Dublin to Newgrange, Monasterboice Small Group Guided Tours
4.5
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About
Make the most of your time in Ireland on a small-group full-day tour from Dublin that features a range of historical destinations in the Boyne Valley. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed ruins of Newgrange and Knowth; a trip to the 1690 battlefield in Boyne; and the St. Bhuite monastery.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 5-99, max of 16 per group
Duration: 8h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
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Highlights
- Cover a lot of ground in one day
- Hear insightful commentary from your guide
- Skip the hassle of driving on your own on this comprehensive tour
- A small group means a personalized experience
- Transportation in small minibus
- Qualified friendly guide
- Enatrance Fee into Newgrange and Bru Na Boinne
- Entry/Admission - Newgrange
What's not included- Food and drinks
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Start:
- Molly Malone Statue, Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, IrelandPickup point is at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:00am. Please be 10 minutes early. Look for a white bus with "Hilltoptreks" written on it.
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 24779P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- In case of bad weather, rain gear is recommended
- Items to bring: camera
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 16 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 24779P3
From
S$110.68
per adult
Select date and travellers
Similar experiences
Itinerary
- Suffolk St, Dublin 2, D02 KX03, IrelandPickup point is at the Molly Malone statue on Suffolk Street at 09:00am. Please be 10 minutes early. Look for a white bus with "Hilltoptreks" written on it.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Cosmopolitan6093320 contributionsFun day trip!Great walk with our guide Gillian who knew a lot about the plants and ecology. Kevin drove us on a tour and provided some comic relief. Note that the roads can be windy, so some might have some motion sickness. Also, the lunch spot doesn’t have anything both gluten and dairy free but the shop across the street does!Written 14 September 2024
- O4655KJsusanm0 contributionsChoose This Tour Out of DublinThis tour was worth every penny and is one of my favorite memories of our trip. Matt was a fabulous guide and driver. He tailored the timing of our stops to the wants of the group. He was very professional, funny, and informative. His enthusiasm was contagious! He cared a lot about the safety of everyone in the group as we climbed over rocks and crossed narrow winding roads. I cannot recommend him or the full experience more highly. Communication from the company was excellent too! (PS To Matt's boss: He deserves a raise.)Written 13 September 2024
- tracylJ9489EZ0 contributionsDublin day trip to Wicklow mountainsThis was a great tour! Our driver Kevin was great! His stories and expert driving allowed us to sit back and relax. Such a fun day!Written 12 September 2024
- oncleiroh0 contributionsVery nice but can be improved for the hikersIt is a nice turn. The driver was nice. We were very impressed by all the explanations he gave us during the drive. It was very interesting. The only thing that disappointed us is that we don't have enough time to do the longest trail in Connemara National Park. Because we need around 2,5 hours for this trail and we have only around 2 hours before the bus living. In addition to that, we lose around 30-40 minutes of the walk in the national park because we are not dropped at the entrance of the park, and we have to reach it first. But it is an interesting trip and you have nice landscapes. Thank you again!Written 11 September 2024
- 668krystelj0 contributionsLovely tomeSuch a beautiful time and my favorite tour I took while in Ireland. There were 12 of us in a van and only 4 of us went riding. They take you through the Wicklow area on I think shire horses. They’re sweet and even the most novice rider wouldn’t have an issue. Derrick shared so much fun and interesting information through out the drive and stopped at some beautiful places. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone wanting to see the country sideWritten 8 September 2024
- DCspace0 contributionsFun Day Touring Wicklow MountainsThe entire day was a big hit. Terrific van ride and our Guide/Driver Linda made sure that everything was fun, informative and just as promised. She was great as was the 8 hour tour. Will tell many friends about Hilltoptreks.Written 6 September 2024
- ColeenB20 contributions5 Stars for Powerscourt Garden and Glendalough tourLinda was a wonderful guide! My small group day tour to Powerscourt and Glendalough was amazing! She was incredibly knowledgeable, warm and funny! The day was planned very well, with a stop for lunch in Enniskerry. While it was a bit foggy way up in the mountain top of the Wicklow mountains, there were incredible views over the blooming purple heather and glacial lakes. I highly recommend spending the day in this incredible area, with Hilltop Treks.Written 2 September 2024
- Alena520 contributions100% recommendedIt was an incredible tour with an amazing guide (Kevin) who told us interesting facts and stories and beautiful scenery. The horseback riding (1.5h) was really fun as well and the guides really made sure that one felt taken care of.Written 25 August 2024
- B8834LEkellyw0 contributionsWonders of WicklowAn amazing day. We were pleasantly surprised with the charm and beauty of the Wicklow area. Wicklow Mountain National Park, The Sally Gap, Lough Tay, the Guinness Lake Glendalough and its 6th-century monastic site. Kevin our guide was great!!Written 23 August 2024
- elliemB6357QU0 contributionsBeautiful tour and great staffAn absolutely amazing tour! The views were spectacular. Kevin, our driver, was extremely friendly and knowledgeable!Written 13 August 2024
- H1027GNmaryr0 contributionsWicklow Viking tour notGillian was great & informative. However I booked this to see Viking filming locations. A bit disappointed Gillian had no clue.Written 13 August 2024
- Tom A0 contributionsBe careful when choosing a guided tour.First I’d like to explain that Kevin gets 5 stars for his job as driver/guide. He ticked all the boxes as far as driving safely, explain sites and answer questions. My issue is the website should explain a little more thoroughly that if you chose a guided tour, that means you won’t be able to see the house or gardens. Maybe I didn’t read thoroughly but I had hoped a guided tour meant of the house and gardens themselves. We were surprised that means you actually miss the house and garden portion of the tour. Also to someone in only fair physical condition the hike is slightly strenuous. I don’t think we were tricked or anything, but am more disappointed that this isn’t explained more thoroughly while choosing this option.Written 13 August 2024
- 753carlm0 contributionsGreat day out from DublinGreat day at Powerscourt and the Wicklow Mountains. Kevin was a terrific guide. He gave great insights to wildlife at Glendalough.Written 11 August 2024
- jenniferbW6198VV0 contributionsIncredible timeThis was an incredible tour. Linda was fun and knowledgeable. She stopped as we requested and also wherever she thought we would enjoy a picture or small walk. We had a wonderful dinner and cider at a pub where she made up recommendations.Written 1 August 2024
- Frankofile0 contributionsThe sights of Southern IrelandMy husband and I spent a seven night trip with our guide Hugh and others from an Australian walking group travelling from and returning to Dublin incorporating five walks of varying difficulty. The daily walks were tailored to the varying abilities in the group and lunches pre-arranged. Accomodation and meals were adequate to excellent without a large amount of travel involved and the following sights visited:Dingle coastal walk, Mountain Brandon, Lakes of Killarney, Gap of Dunloe, Cliffs of Moher. Nothing was too much trouble for the knowledgeable Hugh in who I had plenty of confidence. I can recommend this company who would quickly look after any issues.Written 30 July 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
132 reviews
Excellent
95
Very good
21
Average
10
Poor
2
Terrible
4
Cheryl
Horseshoe Bend, ID8 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We were supposed to go to Knowth, New Grange, Slane Village and Castle and the village and castle of Trim. We were supposed to stop for lunch in Slane Village at one of Irelands most snug cultured pubs and cafes.
We did go to Knowth and New Grange, but not the last 2. Instead we were dropped at a rather boring tiny museum where we had to pay $5.00 if we wanted to go in. Not much to see. The lunch was not snug or cultured, but rather a simple buffet cafe with not enough inside tables for the group. It was too hot to sit outside. From there we made a 15 minute stop at a cemetery and abbey.
Our bus was so tiny we had to walk sideways down the aisle and there was no air conditioning. We were melting.
Knowth and New Grange were great but I don't know why we weren't taken to the other 2 places but instead were substituted for boring places. I have reached out for a refund but haven't had a response yet.
We did go to Knowth and New Grange, but not the last 2. Instead we were dropped at a rather boring tiny museum where we had to pay $5.00 if we wanted to go in. Not much to see. The lunch was not snug or cultured, but rather a simple buffet cafe with not enough inside tables for the group. It was too hot to sit outside. From there we made a 15 minute stop at a cemetery and abbey.
Our bus was so tiny we had to walk sideways down the aisle and there was no air conditioning. We were melting.
Knowth and New Grange were great but I don't know why we weren't taken to the other 2 places but instead were substituted for boring places. I have reached out for a refund but haven't had a response yet.
Written 10 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This tour Itinerary was changed in March 23 due to the extended visit in Newgrange. We updated all our platforms about this and emailed everyone who had already booked. I'm sorry that you were not aware of these changes.
Written 30 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Gabriela Z
Manresa, Spain10 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
The trip is fine, however, in the title it states "Hill of Tara" which we have not seen. In fact, I have asked the guide, Jill, about that and she said that it is too far away and there is no time for that. Also, the stop at the restaurant in the middle of nowehere is terrible, you are forced to spend money there and eat there.
A part from that, the trip was nice, she explained everything very well and Newgrange is fantastic.
A part from that, the trip was nice, she explained everything very well and Newgrange is fantastic.
Written 5 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have to change the Itinerary of this since March 23 due to the extended visit of Newgrange and Knowth. You must have booked this months ago. I did try contact everyone about the change.
Written 7 November 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hutch
Denver, CO40 contributions
Jan 2020
What a great trip! Got outside of Dublin and saw some amazing things that I never would have seen on my own. Johnny (the tour guide/driver) was great and very flexible based on what we wanted to see and how long we wanted to spend at each location. Definitely saw plenty that made the time spent in the bus completely worth it (some day tours you just spend all the time driving, not this one!) So glad I ended up booking this last minute.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi
I'm delighted that you enjoyed our tour with Johnny and thank you got the 5 star review
Written 4 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Judy K
Thousand Oaks, CA38 contributions
Jul 2023 • Couples
Jillian was an outstanding tour guide and an excellent driver from Dublin to New Grange with a few other memorable stops. She is so knowledgeable about the history of everything we saw and added dimensions with all the background info she shared. Her love of Ireland came through during the day and her passion for sharing what she knew and experienced growing up in Ireland made the day so memorable.
We highly recommend you take her tour with Hilltop Treks.
We highly recommend you take her tour with Hilltop Treks.
Written 1 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much Daphne for your excellent review and I'll pass along your kind words to Gillian.
Written 2 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jake L
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Family
We really enjoyed our adventure with HilltopTreks. The driver and tour guide, John, was fabulous. He was able to get us in to see New Grange early and we didn't hit any snags there. I guess it can be a problem sometimes. Along the way towards lunch time we stopped at a little spot that served us delicious soup and sandwiches. This was amazing, as it was cold outside and actually started snowing while we ate.
Not to mention the wonderful places we got to see and enjoy with my family.
Love this company and our driver John. Will be happy to recommend to anyone.
Not to mention the wonderful places we got to see and enjoy with my family.
Love this company and our driver John. Will be happy to recommend to anyone.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for taking the time to leave such an excellent and I'm delighted that you enjoyed your tour with our guide John.
Written 22 February 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Monique B
Baltimore, MD16 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Newgrange and Knowth are definitively worth seeing. The local guides were very informative. Unfortunately, our driver/guide was not very talkative and we learned little from him. I would recommend this tour to anyone interested in ancient history.
Written 9 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the very positive review.
Written 10 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
jsilverman83
Oakland, CA409 contributions
Aug 2024 • Solo
The tour had 24 people on it, despite the website saying there would only be 16 max. The coach was small, but comfortable with USB chargers (but no wifi). The guide, Matt, was awesome -- super nice & entertaining & informative.
We spent almost the entire time at Brú na Bóinne and while there we did the tours of Knowth and Newgrange, plus had time for lunch and shopping in the gift shop, as well as looking at this little displays/museum in the visitor center. The 2 sites were amazing and super interesting, lunch was fine, and the displays were pretty meh.
We also stopped at Monasterboice and Mainistir Bhuithe which were cool old sites as well.
We spent almost the entire time at Brú na Bóinne and while there we did the tours of Knowth and Newgrange, plus had time for lunch and shopping in the gift shop, as well as looking at this little displays/museum in the visitor center. The 2 sites were amazing and super interesting, lunch was fine, and the displays were pretty meh.
We also stopped at Monasterboice and Mainistir Bhuithe which were cool old sites as well.
Written 15 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your very positive feedback.
Written 16 August 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Thomas M
4 contributions
May 2024 • Solo
Matt was a great guide to lead us through these ancient sites. Not only were the sites that we saw incredible, but Matt shared a lot of information about Ireland’s history to help put everything we saw into context. I learned a lot about thousands of years of Irish history on this tour. A highlight of the day for me was going inside Newgrange and seeing what the inside of the structures looked like, and learning about how it’s constructed around the winter solstice. Great day altogether, and I’d recommend this trip.
Written 3 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the excellent review.
Written 14 May 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ian W
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The Boyne Valley tour to see Newgrange was fantastic. Gillian the guide was so knowledgable and really knew the history. She was also funny and very pleasant to be with. These historic monuments are so amazing and interesting. We had time to walk around with the monument guides & learn more information about Knowth & Newgrange. Then we went to the historic home for lunch at 2.00 which was a bit late. The walled gardens were lovely but you had to pay to get into the house which if you're not interested in battleground history is pointless. The break here seemed a little too long but the next drive through the beautiful countryside was relaxing and the Abbey ruins and Celtic cross were well worth the wait. Small bus so only about 14 people so that's great and Gillian is a fantastic guide. Well worth the cost and time. Highly recommend it.
Written 20 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the excellent and detailed review.
Written 21 June 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Theresa D
Portland, OR3 contributions
Apr 2023
My husband and I took this tour in April 2023 and enjoyed it immensely. We were driven in a van with about 12-14 people from Dublin out to Newgrange. The driver was friendly and shared a few insights long the way (though it wasn't actually his job to be a guide). We arrived at the visitor's center and had a bit of time to look around--probably could have used a bit more, as it was nicely done and there was plenty to learn there. But then we needed to walk a little to meet a different driver to visit the first site (Knowth). Our guide there was deeply knowledgeable and very engaging as he described the site and what it all meant. The same thing occurred when we moved on to the second site (Newgrange) with a different guide. Though I have visited Neolithic sites before, this is the first time I got a sense of the humans who built them as intelligent people functioning at a high level with a low level of technology. Fascinating experience, highly recommended.
Written 21 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you very much for the excellent review
Written 22 May 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
how long is the tour from start to finish? And does it generally run on time?
Written 16 November 2022
Is there a tour of Newgrange that is a half day? We are available only in the afternoon.
Written 18 June 2022
Is this tour running in June 2022? It says that Newgrange is closed due to Covid but it is open according to it's own site! How can I book a seat?
Written 26 April 2022
Hi--you are posting this, yet it is not possible to book thru the system. Is it possible that these tours are not running?
Written 5 April 2022
Damien P
Fairfax, Virginia
For the locations where admission is not included should we order the tickets online now or wait till the day of and get them through you or at the location? Thank you.
Written 3 March 2020
Newgrange is the only site that you are required to pay and you get the ticket upon arrival with the tour no need to buy the ticket online beforehand. but please remember also to enter the grounds of Trim castle to walk around it and stand beside it is totally free but to enter the castle keep is 2 euro which for the price a roughly 40-minute tour is provided ( great value ) in my opinion but just check with your driver the tour bus driver allowed us 45 minutes at trim castle plenty of time for photographs but it cuts it short time-wise if you take the guided tour of Trim Castle
Written 3 March 2020
andreatavi
Zaragoza, Spain
Buenas noches, este recorrido se realiza en español??
Written 27 December 2019
Hello, this day tour says "Newgrange is one of Ireland’s most impressive ancient monuments in Ireland and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, We do try to get you into this site." Do all of the day tours always include actually going into the site or are there times when the tour does not include going into the site? I wanted clarification for going versus "trying"? Thanks, this was not clear. We are looking at the 10/10/19 tour.
Written 27 August 2019
The Newgrange site was a feature of our tour. The rain was pouring! My husband was unable to do the hike to the top because of steep, slippery climb. I wish I had taken hiking boots. I just looked at the online pictures. The site does not look that well kept.
Written 28 August 2019
I looked at the website on Newgrange and it looks like it is doing major renovation. Are you able to go inside the newgrange during construction?
Written 12 April 2019
The visitor center is closed, but you can definitely go into the monument with the same guided tour as usual. They also have quite nice toilet facilities and tea and coffee set up at the carpark. Worth going.
Written 8 July 2019
Does the tour include entrance into newgrange tombs? Doesn’t sound like it
SLANE castle is this a tour of the inside or just outside
Written 1 July 2018
We did get into Newgrange, but not to Slane castle . Newgrange took up too much time.
Written 2 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.