Celtic Boyne Valley Tour – Ireland’s Ancient East

The Celtic and Boyne Valley Tour meeting location is at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street beside St. Andrews Street Post Office(location map is linked on the booking page), you will be greeted by a member of staff who will bring you to the bus.

The tour departs at 08:00 am sharp.

(Please Arrive 15 minutes before Departure time)

Next stop, Loughcrew Megalithic Cairns. From the bus you have an uphill walk to the top of Slieve na Galliagh, the Mountain of the Hag. .

The hill tops are crowned with the remains of a complex of chambered cairns. Here your guide walks you through the cairns dating back to 3,500 BC. Many of the stones within the chambers are carved with ancient engravings which most likely preceded the monumental carved stones of Newgrange in the Boyne Valley. Though many monuments have been destroyed, it remains an awe-inspiring place of breath-taking beauty, a tribute to neolithic vision.

While you are at the highest point in Co. Meath, affording spectacular views. Sit in the Hags chair and hear fantastic historical and mythical legends surrounding this area. It is a truly impressive site and a unique experience

Trim Castle is the largest, best-preserved & most impressive Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland. Trim gets its name from the Irish Baile Átha Troim, meaning ‘Town of the Ford of the Elder Trees'. Trim Castle was built in 1172, shortly after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland. King Henry II granted his baron Hugh de Lacy the Kingdom of Meath, along with custody of Dublin. The King feared that another of his barons Richard de Clare (also known as Strongbow) might set up a rival Anglo-Norman kingdom in Ireland and gave de Lacy Meath as a counterbalance to Strongbow's powerbase in the south of Leinster.

A beautiful castle, you might recognise some of it from the big screen when it became the City of York in Mel Gibsons, blockbuster movie Braveheart.

The Hill of Tara is the jewel in the crown of the Boyne Valley landscape. A site that has been in use for more than 5000 years as a place of burial and assembly, it grew to fame as the legendary inauguration site of the ancient High Kings of Ireland. From its rolling slopes one can see all the way to the other great sites of the Boyne Valley, including Loughcrew Cairns, the Hill of Slane, Trim Castle and beyond. In later centuries it remained the focus of Gaelic identity and remains to this day the beating heart of Ireland.

Next stop will be the Monasterboice Monastery, located in County Louth, Ireland. It is a historic site renowned for its remarkable collection of Celtic high crosses and ancient ruins.

It dates back to the 5th century, this monastery stands as a testament to Ireland's early Christian heritage. Visitors can marvel at the intricately carved high crosses, notable for their detailed biblical scenes and intricate designs. The site also features the remnants of a round tower and an ancient church, offering a glimpse into the monastery's rich history and spiritual significance.

The Final stop before heading back to Dublin is Father Connolly Way, situated in Drogheda. Father Connolly Way honors the legacy of Father Michael Connolly, a beloved figure in the local community.

This picturesque road serves as a vibrant hub, lined with charming shops, cafes, and historical landmarks. Named after the esteemed priest known for his tireless advocacy for social justice and community welfare, the street embodies his spirit of compassion and solidarity.

Visitors can stroll along the tree-lined avenue, admiring its architectural beauty and vibrant atmosphere. Father Connolly Way stands as a tribute to his enduring impact, fostering a sense of unity and goodwill among residents and visitors alike.

I hope you enjoyed the Celtic and Boyne valley tour, please feel free to leave your driver guide a review.

Or why not book another tour with Irish Day tours, City Sightseeing or the Irish Whiskey Museum. You can do this via the QR code or in our Tourism office on College Green, opposite the entrance to Trinity College.

*All times are approximate and subject to change based on traffic conditions.