Ireland’s Ancient East – Boyne Valley Day Tour by Coach

Enjoy this full day excursion to the Boyne Valley with our partner coaching partner. This tour will bring groups into the heartland of Irelands Ancient East. This is a place steeped in history from the passage tombs at Loughcrew said to be even older than that of Newgrange to the majestic River Boyne said that ebbs and flows through the valley.

We start at one of Ireland’s most sacred sites – The Hill of Tara. The High Kings took tribute from the country on this high ground; at one point it was the royal centre of Ireland. It is said that a quarter of Ireland’s landscape can be seen from this lofty hilltop. After a guided tour of Tara we visit the local café for refreshments before we head onward on our journey.

It wouldn’t be a drive through the Irish countryside without seeing lush and picturesque landscapes. The scenery is breath taking as we head to the town of Trim, home to an impressive and well preserved Anglo-Norman castle. Trim Castle is the largest castle of its type in Ireland. The movie ‘Braveheart’ was filmed in the grounds and you can see why.

After Trim we head to the centrepiece of this tour - Loughcrew is one of Irelands best kept secrets, a complex of passage tombs dating back 5500 years. Inside this passage tomb groups will marvel at the artwork carved into the stones thousands of years ago by Neolithic farmers. Groups can play historian and try to guess what these mystical symbols are. Before the group leaves they have a chance to gaze for hundreds of miles and admire the beautiful green landscape, afterwards we have the option of having lunch at a historical Café and have a guided tour through a 200 year old traditional Irish cottage.

The final site stop of the day is The ‘Hill Of Uisneach’ known as the spiritual centre of Ireland and possibly one of the most significant ancient sites in Ireland today. The point of which the five provinces of Ireland meet and where the Kings and High King could rejoice  ‘Bealtaine’, the festival of the fires which indicates the coming of Summer.

ITINERARY

08:00 hrs: Depart Dublin

09:45 hrs: Hill of Tara

11:00 hrs: Trim Castle

12:20 hrs: Loughcrew Passage Tomb

16:05 hrs: Hill of Uisneach

18:00 hrs: Arrive back in Dublin

This tour includes: English speaking driver/guide and includes a visit to Loughcrew passage tomb, Trim Castle, Fore Abbey. There will also be a visit to the “Hill of Uisneach” , an ancient site on a 182m hill, considered to be the symbolic centre of Ireland.

NOTE - The itinerary times for this package day trip will change slightly in 2020 to the below :

2020 ITINERARY timings :

08:00 hrs : Depart Dublin

08:45 hrs: Hill of Tara

10:00 hrs : Trim Castle

12:00 hrs: Loughcrew Passage Tomb

16.00 hrs Hill of Uisneach

18.15 hrs Arrive back in Dublin