Irish Castles and Abbeys Tours: A Journey Through Time and Stone
June 6, 2025
Ireland is a land rich in history, with captivating castles and abbeys
Royal Historical Tours offers trips to some of the country’s most iconic sites. Our exclusive Newgrange Megalithic Tomb trips provide a memorable journey through time.
Step back over 5,000 years as you visit the Newgrange Megalithic Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site older than the pyramids of Egypt. Then, journey to the Hill of Tara, another mythical Irish destination.
Discover Ireland’s medieval charm with private tours to some of its most captivating castles. Experience these historic fortresses, hear tales of knights and kings, and enjoy the romance of the Middle Ages.
Visit Trim Castle, the largest Norman castle in Ireland, renowned for its starring role in Braveheart. Our tour guides will help you explore its picturesque grounds and learn its fascinating history.
Book your adventure today with Royal Historical Tours and embrace the stories that shaped Ireland’s remarkable past!
Royal Historical Tours qualified tour guide will pick you up from your hotel reception in our luxury vehicle for a customized tour for your party only.
Our Newgrange and Hill of Tara trips offer a deep dive into Ireland’s ancient spiritual and political heritage. You’ll begin at Newgrange, a UNESCO-listed passage tomb that dates back over 5,000 years—older than both Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids. The tour includes access to the visitor center and the tomb’s interior, revealing the astonishing winter solstice alignment. Next, we head to the Hill of Tara, where Ireland’s High Kings once ruled. With panoramic views and earthworks like the Lia Fáil (Stone of Destiny), this sacred hilltop is a cornerstone of Irish mythology. Our expert guides share captivating stories, archaeological insights, and local legends throughout the journey. These Newgrange and Hill of Tara trips combine historical depth with natural beauty, offering a truly meaningful cultural experience in County Meath.
Yes, our Newgrange Megalithic Tomb trips are thoughtfully designed for travelers of all ages, including families with children, couples, and seniors. The tour includes access to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, where interactive exhibits explain the site’s origins, construction, and cultural significance. The highlight is a guided visit inside the Newgrange tomb itself, showcasing the prehistoric architecture and the famous winter solstice light chamber. Our guides adjust their commentary based on your group’s interests and knowledge level, ensuring an engaging experience for everyone. Whether you’re fascinated by archaeology, intrigued by ancient rituals, or simply want to see one of Ireland’s greatest historic treasures, these Newgrange Megalithic Tomb trips are a safe, educational, and unforgettable way to connect with the country’s Neolithic past.
Yes, Royal Historical Tours offers private medieval castle trips in Ireland as a premium feature of our Meath Day Tour. One of the key highlights is Trim Castle, Ireland’s largest Anglo-Norman castle, dating back to the 12th century. With a private tour, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to explore the castle’s vast grounds and stone towers at your own pace, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who brings centuries of history to life. Learn about feudal life, siege tactics, and royal alliances while discovering filming locations from the movie Braveheart. These private medieval castle trips in Ireland are tailored to your group’s interests—perfect for families, couples, and small parties looking for a more immersive and exclusive experience of Ireland’s medieval architecture and storytelling tradition.
Our Trim Castle day trips provide an enriching and detailed exploration of one of Ireland’s most iconic medieval fortresses. You’ll receive a guided tour of the castle keep, built in the 12th century by Hugh de Lacy, which served as a strategic stronghold during Norman times. The massive three-story tower, curtain walls, and surrounding moat make this a standout heritage site in County Meath. During the tour, we cover Trim Castle’s historical role, its unique cruciform design, and how it has been preserved over centuries. You’ll also learn about the castle’s cinematic fame as a prominent filming location in Braveheart. Our Trim Castle day trips also include time to explore the charming nearby village, enjoy local eateries, and take in scenic views along the River Boyne.
All of our Newgrange and Hill of Tara trips are fully guided and structured to give you the most insightful and seamless experience possible. You’ll benefit from our expert tour guides who offer detailed historical context, archaeological insights, and storytelling that brings Ireland’s sacred landscape to life. We handle your entry and coordination with the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre for access to the Newgrange tomb, followed by a drive to the Hill of Tara—a powerful ceremonial site from the Iron Age and earlier. There, you’ll explore ancient mounds, stone markers, and panoramic viewpoints with your guide, who explains the mythology and royal traditions tied to this hill. These Newgrange and Hill of Tara trips are ideal for travelers who want cultural depth without logistical stress.
Our certified genealogist and tour guide Ian, will take you on an immersive experience to see where your ancestors once worshipped, worked, lived and loved. We have various tour options available to you. Have you completed your genealogy research and know where you want to visit? Driving in Ireland can often be challenging as searching for your ancestors on local roads can be difficult and time consuming. Royal Historical tours qualified tour guide and certified genealogist can take you ‘home’. Do you require genealogy research? We are partnered with award winning genealogy company, My Ireland Heritage that can undertake your genealogy research as they specialize in finding your ancestors exact location in the 1800’s.
I hired Ian Darragh as my guide for the day. Not only is he incredibly engaging, funny and personable but astutely experienced in genealogy and Irish history – the good, bad and ugly. There was not a moment that I wasn’t fascinated with the tales.
BUT what took it over the top was his perseverance in the goal to help me locate some kind of trace of my ancestors. With a stop at the Louth County Library and a few friendly calls on some local elders we headed to Monasterboice to see the High Cross. What was wholy unexpected was to find my ancestors memorial just yards away in the same graveyard!
The day was beyond memorable and I cannot wait to book another adventure with Ian as I continue to research my Irish Ancestors and discover more about the amazing isle of Ireland.
– Cristin Carr Strubbe, USA, 2023
Stay informed and inspired with our latest blog posts, providing insightful glimpses into the heritage and attractions awaiting you on our tours.
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Unit 3, Village Pump, Rathregan,
Batterstown, County Meath
At Royal Historical Tours, we’re dedicated to showcasing Ireland’s rich history and culture through personalized tours. Founded by Ian and Aisling Darragh, our family-owned business in County Meath offers exclusive, tailor-made experiences led by certified guides. Whether exploring ancient landmarks like Trim Castle or soaking in the beauty of the Cliffs of Moher, we ensure each journey is informative, engaging, and unforgettable.
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