Boyne Valley

Areas / The Boyne Valley & Ardee

The Boyne Valley & Ardee

The Boyne Valley stretches west from the Louth coastline through some of Ireland's oldest history — Newgrange, the Hill of Slane, the Battle of the Boyne site — before settling into the quiet farmland around Ardee. It's not a place that shouts. Stone walls, open fields, cattle at dusk, and a proper break waiting at the end of the drive.

Getting here

From Dublin — Ardee is about an hour by car, Drogheda and the Boyne Valley sites closer to 45 minutes via the M1. Drogheda also has a direct train from Dublin Connolly in around 35 to 40 minutes.

From Belfast — About 1 hour 20 minutes to Drogheda by car via the A1/M1, with Ardee a further 20 minutes inland. The Dublin-Belfast Enterprise train also stops at Drogheda if you'd rather not drive the whole way.

A few things worth knowing

Grouped the way we'd tell a friend, not the way a brochure would.

The entrance to Newgrange passage tomb, Brú na Bóinne

Newgrange & Brú na Bóinne

Ireland's most famous passage tomb, older than the pyramids, a short drive from Ardee.

Ruins on the Hill of Slane

Hill of Slane

A steep climb to the site of St Patrick's paschal fire, with views across the whole valley.

Market Street in Ardee, Co. Louth

Ardee town

Independent shops, a Tuesday market, and some of the best pubs in Louth.

Stay here

Rathescar Grove

Ardee, Co. Louth

Rathescar Grove Guest House

Sleeps 10

A comfortable, welcoming guest house just outside Ardee — your base for exploring the Boyne Valley and beyond.

A few questions people ask

Is Newgrange worth visiting?
Yes. Newgrange is a Neolithic passage tomb built around 3200 BCE, predating Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza, and is part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Do you need to book Newgrange tickets in advance?
Yes. Newgrange can only be visited by booking online through the official Brú na Bóinne visitor centre — tickets aren't sold on arrival, and slots sell out, especially April to October.
How far in advance can you book Newgrange?
Booking opens 30 days ahead April–October, and 7 days ahead November–March.
How long does a Newgrange tour take?
The standard tour (visitor centre exhibition plus Newgrange and Knowth) takes about 3 hours, March to early November. The winter Newgrange-only tour takes about 2 hours.
Can you drive to Newgrange?
No — visitors park at the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre in Donore and reach the monument by shuttle bus only; private cars aren't permitted at the site.
How far is Newgrange from Ardee?
Roughly 30-40 minutes' drive.
Is the Boyne Valley area good for a family trip with kids?
Yes — Funtasia in Drogheda and Emerald Park near Ashbourne are both within about 40 minutes, and cover indoor and outdoor options depending on the weather.

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