Newgrange in summary

• Newgrange is located in the Boyne Valley on the east coast of Ireland - Map and Directions.

• Newgrange was built over 5000 years ago, approximately 3200BC, by a Neolithic (Stone Age) farming community.

• The man made mound is 85 metres in diameter and 13.5 metres high, an area of about 1 acre.

• The main feature of Newgrange is a 19 metre passage which leads to a chamber with 3 alcoves, the passage and chamber form a cross shape.

• The passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice.

• Access to the chamber on the mornings around the winter solstice is by lottery.

• The 12" Triple Spiral engraving in the chamber is the most recognizable symbol of Ancient Ireland.

• The base of the mound is surrounded by 97 large stone called kerbstones.

• Some of the kerbstones are engraved with megalithic art; the most striking is the entrance stone K1.

• 12 standing stones from the remains of a circle that may have had 37 stones are still in existence.

• Access to Newgrange is via the Visitors Centre on the south bank of the river Boyne.

• The name Newgrange is relatively modern; it literally means New Grange. In the 12th century the area became part of the Mellifont Abbey farm. Outlying farms were known as granges, hence the name New Grange.

• Brú na Bóinne is the original Irish name, meaning 'mansion by the Boyne'. Visitor access to Newgrange today is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre.

• The Celts didn't build Newgrange; it was built about 2500 years before the first Celt set foot in Ireland.

• Newgrange entered Celtic Mythology as a fairy mound. Newgrange was the home of the god Dagda, his wife Boann and their son Aonghus the god of love.

• Two other mounds of similar size were built in the Boyne Valley - Knowth and Dowth.

• The entrance to Newgrange was re-discovered in 1699. The landowner at the time was removing stones for road building when the entrance was revealed.

• The Winter Solstice Phenomenon was re-discovered by Professor Michael J. O’Kelly in 1967.

• Judging from the splendour and magnificence of the Newgrange monument it was most likely a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.

• There is little evidence that Newgrange was used as a burial tomb. Chris O'Callaghan in his book "Newgrange temple of Life" develops this theme.

• The roof of the inner chamber is of corbelled construction, it hasn't leaked in 5000 years.

• The reconstructed white quartz front wall is sometimes criticized as being overly modern in appearance.

• There are a number is smaller mounds in the vicinity of the main mound.
  
  
• Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

• Over 200,000 people visit the Newgrange Visitor Centre every year.

Newgrange Articles

• Newgrange - Older than the Pyramids and Stonehenge but Still Subject to Irish Weather.

• Newgrange: Ireland's ancient answer to the pyramids - Laura Harrison McBride

• Sacred Sky Sacred Bond - Newgrange is the oldest known Archaeoastronomical site.

• Ireland's burial mounds hold many mysteries - by Jim Sajo.

Aerial view of Newgrange

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