Hi,
My family and I are off to Ireland beginning of August. The first 3 days are spent in Dublin; 2 for Dublin and 1 to go to Bru na Boinn. We won't be picking up our rental car until the next day when we leave Dublin and head to the south and westfor the rest of our journey. I'm trying to figure out logistics. I'm thinking we have a couple of options: 1) Train and then bus to Bru na Boinn, 2) Leave Dublin a day early, rent a car that way we can add in a trip (and possibly stay) to Trim, or 3) Find a full day tour to Bru na Boinn (and hopefully Trim).
Does any one have any suggestions or comments on any (or all) of these choices?
Thank you for all your help!
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
The day trip that I did included Hill of Tara, Monasterboice, Slane castle and Newgrange. If you google day trips from Dublin you will get all of the various options, and there will be more than one that goes to Newgrane, but I'm not sure about Trim.
Posted by
OP
13 posts
Thank you. I did a couple of different searches based on you suggestion and narrowed it down to 2 or 3. Would you recommend the tour company you used? If you remember the name that would be great. Thanks.
Posted by
RIchmond, BC,Canada
933 posts
I think it might have been Mary Gibbons, but I don't have note of it in my journal. I recall hearing that it was the best one, and I know I sent an email inquiry about availability (I still have that), and it seems to be the same itinerary. I still recall how good our guide was for that day, and it was a small van with only about eight of us the day I went (in April).
Posted by
1585 posts
The Mary Gibbons tour, which is excellent, only goes to Newgrange and the Hill if Tara. Depending on the route and traffic you may stop briefly at other related locations. Before taking the tour you may want to visit the Museum of Archealogy in Dublin where you’ll get more background and perhaps an additional appreciation for the area.
If you choose Mary Gibbons, book as soon as possible. Also, it is unlikely you will be in an 8 person van. You’ll most likely be on a very nice 45 person coach.
If you are departing from Dublin, you might consider spending your last night in Trim. The town is good for 1/2 a day. It’s about a 45 minute drive to the airport.
Posted by
Vermont USA
359 posts
A lot depends on what you want to see. Newgrange is spectacular but around it are other really interesting options, Tara, Knowth and for me the battlefield of the Battle of the Boyne - all close nearby. Amazing history and I was very glad having a rental car to explore and linger at these sights. Others in my family have done tours and they enjoyed them thoroughly but mentioned they wish they had more time in various spots. So it depends on your level and areas of interest in these sights. Best for me is the freedom of a car......but a tour is not a bad option......from all I've heard it's well done,
hassle free just a bit limiting.
Posted by
Washington, DC USA
491 posts
I did the Mary Gibbons tour about 2 weeks ago. I'm not usually a fan of big bus tours but this was excellent. There were about 24 people on our tour. For the Newgrange site, we were divided into two smaller buses. I booked the tour just the day before with no problem by walking into a Dublin tourist office. A small deposit of 5 or 6 euros was required. I think hotels and B and B's will also book it for you.