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Tour 3. Newgrange Passage Tomb - Monasterboice - Man O War pub

 

 

 

NEWGRANGE is the best-known Irish Passage tomb; constructed 3200 BC it is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, the most impressive of which is the highly decorated entrance stone.

 

This area is one of the Worlds most important archeological landscapes. The spectacular prehistoric passage tombs at Newgrange dominate the area.

“At 8.58am, the pencil of direct sunlight shone through the roof-box and along the passage floor to reach across the tomb chamber floor as far as the edge of the basin stone in the end recess”

This is the moment witnessed by Professor M.J.O’Kelly on 21st December 1969. (The Winter solstice)

 

What’s included on this Newgrange Day Tour from Dublin?

 

For All The Details See Below

 

Bru Na Boinne is located North of Dublin about 8km from Drogheda.  It is an area where the river Boyne meanders towards the east coast. Located on high ground above a dramatic bend in the river, it is known as “the palace or mansion of the Boyne.”

 

Your guide will orientate the visitor within the ancient landscape. Before going inside the 5000-year-old passage chamber, the significance of the famous entrance stone as well as the roof box are described. Inside the passage tomb, the winter solstice phenomenon is explained as well as the ancient burial ritual.

In recognition of the international importance of these monuments and the numerous archeological features in the area, the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Bru Na Boinne area a World Heritage Site.

 

The BOYNE VALLEY

County Meath; the River Boyne, which flows in a broad curve, this was the scene for perhaps one of the most famous battles in Irish history. On 1st of July 1690, at the bend of the river in Oldbridge, King William was watching the Catholic army of King James when a cannonball grazed his shoulder. His refusal to leave the battlefield inspired his troops and he sent in the Dutch Dragoons, which were seen as the special forces of the 17th century, into the river against Sir Neil O’Neill’s foot regiment.   

 

During a furious firefight O’Neill was mortally wounded, and within hours ten thousand of Williams men had crossed the river. The Irish fought well however their cavalry was overwhelmed, which resulted in the defeat of the Catholic King James; the Battle of the Boyne led to establishment of the Protestant Ascendancy, which would last until catholic Emancipation and the land acts of the 19th century.

 

During your day tour from Dublin we will travel through the Boyne Valley, visiting Newgrange which is the most important ritual site in all of Ireland, its passage tombs constructed 3200 BC, that’s older than Stone Henge, and 1000 years older than the pyramids in Egypt. You will also visit Irelands most spectacular High Crosses at Monasterboice a monastic settlement that dates back to 5th century.

 

MONASTERBOICE founded by St. Buithe, a follower of St. Patrick, in the late 5th century AD. There is evidence that the site had pre-Christian sacred significance as well.

The settlement was captured by invading Vikings in 968 AD, who were then comprehensively expelled by Donal, the Irish high king of Tara. St Buithe's Monastery was an important center of spirituality and scholarship until the Cistercians arrived at Mellifont Abbey in 1142, after which Monasterboice declined. Monasterboice has the most spectacular High Crosses in all of Ireland.

 

MAN O WAR PUB: established in 1595 is one of Irelands oldest surviving pubs; it is famed for its warm friendly welcome situated on a hill on original Dublin to Belfast Road. In 1732 an Act of Parliament established the tolled Coach Road called the Dublin to Dunleer Turnpike (1732—1855) and this turnpike (toll booth) was situated at the Man O’War Pub. Weary travellers stopped at the Man O’War for refreshments, as it was halfway along the turnpike route. Wolfe Tone had his breakfast here in July 1792. Other famous visitors include Dr. John Gamble and Austin Cooper who both wrote about their stay at the Man O’War. Various highwaymen plied their trade along the route, the most famous of these being “Collier the Highway man” (1780—1849).

 

The origin of the name “Man O’War” is the subject of much speculation. Its location on a hill (mean bharr) or “middle height” is an obvious answer, but more romantic views have been put forward. The area was once covered by trees, which were felled and used to construct British Man O’War ships. However, the most popular story concerns the “Turks Head” a massive wooden carving depicting a Turks Head, which for ages adorned the pillar outside the pub. This unusual figurine, which came from a shipwrecked Man O’War ship, may have lent its name to the area. Ah sure after a couple of pints of Guinness sure you may be able to come up with a story or two yourself!

 

Newgrange Day Tour Schedule

April – October   (Mon * Tues * Wed * Thur * Fri)                                       

November – March   (Saturday & Sunday) ONLY

 

Departs                                                                                                           

0820 am  14 Upper O Connell Street (Dublin Tourist Office)                          

0830 am   Suffolk Street Tourist Office (Old church)                                       

 

Returns   Trinity College 1600 approx.                                                       

 

Groups coming to Dublin we can provide all of your transfer & Tour requirements?

From private day tours and airport bus transfers for groups let us provide your group or school with a competitive

Quotation. Please contact one of our company representatives by e-mail today info@daytoursunplugged.ie

 

Travel in style & comfort on our LUXURY Air-conditioned tour vehicles. Explore 1/3 of Western Europe's Megalithic Art at NEWGRANGE passage tomb plus Discover Monasterboice and one of Irelands best kept secrets The Man O War pub plus lots more!

 

PLEASE NOTE - WE CAN ARRANGE PRIVATE TOURS AT NEWGRANGE FOR LARGER GROUP SIZES

 

Booking Form - Tour 3

Adults Only €35.00   Students €33.00