For Christmas breaks in Ireland with a difference, the Boyne Valley lets you swap the rush of the holidays for frosty fields, ancient stones and long evenings by the fire. The week before Christmas brings the winter solstice at Newgrange, and the days around it are some of the quietest of the year at the heritage sites. Here is how to plan a festive break, with a warm base at Tower Lodge beside the Monasterboice round tower.
The winter solstice at Newgrange
On the mornings of 19 to 23 December, the rising sun shines through the roof-box at Newgrange and lights the inner chamber, just as its builders intended more than 5,000 years ago. Places inside are given by lottery, but anyone can join the crowd outside. On solstice mornings the Visitor Centre opens early, and entry to the Visitor Centre and Newgrange is free until 08:30. Our winter weekend guide has the full details, and Heritage Ireland runs the lottery.
What is open over Christmas?
- Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange): open daily from 9:00 to 16:15 in December, but closed from 24 to 27 December and on 1 January. Book tours ahead; winter tickets go on sale 7 days in advance. Check the Brú na Bóinne page before you travel.
- Monasterboice: the round tower and high crosses are open at any time, including Christmas Day. A frosty morning walk here is hard to beat.
- Trim Castle: open at weekends in winter, with grounds tours on weekdays. See our long weekend guide for details.
Shops, pubs and restaurants keep holiday hours, so check ahead for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day.
Ideas for a Boyne Valley Christmas
- A solstice sunrise. Join the gathering at Newgrange on one of the mornings from 19 to 23 December.
- A Christmas morning walk. Stroll to the round tower next door before dinner. Read our Monasterboice guide for what to look for on the crosses.
- A St Stephen’s Day outing. Blow away the cobwebs with a walk on the coast at Clogherhead or along the river at Slane.
- Festive shopping in Drogheda. Pick up last-minute gifts and food in town in the days before Christmas.
Why self-catering works at Christmas
With your own kitchen you can cook Christmas dinner your way, at your own pace, and never worry about restaurant bookings or holiday closures. Tower Lodge sleeps four in a king room and a twin room, so it suits a couple, a small family or two couples spending the holidays together.
Frequently asked questions
Is Newgrange open over Christmas?
Brú na Bóinne is open in December but closed from 24 to 27 December and on 1 January.
Can you see the solstice at Newgrange without a ticket?
You can gather outside the monument on the mornings of 19 to 23 December. Entry to the Visitor Centre and Newgrange is free until 08:30 on those mornings; only lottery winners go inside the chamber.
Is Monasterboice open on Christmas Day?
Yes. The round tower and high crosses are in an open graveyard that you can visit at any time.
