Newgrange and pays for itself quickly if you are visiting multiple heritage sites in Ireland.
Warning: Tickets bought from resale platforms or third-party websites are NOT valid and will be refused entry. Only book through the official OPW or Heritage Ireland booking system.
How Far in Advance Do You Need to Book?
The booking window is strictly controlled and depends on the time of year. Tickets are released on a rolling basis — not all at once — so the key advice is simple: book as soon as your window opens.
Booking windows by season:
Peak season (1 April to 1 November): 30 days in advance Winter season (January to March, November to December): 7 days in advance During summer and school holidays, tours regularly sell out more than two weeks in advance. If you are visiting between June and August, set a reminder and book the moment the 30-day window opens — tickets become available at midnight Irish time. Winter Solstice — A Lottery, Not a Booking Witnessing the solstice sunrise inside Newgrange (19 to 23 December) requires entering an annual lottery. Over 30,000 people enter and only 60 are selected across those dates. Regular tours are suspended during this period. To enter, email BrunaBoinne@opw.ie with your name, address, phone number, and email address.
How to Book — Step by Step
1. Know your booking window
Booking opens 30 days in advance from April to November, or 7 days in advance during winter months. Set a reminder in your calendar for the exact date your window opens — popular summer slots fill up fast.
2. Go to the official booking site
Book only through heritageireland.ie or the direct Bru na Boinne booking page at brunaboinne.admit-one.eu. Third-party tickets are not accepted at the gate. Dates shown in blue are available; red means sold out.
3. Select your tour type, date and time slot
Choose the Bru na Boinne Tour + Newgrange Chamber for the full experience if visiting March to November. Morning slots are less crowded — the first tour of the day is the best option if you want to avoid queues.
4. Book a ticket for every person, including children and infants
Every person entering the site must have a ticket — including children under 12 (who go free) and infants. You cannot add people to a booking after the fact. Groups of 15 or more must contact the site by email at brunaboinne@opw.ie.
5. Arrive at the Visitor Centre — not at Newgrange
Your booking time is your arrival time at the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre (Eircode A92 EH5C). Do not go directly to the monument — you will not get in. Allow time for the self-guided exhibition before your shuttle bus departs.
6. Dress for Irish weather
Much of the tour is outdoors and the sites are exposed. Waterproof layers and sturdy footwear are essential regardless of the forecast. The passage inside Newgrange is narrow and dimly lit — it may not be suitable for visitors with claustrophobia or significant mobility issues.
7. No car? Consider a Dublin day tour
Newgrange is a 45-minute drive from Dublin. If you are relying on public transport, a guided coach tour departing from Dublin city is the most practical option. These include transport, entry fees, and sometimes additional stops like the Hill of Tara. Expect to pay around EUR 45 to EUR 80 per person.
Where to Book
Always book through official channels only. Tickets from third-party or resale sites will not be accepted.
Official ticket booking system:
brunaboinne.admit-one.eu
Heritage Ireland — visitor info, accessibility and group bookings:
heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/bru-na-boinne-visitor-centre-newgrange-knowth-and-dowth
Newgrange.com — independent visitor guide and tour info:
www.newgrange.com/visitor.htm
Discover Boyne Valley — local visitor guide with directions:
www.discoverboynevalley.ie
Group bookings (15 or more people) — contact the site directly:
brunaboinne@opw.ie
Guide produced April 2026. Prices and booking windows may change — always verify on heritageireland.ie before booking.
