Two of the most famous and most visited tourist attractions in Ireland are Newgrange and Knowth Neolithic monuments. Known collectively under the title "Bru na Boinne" (the dwelling place of the Boyne) the sites operate under the jurisdiction of the Irish government heritage authority "Duchas". Access to either site is only through the "Bru na Boinne" Boyne Valley Visitor Centre. The Centre is 7 miles west of Drogheda, through the village of Donore, on the south bank of the River Boyne. It attracts approx. 200,000 visitors per year and it is advisable to make prior arrangements especially in the Summertime.

These New Stone Age Passage Graves are regarded as among the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe. Newgrange is dated to around 3200 BC and predates Stonehenge, Mycenae and indeed the pyramids of Egypt. The circular mound covers an area of over one acre and it is estimated that its construction contains 200,000 tons of stone and other material. The passage is 19m long leading to the inner burial chamber, which is cruciform.

Don’t be disappointed, get there early. Enjoy the wonders of Newgrange, knowth & dowth.

Mellifont
The first Cistercian monastery in Ireland founded in 1142 by St. Malachy of Armagh, its most unusual feature is the octagonal Lavabo c.1200. The Visitor Centre houses an interesting exhibition on the work of masons in the Middle Ages with fine examples of their craft on display.

Access to site by stone stairway.

Access for people with disabilities to the Visitor Centre.

Visitor Information:

Address: Tullyallen, Drogheda.
Telephone No: +353 41 982 6459; Fax : +353 41 982 6053

For bookings/enquiries from 1 November - 30 April telephone +353 41 988 0300; Fax: +353 41 982 3071

Location: 1.5km off the main Drogheda-Collon Road.