|
Newgrange is also known as Bruigh na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne).
Like a lot of ancient places in Ireland there are plenty of Myths
and Legends attached to it. It
is associated with many mythological figures. The water goddess Boann gave her name to the river Boyne but her husband Nechtan is
reputed to have had his Fortress at Newgrange. Another figure associated
with the site is Aonghus Og, he was the son of the Dagda and Boann
and is said to have had his palace at Newgrange. His appearance was
beautiful with four birds hovering over his head he was the god of
love.
Built in the Neolithic
period (new stone age) around 5000 years ago, Newgrange is older
than the Pyramids of Egypt. Newgrange lies in the Boyne valley in county
Meath close to the village of Donore between Slane and Drogheda. The
beautifully restored mound covers about an acre and the materials
used weigh over 200,000 tons. It stands about 11 metres high and the
diameter spans a maximum of 85 metres. Around the outside are placed
some 97 "kerb stones" many of which are finely decorated
with spirals, lozenges, zig-zags, waves and circles.
The
entrance stone below shows again a lot of design but they are mostly
spirals and behind it lies the entrance to the passage. The passage
into the tomb passes under the "roof box" for 19 metres
and leads into the burial chamber. The passageway is lined again
with decorated stones and is also roofed.
The burial chamber is cruciform
(cross) shaped and is covered with a "Corbelled" roof 6 metres high
which has kept the chamber dry for 5000 years.
The
"roof box" over the entrance is one of the most significant
features of Newgrange, it allows the burial chamber inside to
be illuminated on the morning of the "Winter solstice",
the shortest day of the year. On December 21st. every year the
sun rises over the opposite ridge of the Boyne valley Piercing
through the "Roof box" along the passage and into the
burial chamber. This happens for a few days before and after the
21st but on the shortest day it is at its strongest. |
