The Boyne Valley in Ireland twinned with the Boyne Valley in Michigan, USA

Experience a warm welcome as you explore the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East with Boyne Valley Tours, where the people of Michigan’s Boyne Valley will be made to feel right at home.

We offer intimate, small group private tours for up to six people, led by our founder and local expert, Michael Fox. Born in Drogheda on the banks of the Boyne River, Michael has over 20 years of experience running information websites on Newgrange and Knowth, the 5,000 year old World Heritage Sites. Join us as we explore the World Heritage sites and historical landmarks such as the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick lit the Paschal fire, and the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for Celtic Kings.

Experience a warm welcome as you explore Ireland’s Boyne Valley

Newgrange

Newgrange was built about 5,200 years ago, which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. Newgrange is a large circular mound with a stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by large stones known as kerbstones some of which are engraved with artwork.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however Newgrange is now recognized to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance. Learn More about Newgrange

Newgrange is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East

Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara in the Boyne Valley is ceremonial site associated with kingship rituals. From the time of the first Celtic influence until the Norman invasion in the 12th Century, the Hill of Tara was Ireland’s political and spiritual capital. The King of Tara represented a very old ideal of sacred kingship in Ireland, imbued with mythical aura. Many Kings of Tara were also High Kings of Ireland.

The Hill of Tara is ceremonial site associated with kingship rituals

The summit of the hill is enclosed by an Iron Age Royal Enclosure known as the Fort of the Kings. There are two interlinked earthworks within the enclosure, Cormac’s House and the Royal Seat. In the middle of the Royal Seat is a standing stone known as the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny) at which the High Kings were crowned. According to legend when the true King held the stone, it would let out a screech that could be heard all over Ireland. Learn More about the Hill of Tara

Fourknocks

Fourknocks is a passage tomb on a smaller scale to Newgrange, however it is a much more intimate site. There is no visitors center and seldom anyone else around to disturb the peaceful atmosphere. Spend as long as you want inside the chamber, studying the wonderful megalithic art or in quiet meditation. The engraving of a human face and torso on a stone in the chamber is one of the oldest anthropomorphic representations in Ireland.

Fourknocks was constructed about 5000 years ago and is contemporary to Newgrange and the other passage tombs in the Boyne Valley. It is located 16km (10 miles) southeast of Newgrange. The name Fourknocks is from the Irish Fuair Cnocs meaning Cold Hills. Learn More about Fourknocks

Michael Fox guiding at Fourknocks

Michael Fox – Boyne Valley Tour Guide