A short drive from Tower Lodge brings you to one of Ireland’s most extraordinary ancient landscapes. Brú na Bóinne is home to Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth—three great passage tombs constructed more than 5,000 years ago.
Older than both Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids, these remarkable monuments offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives, beliefs and extraordinary skills of Ireland’s earliest farming communities.
Newgrange: A Wonder of the Ancient World
Newgrange was built around 3200 BC using approximately 200,000 tonnes of stone and other materials.
The monument consists of a large circular mound surrounded by kerbstones, many of which are decorated with beautiful examples of Neolithic art. Its entrance leads through a narrow stone passage into a chamber deep within the mound.
The iconic entrance stone, carved with spirals and other intricate patterns, is one of the most recognisable pieces of prehistoric art in Ireland.
The Winter Solstice
Newgrange is best known for its connection with the winter solstice.
On mornings around the shortest day of the year, sunlight enters through a specially constructed opening known as the roof box. The light travels along the passage and briefly illuminates the chamber inside.
This remarkable alignment demonstrates the advanced understanding of astronomy and engineering possessed by the people who built Newgrange thousands of years ago.
Explore Knowth and Dowth
Newgrange is part of a much larger archaeological landscape known as Brú na Bóinne, meaning the Bend of the Boyne.
Knowth contains a large central passage tomb surrounded by smaller satellite tombs. It is particularly important for its collection of decorated stones, which represents one of the greatest concentrations of Neolithic art in Western Europe.
Dowth is another impressive passage tomb within the complex. Although access differs from Newgrange and Knowth, it remains an important part of this ancient ceremonial landscape.
Brú na Bóinne was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1993 in recognition of its outstanding historical and cultural importance. You can learn more from World Heritage Ireland.
Visiting Brú na Bóinne
All visits to Newgrange and Knowth begin at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre near Donore.
The centre includes an interactive exhibition exploring the monuments, landscape and lives of the people who built them. Visitors are then transported by shuttle bus to the archaeological sites.
Access to Newgrange and Knowth is by guided tour, and advance booking is essential. Tickets and current visitor information are available from the official Heritage Ireland website.
Allow plenty of time for your visit and wear comfortable footwear, as the experience involves walking outdoors over areas of uneven ground.
Discover the Ancient Boyne Valley
A visit to Newgrange is one of the highlights of any journey through Ireland’s Ancient East.
The surrounding Boyne Valley is filled with historic landmarks, including Monasterboice, Old Mellifont Abbey, the Hill of Slane, the Battle of the Boyne site and the Hill of Tara. Together, these sites tell a story stretching across thousands of years of Irish history.
Stay and Explore from Tower Lodge
Tower Lodge provides a peaceful countryside base for discovering Newgrange and the wider Boyne Valley.
Begin with Monasterboice, located just moments from the lodge, before travelling deeper into this remarkable historic landscape. After a day of exploring, return to the comfort and tranquillity of your own private retreat.
Whether you are fascinated by archaeology, Irish history or simply want to experience one of Ireland’s most memorable attractions, Newgrange deserves a place at the top of your itinerary.
Ready to discover Ireland’s Ancient East?
Stay at Tower Lodge and explore Newgrange, Monasterboice and the many treasures of the Boyne Valley.
