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Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

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Europe Ireland Dublin Do & See Boyne Valley

Overview

Boyne Valley

The guide was updated: 2024-09-12

Discover Ireland's Ancient East in the Boyne Valley, just 20 minutes from Dublin International airport. Tours operate frequently, and the wealth of heritage sites makes it worth the trip. The most well-known landmark is the mythical and magical Brú na Bóinne (or "Newgrange"). Every year, crowds flock to Newgrange to celebrate the Winter Solstice and its significance in ancient Pagan culture. The valley's collection of ancient tombs, towers, and runes is accompanied by numerous ancient myths and legends. As well as this, picturesque villages, majestic buildings and the famous Hill of Tara make for an exciting and diverse day out.

Useful Information

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

90-Minute Dublin Walking Tour

90-Minute Dublin Walking Tour

Get the perfect introduction to Ireland's capital city on this 90-minute walking tour. Walk through the cobbled streets of Dublin's past and present and learn about the colourful events and characters that illustrate and give spirit to its long, proud heritage–from playwrights and whiskeys to Viking invasions, wars, and world economic crises.

Guinness & Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour

Guinness & Jameson Irish Whiskey Experience Tour

Dive into the history of Ireland's two most famous drinks, beer and whiskey, and enjoy tastings of both of them on this delightful guided tour. Follow your guide through the Guinness Storehouse–Dublin's most visited attraction–and the Jameson Distillery as you learn about their complex brewing and distilling processes. Then, enjoy a fine pint of Guinness and a nice glass of Jameson before finishing your tour.

Cliffs of Moher Tour, including Wild Atlantic Way & Galway City from Dublin

Cliffs of Moher Tour, including Wild Atlantic Way & Galway City from Dublin

Towering 214 meters (702 feet) above the Atlantic Ocean at their highest point and stretching for 8 kilometres (5 miles) along the water, the majestic Cliffs of Moher define the rugged west coast of Ireland. Be sure to include this unforgettable tour on your visit, which also includes a 2-hour stop at charming Galway City.

Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

Book of Kells Tour with Dublin Castle

If you like history and discovering beautiful libraries, you're in for a treat. On this fascinating tour, you start with a visit to Dublin's Trinity College Library, home to the famous Book of Kells—the lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dating back to AD 800 and widely considered among the most important of all of Ireland's ancient treasures. Then, enjoy a guided tour around the grounds of Dublin Castle, and listen to fascinating stories of its years as a prison, military fortress, and the seat of the English Administration in Ireland.

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

Blarney Castle Day Trip from Dublin

See 3 top Ireland attractions in 1 day on this full-day trip from Dublin. Travel through the Irish countryside to visit Blarney Castle, home to the mystical Blarney Stone. Legend has it that those who kiss the stone upside down will receive "The Gift of the Gab" — the ability to speak with eloquence and fluency. Later, see Cahir Castle and the Rock of Cashel Cathedral before returning back to Dublin.

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol

Kilmainham Gaol is one of the largest unoccupied gaols in Europe. It opened in 1796 as the new county gaol for Dublin and finally shut its doors as such in 1924. Today, the building symbolises the tradition of militant and constitutional nationalism, from the rebellion of 1798 to the Irish Civil War of 1922-23. The great collection consists of a wide variety of object types, including manuscripts, photographs, newspapers, weaponry, artwork, medals, uniforms and personal effects especially related to the political imprisonment in the 1916-23 period, as well as the experience of women during the Civil War.

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Malahide Castle & Gardens

Set on 260 acres of parkland in the pretty seaside town of Malahide, this castle was both a fortress and a private home for nearly 800 years. This structure boasts an array of architectural styles, with many additions and alterations over the years culminating to form a unique, romantic, and beautiful landmark.

National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland

National Leprechaun Museum of Ireland

Discover the sounds, sights, stories, and magic of mythical Ireland, the land of the leprechaun, at this one-of-a-kind museum. This slice of magic in Dublin's city centre shares Ireland's rich storytelling and folklore tradition with audiences of all ages. Family-friendly tours take place during the day, while tellings of dark and twisted tales from mythology take place during the night.

Boyne Valley

Boyne Valley

Discover Ireland's Ancient East in the Boyne Valley, just 20 minutes from Dublin International airport. Tours operate frequently, and the wealth of heritage sites makes it worth the trip. The most well-known landmark is the mythical and magical Brú na Bóinne (or "Newgrange"). Every year, crowds flock to Newgrange to celebrate the Winter Solstice and its significance in ancient Pagan culture. The valley's collection of ancient tombs, towers, and runes is accompanied by numerous ancient myths and legends. As well as this, picturesque villages, majestic buildings and the famous Hill of Tara make for an exciting and diverse day out.

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Wicklow Mountains National Park

Retreat to the wilderness and enjoy 20,000 hectares of mountain scenery, bogland, and heath at Wicklow Mountains National Park. The largest of Ireland's six National Parks features nine way-marked walkways and is a special area of conservation, with unique biodiversity and landscapes. The most visited area is the scenic Glendalough Valley, where the ancient monastic settlement of St Kevin is located.

Howth Head Peninsula

Howth Head Peninsula

On the north side of Dublin Bay lies the mythic Howth peninsula. An exclusive neighbourhood, the island is home to a yachting harbour, artisan restaurants, and a quality farmer's market. Howth's natural beauty makes it a true gem for a wanderer looking to escape the city. The dramatic cliffs and hill walks welcome explorers. For an interesting hike, make sure to follow the "Bog of Frogs" loop! Howth Summit Viewpoint and a stroll on Claremont Beach offer breathtaking views, while Howth Castle, St Mary's Abbey, and "Ye Olde Hurdy Gurdy Radio Museum" provide a sense of the peninsula's heritage. As well as this, visitors can take the ferry to Ireland's Eye Bird Sanctuary in summer.

The Jeanie Johnston — Famine Ship

The Jeanie Johnston — Famine Ship

Step on board this life-size replica of a 19th-century ship and learn the humbling history of Ireland's famine refugees. In this dark time in Ireland's history, over 1.5 million Irish people fled to other countries on so-called "Famine Ships". Explore the cramped quarters where 250 passengers shared lodgings and meet the intriguing characters who once made this hazardous journey.

Guinness Storehouse

Guinness Storehouse

The Guinness Storehouse is Dublin's most visited attraction and the home of one of Ireland's best-known brands. Learn about the history of "the black stuff", pull your own pint, and enjoy The Gravity Bar's stunning panoramic views.

Book of Kells

Book of Kells

Located in the heart of the historic Trinity College, this lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Gospels dates back to the 9th century. A marvel of Early Christian art is housed in the 65-metre Long Room in the Old Library — an incredible sight in itself. The room with its barrel-vaulted ceiling inspired the imagery of the Jedi Archive in Star Wars Episode II.

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum

Voted as "Europe's Leading Tourist Attraction" at the 2019, 2020, and 2021 World Travel Awards, EPIC takes visitors on a journey through Irish history with a focus on emigration and the large Irish diaspora scattered across the globe. Explore the whispering library, read emigrants' letters home, and meet well-known characters from Irish history.

Dalkey Island

Dalkey Island

Find tranquillity in seclusion at this 9-hectare uninhabited island, only a 5-minute ferry journey from Coliemore Harbour in Dalkey. Holy stones are dotted around the island, and the ruins of a 7th-century church remind us that this has long been a place of pilgrimage and spirituality. The island is believed to have been inhabited in the 4th millennium BC, as well as having seen Neolithic, Viking, and Medieval settlements. Today, the island is deserted, with wild goats roaming the land. The island is also a favourite of kayakers in the Dublin region.

Little Museum of Dublin

Little Museum of Dublin

Dublin's award-winning museum shares stories of Ireland's capital city in the 20th century. The museum houses over 5,000 objects representing everyday life and culture from 1900-1999. Come and experience the warmth of a real Irish welcome in a beautiful Georgian townhouse right in the heart of the city.

Iveagh Gardens

Iveagh Gardens

Dublin's majestic Iveagh Gardens are the city's best-kept secret. Enter a floral world of rustic grottoes, twinkling fountains, and sunken lawns. The gardens were designed by Ninian Niven in 1863 and include a rustic grotto, cascades, fountains, a maze, a rosarium, archery grounds, wilderness, and woodlands.

Dublin Zoo

Dublin Zoo

Located inside the equally wonderful Phoenix Park, Dublin Zoo's spacious 28-hectare site is home to more than 400 amazing animals from around the world. Whatever time of year you find yourself in Dublin, it's always worth a visit.

Dublinia

Dublinia

Dublinia is a historical recreation museum located in the heart of the medieval city of Dublin. This experience whisks the visitor back to life in the city in Viking times. See what life was like on board a Viking warship, visit a Viking house, and take a trip down a Viking street.

National Gallery of Ireland

National Gallery of Ireland

The National Gallery of Ireland was established by an Act of Parliament in 1854. Today, the collection includes over 2,500 paintings and almost 10,000 other works of Irish and European art, including watercolours, drawings, prints, and sculptures.

Christ Church Cathedral

Christ Church Cathedral

Founded in 1028, this cathedral is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and bask in the serenity of the cathedral’s beautiful interiors. Make sure to see the fascinating medieval crypt.

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle

Dublin Castle lies in the heart of historic Dublin and was the centre of the British administration in pre-Independence Ireland. The castle houses an impressive collection of historic artefacts and frequently hosts exhibits regarding culture, politics, and history.

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

Glasnevin Cemetery Museum

The Glasnevin Cemetery Museum is a wonderful introduction to the wealth of national history. An interactive visitor attraction offers a fascinating view of Ireland's Necropolis and the many renowned figures that shaped Ireland's complex history.

National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology

National Museum of Ireland — Archaeology

The National Museum of Ireland on Kildare Street is a treasure trove of artefacts dating from as early as 7,000 B.C. Take time to visit The Treasury, which features outstanding examples of Celtic and Medieval art, such as the famous Ardagh Chalice, the Tara Brooch, and the Derrynaflan Hoard.

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Irish Museum of Modern Art

The Irish Museum of Modern Art, also known as IMMA, is Ireland's leading national institution for modern and contemporary art. Modelled on Les Invalides in Paris, the spacious museum presents over 3,500 works, largely produced after 1940 and in a diverse range of contemporary styles. It also hosts a dynamic programme of exhibitions and events, which regularly include bodies of work from its own collection.

Chester Beatty

Chester Beatty

Situated in the heart of the city centre, the Chester Beatty, formerly known as the Chester Beatty Library, is a museum and library in Dublin. It was established in 1950 to house the collections of mining magnate Sir Alfred Chester Beatty. Its rich collection of manuscripts, prints, icons, miniature paintings, early printed books, and art objects open a window to the artistic treasures of the great cultures and religions of the world.

Dublin Bay Cruises

Dublin Bay Cruises

Dublin Bay Cruises sail between Dun Laoghaire and Howth up to six times a day from March to October. Enjoy the picturesque scenery of Dublin Bay as you travel through time and discover how Dublin developed to become the capital city of Ireland.

Croke Park Skyline Tour

Croke Park Skyline Tour

Located right in the heart of the city, this thrilling rooftop walkway and its open-viewing platform offer breathtaking panoramic views of Ireland's vibrant capital from the mountains to the sea. Croke Park is culturally significant in that it is the headquarters of the GAA (Gaelic Athletic Association), and the stadium hosts hugely popular hurling and Gaelic football — the most popular sports in Ireland — matches throughout the year.

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