Newgrange Things to Know:  You'll be Astounded by an Incredible Ancient Tomb

The next stop on our virtual tour is Newgrange Things to Know.  Newgrange passage tomb is a prehistoric monument in Ireland that is older than even Stonehenge or the pyramids of Egypt.  Its circular mound has a retaining wall at the front and is ringed by massive stones. 

Underneath the mound, there are many chambers, tombs and passageways. The monument is roughly 5,000 years old, and it plays a significant role in Irish legend and folklore. 

To get there, head to County Meath in Ireland. Newgrange passage tomb is part of the Brú Na Bóinne Archaeological Park. If you're coming by car from Dublin, it's less than an hour's drive along the M1.

You can also head to the nearest town of Drogheda by taking a bus or train from Dublin. The No.163 bus can also take you from the center of Drogheda right to the archaeological sites of Brú Na Bóinne.

Newgrange Things to Know:  The Basics

Here are some fun facts about this amazing Irish landmark.  Hopefully they will entice you to pay a visit in person!

But if that is not possible, you can always use them to impress your friends with your knowledge of one of the most-visited attractions in Ireland.

• For centuries, Newgrange was relatively unknown, even to locals. At the end of the 17th century, it was rediscovered by an area landowner named Charles Campbell, whose laborers found the entrance to the tomb.

• Irish legend says that the structure was a dwelling for the gods. In particular, the monument was said to house The Dagda and his son named Aengus. 

• You might visit the tomb for the history and archaeology, but it's also a fantastic window into ancient art. The monument boasts 10 different styles of Neolithic art, and you can see them all on your visit.

• The busiest time of year to visit is sunrise on the winter solstice. Newgrange was designed so that on this one day a year, the rising sun perfectly aligns with the stones and the monument.

• Exterior access on the winter solstice is available to everyone, but only a select few will be able to see the chamber. If you have your heart set on the experience, enter the annual winter solstice lottery for a chance to be there in person.

• Newgrange was built with a staggering 200,000 tons of material. If it were to be built today, it would take more than 300 employees over 30 years to finish construction.

• Admission to the monument includes entry to the Visitor Centre. In addition to great exhibitions and amenities, this is the only place where you can begin your guided tour. 

• The Visitor Centre is home to a number of artifacts that came directly from the monument's tombs and chambers. Look for gold jewelry, stone marbles and lots of pendants and beads. There is also a collection of Roman coins that postdate construction, and there is still confusion over how they ever arrived at the monument at all.

• Only 700 people each day can actually enter the chambers and see inside the monument. If you want to do this, make sure you arrive early and sign up for a guided tour right away. No self-guided tours are allowed, and you can only visit the interior with a tour guide.

• There are two other archeological landmarks within the Brú Na Bóinne Archaeological Park: Knowth and Dowth. Dowth has limited access, but there is no separate admission fee and it is well worth a stop if you're already in the area.

For more information, you can visit the official website here.

Newgrange Things to Know:  Pro Tips

Here is a bit more from somebody who has 'been there' - many times.  Newgrange is not the easiest attraction to visit in Ireland.  If you want to see the passage tomb itself, you must register and join a guided tour.  The tours typically fill up well in advance, so plan ahead!

That said, persistence sometimes pays off.  When I last visited Newgrange I was able to call last minute - they had had a recent cancelation due to weather and the were able to fit me in, along with my awestruck teenage son!

Once you have crossed all the logistical hurdles and actually arrived at the site, you will realize - it was all worth it.  The grounds around the welcome center are beautifully maintained, lovely and serene. 

The visitor center itself is fascinating, full of amazing exhibits and countless Newgrange things to know. I would almost say it is worth the trip all by itself!  Almost :-)  But not quite.  Because the true marvel lies at the end of a short bus ride into the quintessentially Irish countryside.

There you will listen to astonishing stories of ancient ingenuity and creativity.  You will see decorative carvings made by human hands long before Stonehenge or the Pyramids.  And yes, you will get to enter the Passage Tomb itself. 

Now, fair warning, this is not an experience for a claustrophobic person.  Imagine walking single file with 5 humans in front of you and 5 more behind you and rock walls brushing your shoulders on either side. If you enjoy spelunking, you'll be fine.  If not, you should leave this part of the trip the members of your party who do!

If that sounds a little bit daunting, just keep in mind:  the passage widens at the end.  There you will stand with your group in a circular chamber, where every year during the winter solstice a beam of sunlight travels 60 feet down the passage you just walked through and lights up the wall in front of you.

Wait, what?

Apparently these guys knew what they were doing. 

Just google 'Newgrange, winter solstice' if you would like more information on the many explanations, stories and legends that exist out there about Newgrange passage tomb.

Want More Irish Landmarks?

Taking a virtual tour of beautiful Irish landmarks is one of our favorite ways to enjoy an Irish experience, wherever in the world we happen to be!   

The popularity of Irish sights is the reason why one of our most popular ebooks is called  "Favorite Sights to See in Ireland."

That book is just one chapter in a downloadable, share-able collection of Irish games, puzzles, recipes, songbooks, quizzes, travel guides and more - that we have collected for you over the years.

Want them right now?  Keep reading to learn about "Your Irish Expressions Playbook."

More Fun With Irish Expressions:
Your Irish Expressions Playbook

Congratulations on learning more about the Emerald Isle and discovering what we like to call your "Irish Side."  You may be thinking "I'd love to actually VISIT Ireland but that's really not in the cards right now.  What am I supposed to do with the stuff I just learned?"

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