Going to Ireland in mid-July. Should I pre-book a tour to New Grange or wait and take my chances once i get there. Is a full day tour really any better than getting a shuttle to the sight?
Cathie
When we went in mid-March 2008, we arrived in the late afternoon and got our tickets for the tour. We had to wait for about an hour to take the bus to the site but there are displays, a snack bar and small shop, as well as gardens at the information centre.
It will probably be VERY busy in July, so it would be wiser to pre-book your tour for a specific time - that way you are guaranteed a spot. Also, when you get there, only about 8-10 people can get inside the "building" at one time. You are free to walk around the outside until the bus returns to the information centre.
It was a highlight of our trip tho and I am so glad we went. Enjoy!!
We went in September 2006 and there were very few visitors that afternoon. We drove there and just used their guide. You might contact them and see how busy they are this year.
At certain times of the year (tourist season) it may be tough to get in to see Newgrange on your own unless you go early in the day - once the day's spots are gone they are gone. A day tour will not only insure that you can get in to the site at Newgrange, but will also take you to other nearby places such as Knowth and the Hill of Tara. I have only been in late February, though, when there was no problem with crowds.