Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne, Ireland

Knowth, Ireland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Knowth01.JPG
Author: Thorsten Kirchoff


The Bend of the Boyne, also called Brú na Bóinne Archaeological Park, is the largest and most important prehistoric megalithic site in Europe. It is located in County Meath in Ireland. The archaeological ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne comprises burial chambers, standing stones, henges and enclosures. The Bend of the Boyne has been dated to between 3400 to 3100 BC, making it older than the pyramids of ancient Egypt.

The Bend of the Boyne covers an area of 780 hectares. There are 40 passage graves in the area. The best known are the graves at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, all of which have marvellous megalithic art. The discovery of Beaker, Roman and medieval artefacts show that the sites have also been used during the Bronze, Iron Age and Medieval periods.

Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne was inscribed as a World Heritage Site during the 17th session of the World Heritage Committee which took place in Cartegena, Colombia, on 6-11 December, 1993.

Engraved stone at Dowth, near Newgrange, Ireland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stone_Engravings_Dowth.JPG
Author: Dagmar Willhalm


Newgrange, Ireland
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Flickr_-_bastique_-_Newgrange_side.jpg
Author: bastique

World Heritage Site Inscription Details

Location: N 53 41 30.012 W 6 27 0
Inscription Year: 1993
Type of Site: Cultural
Inscription Criteria: I, III, IV

Visiting Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne

The nearest town is Drogheda. You can reach it from Dublin by taking the M1 motorway. Follow the signboard to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre.