| County Meath |
| Brú na Bóinne |
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Brú na Bóinne
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Brú
na Bóinne (meaning ‘the Boyne Palace’) is a large Neolithic necropolis,
amongst the most magnificent in Europe. Consisting of three major sites
(Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth), there are however a lot more sites. Only
if you are on the tour run by the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre (call
041-988 0300 for information or visit www.heritageireland.ie) can you
admire the entire complex. The visitor centre also houses excellent
exhibits on the passage tombs and on prehistoric Ireland.
It is |
not certain what the purpose of NEWGRANGE was when it was built
(a burial for kings, a centre for ritual and a calendar are the three
most plausible hypothesis). What is certain is that it is one of the
most extraordinary prehistoric sites in Europe. The quite disappointing
mound which lies in surface actually hides a fine Stone Age passage
tomb. The site has been restored in the early 1960s and mid-1970s. To
witness the rising sun rays gradually illuminate the interior for 17 mn
on the winter solstice (at 8.20am) is undoubtebly a wonderful
experience. Be prepared however to be waiting for at least 15 years
before seing this mystical event… Newgrange farm (call 041-9824119 for
information) is a working-farm open to visitors. Adults and children
will enjoy the hands-on experience, feeding different animals and
taking part in the sheep derby.
Northwest of Newgrange lies the burial mound of KNOWTH which has only
recently open to the public. One of the greatest collection of
passage-grave art in Western Europe, the site has been under excavation
since 1962 and will more than likely continue for at least the next
decade. Knowth is larger in size than Newgrange.
DOWTH is a circular mound of dimensions similar to Newgrange, although
slightly taller. Visitors are not allowed to visit the site as it is
considered as unsafe but will be able to view it from the road, as well
as the ruins of Dowth Castle and Dowth House which are located North of
the tumulus. |
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