Stone Age man's legacy lives on at Newgrange

The life and times of Stone Age people can be glimpsed at one of Ireland's oldest historical sites. Visitors to Ireland looking to step back in time to a period that predates the building of Egypt's Pyramids are likely to be enchanted by Newgrange. Located near Ireland's east coast in County Meath, approximately 200,000 people make a pilgrimage to the well-preserved site every year.
The huge round-shaped construction spans a staggering one acre and it is estimated that if 300 Stone Age men were tasked with building the mound, it may have taken them 20-years to complete it. Visitors to the attraction are sure to see why it is likely to have taken decades to construct Newgrange. Some 97 kerbstones have been placed on the perimeter of the site's white quartz walls that support a roof measuring up to six-metres in height. Within the structure, lies a lengthy 19-metre passageway that is decorated with ancient artwork that leads towards a chamber, whose purpose is cloaked in myth and legend.

Dating back to 3,200 BC, the attraction is one of the globe's oldest remaining artefacts of Stone Age man and recently achieved World Heritage Site status in recognition of this. The structure remained hidden for many years until Irish workers stumbled on it in the 1800s. Over the years much effort has gone into restoring the building to its former glory, with the majority of excavations taking place in the 1960s and 1970s. Tourists intending to visit the construction can attend organised tours to gain entry to the historical site and view its fascinating features. Experts refer to the construction as a passage tomb, as they are often believed to be giant cemeteries that once held the cremated bodies of Stone Age man. The remains of five people are reported to have been discovered within the structure upon its excavation, indicating it was an important venue for the ancients' burial customs.

However, many experts question the function of the construction, with some suggesting that is has astronomical significance, while others believe it to be an ancient temple. Indeed, the Winter Solstice has proven to be an important factor in the building and dimensions of the site. The structure has been carefully designed so that when dawn breaks on the shortest day of the year, sun beams enter through a roof box and light up Newgrange's inner chamber.

Visitors wishing to see this occur can submit their names to a lottery where they may be lucky enough to be chosen to visit the temple on this day. For others, the site has designed a realistic light show that reveals how the sun enters Newgrange on the morning of the Winter Solstice.

Tourists wishing to visit Newgrange can rent a car from one of the many Dublin car hire locations.



Fill out our enquiry form for more information

For more information on Newgrange contact Exploring Ireland