Before I arrived in Dublin several family members, including those in Ireland, encouraged me to visit Newgrange. I knew very little about this Megalithic Burial site and didn’t think I’d have time in my schedule. I was wrong. I only had a few days to explore Dublin, but considering much of the city is within one-hour walking distance, I covered a lot of ground each day. I am happy I squeezed in the half-day trip to Newgrange. I soon discovered Dublin is a great starting point for several scenic adventures.
Newgrange/Knowth/Dowth
Less than an hour drive from Dublin, in County Meath, lies the Boyne Valley (Brú na Bóinne). In the Boyne Valley you’ll discover the fascinating Megalithic Burial Mounds of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. Newgrange is the oldest, built around 3200 BC. A narrow inner passage leads to a small burial chamber. The structure is quite remarkable, built over 5000 years ago, the roof has never leaked. Knowth was built shortly after Newgrange and offers two passages ending with burial chambers. Access to these World Heritage sites is by guided tour. The burial mounds at Dowth are not part of the tour, but can be reached through a short drive or walk. It is estimated that a work force of 300 would have taken 200 years to build these mounds.
You can book tours on the Newgrange website, with Mary Gibbons Tours or take a shuttle bus with Over the Top Tours. Newgrange is open year-round with its biggest day being December 21st, the Winter solstice. On that day, the artificial lights in Newgrange will turn off as the natural sunlight (if it’s sunny) shines directly through a window over the front entrance, and into the burial chamber, lighting up the entire chamber for one hour. Visitors enter a lottery to witness this natural phenomena, which takes place at 9am.
Wicklow Mountains/ Glendalough
If you’re looking for an adventure, consider a day trip to the Wicklow Mountains and Glendalough. Wicklow is often considered the “Garden of Ireland.” The areas are most popular for the Sally Gap, Glenmacnass Waterfall, and filming locations of Braveheart, PS I Love You, and Excalibur. You’ll also see Trim Castle, the Hill of Tara, and Man of War Pub, one of Ireland’s oldest pubs where you can pull your own pint and see how Irish coffee is made. You can book a tour through Discover Wicklow or Over the Top Tours.
Cliffs of Moher
Located along the west coast of Ireland, the Cliffs of Moher overlook the Atlantic Ocean. The Cliffs offer some of the most incredible views in Ireland. Although not a quick trip by any means from Dublin, the Cliffs of Moher are worth the day trip. Depending on whether you drive alone or take a tour (recommended), the drive is about 3 hours each way. Paddywaggon Tours will take you to Limerick, the Cliffs, Doolin Village (traditional music capital), and Bunratty Castle. You can also check out Viator Tours or Cliffs of Moher Tours.