Boyne Valley Day Trip from Dublin
Neolithic passage tombs older than the pyramids, plus Trim Castle
A one-day drive from Dublin to Boyne Valley — 83 km round trip, about 1h 44m behind the wheel, with stops, timings and where to eat already worked out.
Neolithic passage tombs older than the pyramids, plus Trim Castle. It's a day out of Dublin: 88 km of driving in total, about 1h 45m behind the wheel, and the rest of the day on your feet.
The plan below is paced so the driving doesn't eat the day: leave after breakfast, be back for the evening. Every stop can be swapped for one of three alternatives if it isn't your kind of thing.
You cross the Boyne to stand inside a 5,000-year-old tomb by late morning and end the day looking up at Trim's Norman keep.
Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre Newgrange and Knowth · Donore
The gateway and only way to access Newgrange and Knowth — exhibits set up the 5,000-year-old passage tombs before you cross the river to see them.
💡 Book timed tickets online well ahead — walk-up access to the monuments is not possible.
Brú na Bóinne, Roughgrange, Donore
A short shuttle ride from the visitor centre across the River Boyne brings you to the mound itself.
Newgrange · Donore
One of the world's oldest human-built structures, older than the pyramids, famous for its winter solstice alignment and reconstructed white quartz facade.
💡 Shuttle bus from the visitor centre is the only way in — tours run on a schedule, don't be late.
Newgrange, Donore
Back on the shuttle from Newgrange, a few minutes further to the second great mound at Knowth.
Knowth · Drogheda
The largest passage tomb in the Boyne Valley, ringed by satellite tombs and covered in the richest collection of megalithic art in Europe.
💡 Included on the same combined ticket as Newgrange — go if your ticket covers both sites.
Knowth, Drogheda
From Knowth, a short drive brings you into Slane village for lunch around midday.
Loft Restaurant · Ashbourne
A relaxed village restaurant in Slane, the natural lunch stop as you leave the Brú na Bóinne complex.
Frederick St, Milltown Rd, Killegland, Ashbourne
Right above the village, a quick climb up from Slane after lunch.
Hill of Slane
A gentle hilltop with monastery ruins and sweeping views over the Boyne Valley, said to be where St. Patrick lit a defiant Easter fire.
💡 Free and unstaffed — an easy short walk up to the ruins, best in late afternoon light.
Slane, Hill of Slane
The route back toward Dublin passes right by Trim, so a quick stop is easy.
Trim Castle · Trim
The largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, dramatically set on the River Boyne — a worthwhile stop on the way back south, not a detour.
💡 Grounds and river walk are free to view from outside; interior tower requires a guided tour ticket.
Trim Castle, Manorland (1st Division), Trim
Nothing stops you at the road, so this is on you to settle. The M50 around Dublin has no barriers — pay online by 8pm the next day or it becomes a penalty.
Buy at www.eflow.iePrice checked 2026-07-30 — confirm on the official site.
- Book Brú na Bóinne timed tickets online in advance — it's the only way to see Newgrange or Knowth.
- Dublin's low-emission zone rules mainly affect buses/trucks — a regular car is fine returning into the city.
- Slane and Trim are small villages — park centrally and walk, no restricted zones to worry about.
- Total driving is well under the 400 km cap, leaving the whole day free for the sites themselves.
- Monasterboice+15 km
Superb high crosses and a round tower in a peaceful graveyard setting, a quieter counterpart to Brú na Bóinne.
- Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, Oldbridge+10 km
Georgian house and battlefield site of the famous 1690 battle, with river walks along the Boyne.
- Bective Abbey+8 km
Atmospheric ruined Cistercian abbey on the riverbank near Trim, free to wander and rarely crowded.
Make this trip your own
Plan your own road trip →This route was drafted with AI. Please double-check roads, opening hours and local conditions before you go.
Made with Roadanza
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Work it out for this route →Questions, answered
- Are the Cliffs of Moher really doable in a day from Dublin?
- Yes, but it is a long one: roughly three hours each way, so plan on ten to eleven hours door to door. It works best if you make the drive part of the point and add the Burren on the way back, rather than treating it as a single stop.
- Do I need to pre-book Newgrange?
- Yes. The passage tomb can only be visited on a guided tour from the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, tours sell out in summer, and you cannot drive to the monument itself: the shuttle from the centre is the only access. Book before you drive.
- What about the M50 toll?
- The eastbound and westbound toll at Junction 6–7 is barrier-free: cameras read your plate and you pay by 8pm the next day online. Hire companies charge an administration fee on top if they pay it for you, so do it yourself the evening you drive.
- Which day works best in bad weather?
- Kilkenny: the castle, the medieval mile and the brewery are all indoors or short hops. Glendalough is fine in drizzle and better without crowds, but the upper lake walk turns to mud.
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