# Boyne Valley Day Tours

> Private day tours from Dublin to Newgrange, the Boyne Valley and Wicklow with a professional local driver-guide. Tours are for your group only, with private transport for up to six guests.

## Private Tours

- [Private Day Tours from Dublin](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/private-day-tours.htm): Private day tours from Dublin for up to six guests. Explore Newgrange, the Boyne Valley or Wicklow with a local driver-guide and flexible pickup.
- [Wicklow Private Day Tour](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/wicklow-tour.htm): Private Wicklow day tour from Dublin to Glendalough, Powerscourt and the Wicklow Mountains with a local driver guide.
- [Dublin Cruise Shore Excursion](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/cruise-excursions.htm): Private Dublin cruise shore excursions to Newgrange, the Boyne Valley and Wicklow, with pickup at the cruise ship terminal.
- [Private Minivan Tour](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/minivan.htm): Private Mercedes V-Class minivan day tour from Dublin for families and groups of up to six.
- [Private Sedan Tour](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/limousine.htm): Private chauffeur day tour from Dublin by sedan or Mercedes MPV.

## About and Practical

- [Home](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/index.htm): Private day tours from Dublin to Newgrange, Knowth, the Hill of Tara and Wicklow.
- [About Michael Fox](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/about.htm): Meet Michael Fox, founder of Boyne Valley Tours, and the private driver guides.
- [Frequently Asked Questions](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/frequently-asked-questions.htm): Newgrange and Knowth access, pricing, Dublin pickup and how a private day is paced.
- [Accommodation](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/accommodation.htm): Boyne Valley hotels, B&Bs and cottages near Newgrange and Tara.
- [Privacy, Terms and Conditions](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/terms.htm): Privacy policy and terms and conditions for Boyne Valley Tours.

## Boyne Valley Heritage Sites

- [Newgrange](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/newgrange.htm): A 5,000 year old Neolithic monument in the Boyne Valley, older than Stonehenge and the pyramids, famous for its winter solstice alignment.
- [Knowth](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth.htm): The largest Brú na Bóinne passage tomb, with satellite tombs, east-west passages and the densest megalithic art in Europe.
- [Dowth](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/dowth.htm): One of Brú na Bóinne's three great passage tombs, with an unrestored mound, Seven Suns kerbstone art and winter solstice sunset alignment.
- [Fourknocks](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/fourknocks.htm): A quieter 5,000-year-old passage tomb near Ardcath in County Meath, with keyholder access and striking megalithic art.
- [Hill of Tara](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/hill-of-tara.htm): Ireland's ceremonial landscape of sovereignty and kingship, from the Neolithic Mound of the Hostages to the Lia Fáil.
- [Hill of Slane](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/hill-of-slane.htm): Overlooks the Boyne Valley. Fir Bolg king Sláine, Saint Patrick's Paschal fire, friary ruins and views toward Newgrange and Tara.
- [Loughcrew Cairns](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/loughcrew.htm): 5,000 year old passage tombs in County Meath.
- [Monasterboice](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/monasterboice.htm): Round tower and high crosses in County Louth.
- [Mellifont Abbey](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/mellifont-abbey.htm): Ireland's first Cistercian monastery, founded in 1142. Explore the lavabo, cloister ruins and Treaty history.
- [Bective Abbey](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/bective.htm): Ireland's second Cistercian monastery, founded in 1147 on the River Boyne near Trim.
- [Trim Castle](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/trim-castle.htm): Ireland's largest Anglo-Norman castle in County Meath.
- [Kells](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/kells.htm): A historic Boyne Valley town with high crosses, a round tower, St. Columcille's house and links to the Book of Kells.
- [Slane Castle](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/slane-castle.htm): Conyngham estate history, famous concerts and Slane Irish Whiskey Distillery.
- [Battle of the Boyne](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/battle-of-the-boyne.htm): Visit the Battle of the Boyne visitor site at Oldbridge House, with battlefield walks, exhibits and Boyne Valley views.
- [Drogheda](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/drogheda.htm): Medieval gateway to the Boyne Valley. St Laurence's Gate, Millmount, St Oliver Plunkett's shrine and nearby Newgrange.
- [Duleek](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/duleek.htm): St Mary's Abbey, high crosses, the village lime tree and wayside monuments.
- [Francis Ledwidge Museum](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/francis-ledwidge-museum.htm): Birthplace of the Poet of the Blackbird near Slane.
- [Fore Abbey](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/fore.htm): St Feichin's early monastery, Ireland's best preserved Benedictine ruins and the Seven Wonders of Fore.

## Boyne Valley Guides and Features

- [Places to Visit](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/places-to-visit.htm): Newgrange, the Hill of Tara, Trim Castle and more on a tailored private Boyne Valley day tour.
- [Discover Boyne Valley](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/discover-boyne-valley.htm): Holiday ideas across Meath and Louth: Newgrange, greenways, gardens, towns and Ireland's Ancient East highlights.
- [Boyne Valley Guide PDF](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-valley-guide.htm): Free heritage guide covering Newgrange, Knowth, Tara, Trim, Monasterboice, Mellifont, Slane and Loughcrew.
- [Ireland's Ancient East](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/irelands-ancient-east.htm): Explore Ireland's Ancient East on private day tours from Dublin.
- [Ireland's Ancient East Map](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/irelands-ancient-east-map.htm): Map and guide to Newgrange, the Boyne Valley, Glendalough, Kilkenny, Waterford and other historic places.
- [River Boyne](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-river.htm): The River Boyne runs 112 km from Trinity Well to the Irish Sea. Archaeology, mythology, the battle site, navigation and fishing.
- [Boyne Canal](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-canal.htm): The Boyne Canal and Boyne Navigation run alongside the River Boyne between Oldbridge, Slane and Navan.
- [Boyne Valley Gardens](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-valley-gardens.htm): Garden trail and walled gardens in Meath and Louth.
- [Boyne Valley Whiskey](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-valley-whiskey.htm): Whiskey tours at Slane Castle Distillery and Boann Distillery.
- [Medieval Walled Towns of Meath](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/meath-medieval-walled-towns.htm): Trim, Kells, Navan and Athboy.
- [Fionn Mac Cumhaill](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/fionn-mac-cumhaill.htm): The Salmon of Knowledge, the Fianna and legends associated with the Boyne Valley.

## Megalithic Art and Archaeology

- [Knowth Kerbstones](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstones.htm): Photo guide to Knowth's carved kerbstones: spirals, circles and serpentine motifs at Brú na Bóinne.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K38](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone38.htm): A deep left-turning double spiral, zigzag chevrons and diamond shapes carved on greywacke.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K89](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone89.htm): Ten circular designs on greywacke at Brú na Bóinne.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K91](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone91.htm): A single serpentiform motif with seventeen bends.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K92](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone92.htm): Megalithic art at Brú na Bóinne.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K93](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone93.htm): Megalithic art at Brú na Bóinne.
- [Knowth Kerbstone K94](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/knowth-kerbstone94.htm): Concentric circles, nested arcs and gapped ovoid motifs.
- [Mysterious Tombs](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/mysterious-tombs.htm): A traveler's look at Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth and other mysterious tombs of ancient Ireland.
- [Danestown Ringfort](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/danestown-ringfort.htm): A well-preserved Anglo-Norman ringwork castle earthwork beside a medieval church in County Meath.
- [Jack Stones, Greenanstown](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/jack-stones.htm): Bronze Age standing stones in County Meath, near Fourknocks.
- [Sheela-na-gig, Balgeeth](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/sheela-na-gig.htm): Medieval stone carving in County Meath.
- [Labyrinth](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/labyrinth.htm): A seven circuit classical garden labyrinth in the Boyne Valley.
- [Kildemock Jumping Church](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/kildemock-jumping-church.htm): The famous jumping wall legend near Ardee, County Louth.
- [Ardmulchan Church](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/ardmulchan.htm): Medieval ruins on the Boyne with a Norman motte and views toward Dunmoe Castle.
- [Ardbraccan Church](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/ardbraccan.htm): St Braccan and St Ultan's Well in County Meath.
- [Moylagh Castle](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/moylagh.htm): Medieval church with fortified western tower and Famine memorial near Loughcrew.
- [Nao Santa María in Drogheda](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/nao-santa-maria-drogheda.htm): The Nao Santa María replica visited Drogheda Port in July 2026.

## Winter Solstice

- [Newgrange Winter Solstice](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/winter-solstice.htm): On mornings around the winter solstice, the rising sun illuminates the passage and chamber of the 5,000-year-old passage tomb.
- [Newgrange Winter Solstice 2020](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/winter-solstice-2020.htm): Livestream images and videos of sunrise light entering the passage tomb.
- [Newgrange Winter Solstice 2016](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/winter-solstice-2016.htm): Sunrise illuminated the passage at Newgrange.
- [Newgrange Winter Solstice 2015](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/winter-solstice-2015.htm): Clear sunrise illumination photos.
- [Newgrange Winter Solstice 2014](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/winter-solstice-2014.htm): Sunrise light entered the passage and illuminated the ancient chamber.
- [Newgrange Winter Solstice 2013](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/newgrange-winter-solstice.htm): Clear skies on December 21 and 22 as sunrise illuminated the passage and chamber.
- [Dowth Winter Solstice Sunset](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/dowth-solstice-sunset.htm): Dowth's winter solstice sunset alignment lights the southern passage tomb.
- [Loughcrew Equinox Sunrise](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/loughcrew-equinox.htm): Equinox sunrise lights the 5,000-year-old passage and chamber at Cairn T.
- [Loughcrew Equinox 2014](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/loughcrew-equinox-2014.htm): March 2014 equinox sunrise alignment.
- [Loughcrew Equinox 2012](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/loughcrew-equinox-2012.htm): September 2012 equinox sunrise alignment at Cairn T.
- [Aurora Borealis over Newgrange](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/aurora-borealis.htm): Northern Lights photos over Newgrange and the Hill of Tara.

## Historical Writing

- [The Valley of the Boyne (1914)](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/boyne-valley-tour-1914.htm): Extract from Burton E. Stevenson's The Charm of Ireland: a Boyne Valley journey to the battle site, Dowth, Newgrange, Mellifont and Monasterboice.
- [New Grange and the Hill of Tara (1901)](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/newgrange-tara-1901.htm): A 1901 travel account by John L. Stoddard describing New Grange and the Hill of Tara.
- [Newgrange Folly](https://www.boynevalleydaytours.com/newgrange-folly.htm): History of the 19th-century garden building constructed with stone removed from the Neolithic passage tomb.