Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange
Five thousand years of Irish history within an hour of Dublin: the hill of the High Kings, a Norman castle, Newgrange and a carved high cross.
- Distance
- 114 km (71 mi)
- Driving
- 1 h 35 min
- Suggested days
- 2
- Stops
- 8
- Countries
- Ireland
- Updated
- June 23, 2026
At a glance: 2-day road trip of about 114 km (71 mi) with 8 stops, from Dublin to Monasterboice. About 1 h 35 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Ireland · More road trips from Dublin
Route description
Leave Dublin on the N3 to the Hill of Tara, where the High Kings of Ireland were crowned. Little stands above ground, but the earthworks and the view over the plains of Meath explain its importance.
Continue to Trim, where the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland stands beside the river Boyne. Follow the river downstream on the N51 through Navan to Slane; climb the Hill of Slane, where St Patrick is said to have lit his Easter fire.
Newgrange and Knowth are visited only on guided tours from the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, reached by shuttle bus. Arrive early in summer as tours sell out; the tombs are older than Stonehenge and the pyramids of Giza.
Drogheda has a medieval gate and a church with the relics of St Oliver Plunkett; the site of the Battle of the Boyne is at Oldbridge, just west of town. End at Monasterboice, where Muiredach’s High Cross stands among the graves beside a round tower.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Dublin
Ireland - 243 km
Hill of Tara
HistoryNavan, IrelandThe ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland, a grassy hill of earthworks with the standing stone of the Lia Fáil and views over the plains of Meath.
- 315 km
Trim
Ireland - 40 km
Trim Castle
HistoryTrim, IrelandThe largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, a massive keep inside curtain walls on the river Boyne.
- 529 km
Slane
Ireland - 66 km
Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne)
HistoryDonore, IrelandA passage tomb built around 3200 BC, older than Stonehenge, whose chamber is lit by the rising sun at the winter solstice. Visits start at the Brú na Bóinne visitor centre, by shuttle bus only.
- 710 km
Drogheda
Ireland - 810 km
Monasterboice
HistoryDunleer, IrelandA small monastic site with a round tower and Muiredach’s High Cross, one of the finest carved crosses in Ireland. Free to visit.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
2 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Dublin → Trim · 58 km · 0 h 48 minOn the way: Hill of Tara.
- Day 2: Trim → Monasterboice · 56 km · 0 h 46 minOn the way: Trim Castle, Slane, Newgrange (Brú na Bóinne), Drogheda.Overnight nearby, for example: Port Oriel (11 km); Lynch's Caravan Park (14 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Ireland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Barrier-free toll on the M50 around Dublin. Motorway limit for cars: 120 km/h.
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange?
2-day road trip of about 114 km (71 mi) with 8 stops, from Dublin to Monasterboice. About 1 h 35 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange?
We suggest 2 days: about 1 h 35 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange start and end?
It starts in Dublin and ends in Monasterboice.
Which countries does Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange pass through?
Ireland.
Where can you camp along Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange?
OpenStreetMap lists 22 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Camac Valley Tourist Caravan & Camping Park, Old Donabate Tennis Club field and Corballis Caravan Park.
When is the best time for Boyne Valley: Tara, Trim and Newgrange?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
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