Newgrange is an ancient passage tomb in the form of huge mound or cairn. It was built during Neolithic times sometime between 3200 and 2500 BC, by Irish settlers who farmed the rich agricultural land of the Boyne Valley in Co.Meath. Many of these farmers were also artistic and evidently skilled in architecture and engineering.

A passage tomb, as the name implies, consists of a long passage leading to an inner chamber where the remains of the dead (usually cremated) were placed. Many archaeologists now consider Newgrange to be much more than a burial tomb and describe it as an ancient temple which held astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, and which served as a focal point for ritual and celebration.

Newgrange is so oriented that on the morning of the winter solstice, December 21st, and for a number of days before and after, the rays of the rising sun beam through an opening above the door of the tomb, illuminating the passage (25 metres long), and gradually extending to the inner chamber – the heart of the structure.

Many of the monuments in Newgrange contain rock carvings termed 'passage-grave art'. These motifs include spirals, lozenges, chevrons, triangles, and arrangements of parallel lines or arcs. Various archaeologists have speculated as to the meaning of the decoration, with some believing them to be purely decorative and others believing them to have some sort of symbolic purpose. Probably the most famous Irish Megalithic symbol is the triple spiral design which is considered to represent the sun.

Throughout most of history, Newgrange was revered as a sacred place. Passage tombs were regarded by the Celts as the homes of the gods. In Celtic mythology, Newgrange was the home of Aenghus, the god of love, youth, and healing. It was said that Aenghus never aged while he lived there.

Newgrange is situated not far from the Hill of Tara. Throughout the region, there are as many as 35 smaller passage-tombs and many other sites of great archaeological importance and interest, including the two principal megalithic monuments, Knowth and Dowth. Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are known collectively as Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne).

This picture (left) is of the corbelled roof over the inner chamber inside the mound at Newgrange. The final roof slab is 12 ft (3.6m) above the floor. It hasn’t leaked in over 5000 Years!