Newgrange is a monumental Neolithic passage tomb built around 3200 BCE, making it older than both the Great Pyramid of Giza and Stonehenge. The structure consists of a massive kidney-shaped mound measuring approximately 85 meters in diameter, constructed using thousands of tons of stone sourced from across Ireland.

A 19-meter-long stone passage leads into a central cruciform chamber with three side recesses, believed to have been used for ritual and ceremonial purposes. Above the chamber is a corbelled stone roof formed by overlapping slabs—an exceptional feat of prehistoric engineering that has remained completely watertight for over 5,000 years.

Newgrange is internationally renowned for its Winter Solstice alignment. At dawn around December 21, sunlight enters through a specially designed roof-box above the entrance, travels the full length of the passage, and illuminates the chamber floor for approximately 17 minutes. This phenomenon is widely interpreted as symbolizing rebirth, renewal, and the triumph of light over darkness.

The monument is also celebrated for its megalithic art. The entrance stone features intricate spiral carvings, including the iconic triple spiral (triskele), while the surrounding 97 kerbstones are decorated with lozenges, zig-zags, and circular motifs thought to represent solar cycles, cosmic movement, or spiritual energy. Newgrange forms the centerpiece of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Newgrange can only be visited via guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.

• By Car: Approximately 1 hour north of Dublin via the M1 motorway; parking is available at the visitor centre.

• By Public Transport: Take a train or bus from Dublin to Drogheda, then continue by taxi or organized tour to the visitor centre.

• On Site Access: Visitors must use the official shuttle bus from the visitor centre to reach the monument.

• Advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.

• Interior chamber access is limited and not included in all tour options.

• Arrive early to allow time for check-in and shuttle transfer.

• Dress warmly and prepare for wind and rain, as the site is exposed.

• Winter Solstice chamber access is allocated via an annual lottery held each September.

Admission Fee:

• Admission is paid and varies by tour type and season. Tickets must be purchased through the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, with prices subject to change.

Opening Time:

Newgrange is open daily year-round, except for brief holiday closures, with hours varying by season.

Seasonal Opening Hours (2025–2026):

• November, December, January: 09:00 – 16:15

• February, March, April: 09:30 – 16:45

• May, June, July, August: 09:00 – 17:45

• September: 09:00 – 17:15

• October: 09:00 – 16:15

Last Admission:

Final admission is typically 45–60 minutes before closing, with the last guided tour departing approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes before closing.

Holiday Closures:

• Closed on December 24, 25, 26, and 27

• Closed on January 1

Winter Solstice Period (December 19–23):

Morning tour schedules are often restricted or modified to accommodate the Winter Solstice event.