The Newgrange Shuttle Bus (RS 2016 p 111) is "not operating" and not likely to be operating in July, according to Evelina, who was kind enough to respond to my inquiry when I was unable to book through the Over the Top tours website. Mary Gibbon's tour was recommended as an alternative. I understand that this is a highly recommended tour, however, it's a little more time (8 hours) than we had hoped to devote to these ancient sites. Not to be disrespectful, as important as these places are, our time is limited and it had been our plan to go to the visitors center and Newgrange tomb only. I see that Bus Eireann operates a Dublin-Drogheda-Bru na Boinne route,however we're not crazy about a long bus ride. Wondering if anyone is aware of other options, either from Dublin or the Drogheda rail station? Perhaps a private tour operator or driver?
Posted by
Land of La
9220 posts
Rent a car and drive. Take a bus to the airport, get the rental, drive to Newgrange. return car to the airport. Bus back into Dublin.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Did you see Bus Eirann does tours, not just regular bus to get there??
Posted by
Dallas
131 posts
In mid-September my husband and I took Bus Eireann day tour from central bus station (Busaras) to Newgrange and Boyne Valley which included Hill of Tara (which was our first stop). Mary Gibbons tour was full and due to day of the week that we wanted to tour Newgrange our only option was Bus Eireann. It was great! We liked it because tour left from central bus station about an hour later than Mary Gibbons tour would have departed and we had a small group. We did purchase tickets a day in advance at Busaras as we wanted to be sure of location of departure point. I noticed most fellow passengers purchased tickets just before departure. Bus driver was knowledgable; he also served as tour guide. While in route our driver/guide contacted visitor center to secure assigned time slots for the specific number of our group from visitor center to actual Newgrange sight; hence, we had time for lunch in restaurant at visitor center. We boarded a different bus for departure/return from visitor center to actual Newgrange sight. Hill of Tara was very beautiful and a bonus introduction into Newgrange.
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1155 posts
Ditto driving. We did it fresh (or not so fresh...) off a flight from the US, it was fabulous.
Posted by
Waterville, Ireland
409 posts
Val,
Thanks for the specifics! Very helpful to know the driver got the entry for your group lined up...
Susan
Posted by
OP
Lake Mills
56 posts
I didn't understand that Bus Eireann is actually offering a tour bus, thanks so much for clarifying that. Sounds like the way to go for us. Love this forum, so helpful!