Bus Hire in Drogheda

Drogheda is a Viking-age walled town on the River Boyne in County Louth, 50 kilometres north of Dublin via the M1 motorway (approximately 45 to 55 minutes by coach from Dublin Airport). The Boyne Valley -- the densely settled river corridor stretching west and north of Drogheda -- contains a concentration of prehistoric and early medieval heritage sites unmatched anywhere in Ireland, including the Bru na Boinne UNESCO World Heritage Site (which encompasses Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth passage tombs, all within 10 kilometres of Drogheda).

Drogheda's own heritage is substantial: the town retains large sections of its medieval walls, the 15th-century St Lawrence Gate barbican (one of the finest medieval town gates in Ireland), and St Peter's Church of Ireland (with the preserved head of the Blessed Oliver Plunkett, a major pilgrimage site). The Millmount Museum and tower overlooks the town from the south bank of the Boyne. For groups based in Dublin, Drogheda is the departure point for the Boyne Valley and the Newgrange passage tomb.

Newgrange and the Bru na Boinne UNESCO Site

Newgrange passage tomb (10 kilometres west of Drogheda via the N51, approximately 15 minutes by coach) is a 5,200-year-old Neolithic monument older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. At the winter solstice sunrise (21 December), a shaft of sunlight illuminates the inner chamber through the roof-box above the entrance -- one of the most celebrated astronomical alignments in prehistoric architecture. Entry is by timed shuttle from the Bru na Boinne Visitor Centre on the south bank of the Boyne at Donore village. The visitor centre is the only access point; coaches drop at the visitor centre car park. Book group entry at least 6 weeks in advance for May to September; the winter solstice lottery is oversubscribed years in advance. Knowth (200 metres from Newgrange) is a larger mound with over 100 decorated kerbstones and two internal passage tombs.

Monasterboice Round Tower and High Crosses

Monasterboice (8 kilometres north of Drogheda via the N1 and a minor road, approximately 15 minutes) is a 5th-century monastic site with the finest collection of high crosses in Ireland. Muiredach's Cross (east of the round tower) is considered the finest Insular high cross in existence, with detailed biblical narratives carved on all four faces and in remarkable preservation. The round tower (35 metres) is intact to its conical cap. Coaches park at the entrance gate off the L2301; the site is OPW-managed and is open year-round. The walk from the gate to the main crosses takes 5 minutes on a level path.

Battle of the Boyne Site and Oldbridge

The Battle of the Boyne site (5 kilometres west of Drogheda at Oldbridge, off the N51) is where William III of England defeated James II on 1 July 1690, the decisive battle of the Williamite War in Ireland. The OPW visitor centre at Oldbridge House (a 17th-century mansion in parkland on the south bank of the Boyne) has an interpretive exhibition covering the battle, with replica cannon and musket demonstrations at weekends. Coach parking is at the Oldbridge Estate car park. The estate grounds are accessible year-round; the visitor centre and demonstrations are operated from April to September.

What Bus Hire Costs in Drogheda

As a rough guide, a minibus (up to 19 seats) in Drogheda runs around 250 to 460 EUR per day, a midi-coach (around 35 seats) around 420 to 790 EUR per day, and a full-size coach (49 to 55 seats) around 630 to 1,190 EUR per day. Drogheda is a competitive market, benefiting from its position on the M1 between Dublin and Belfast. The busiest booking periods are the summer heritage season (May to September) for Newgrange and the Boyne Valley sites. The final figure depends on your route, the date, and how long you need the vehicle and driver. We confirm a fixed price with no hidden charges, so send your details for a free quote.

Services Available in Drogheda