Any tips on the best way to visit Bru na Boinne in late August? The visitor center is closed for remodeling. It's first come first served from the parking lot for the shuttles to the sites. We'll be in Dublin a few days and then heading south. If we drive from Dublin, any thoughts on the chances of getting in? I'm a little worried we'll end up spending most of a day driving or waiting for the shuttle. Are there any "skip the line" tours that go just to that site? Thanks!
I plan to visit Bru na Boinne this summer as well. From what I've read online, most people that drive there and hope to buy single tickets the same day are disappointed to learn there are no tickets available. You may be better off going with a group, since group tickets can be purchased in advance. I found a tour run by Mary Gibbins that departs from Dublin and you'll return back to Dublin around 16:00 the same day. Tickets are approx 40 EUR/person for the Newgrange/Hill of Tara tour.
The Mary Gibbons tour is excellent. Book now if you know you want to go.
Another vote for Mary Gibbons. Our earlier post on the subject, here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/ireland/bus-from-dublin-to-newgrange
Thanks! I'll check out Mary's tour!
I took the Mary Gibbons tour in May. I'd say it's a good option.
Last time I took a tour with Bus Eireann. Comparing the two I'd say Bus Eireann was better paced and a better value. I used Mary Gibbons this time because I went by the Busarus station (where I caught the bus and bought tickets last time) several times but the information booth was never open. It shows the tour on their website, when I search for it, but the pages may be completely out of date.