LP: The vast Neolithic necropolis known as Bru na Boinne (the Boyne Palace) Is one of the most extraordinary sites in Europe. A thousand years older than Stonehenge, it's a powerful and evocative testament to the mind-boggling achievements of prehistoric humankind.
The visitor's centre overlooks the core of the archaeological landscape, and is built to mimic the grassy tomb structures.
We were lucky enough to be able to tour Newgrange, the largest and best known of the Irish passage tombs. The mound covers a single tomb consisting of a long passage and a cross-shaped chamber. We were able to go inside the passage and with the aid of a terrific guide, experience the light penetrating directly into the passage at the moment of the winter solstice. Our guide emphasized that no one really knows the true purpose of the 5,000 year old structure; but you can be certain that it involved the sun.
Newgrange was excavated between 1962 and 1975, when the Roof Box was discovered through which the mid-winter sun penetrates into the chamber. Based on archaeological evidence, the white quartz facade was reconstructed.
Views from Newgrange above and below.
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