Newgrange, Ireland

This is the best known Irish passage tomb, surrounded by a kerb of 97 stones. The mound covers only one tomb consisting of a long passage and a criss-shaped chamber. Not for people who are very obese as the passage is extremely narrow in places, neither for people who suffer from clostrephobia.

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Newgrange is an interesting remain of a Neolithic Passage-Tomb dating back more than 5000 years. A lot of fuss is made about this place, there is a small museum and "visitor-centre", lots of parking-spaces, that you have to pay for and for a tour inside of that grave you have to queue up and wait quite some time before you will be able to enter through a narrow corrridor. No photos inside, just some informations about a really interesting detail : while it is almost completely dark in that tomb, there is one day each year, when the sun shines in for a few minutes.
What impressed me most is the giant dimensions of this passage-tomb, something that I found quite strange is the modern way that is was reconstructed !

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Newgrange is the best known Irish passage tomb and is surrounded by a kerb of 97 stones, the most impressive of which is the highly decorated Entrance Stone. The mound covers a single tomb consisting of a long passage and a cross shaped chamber. First excivated in 1962, the sight has continued to yield neolithic treasures and hints into mankind's past.

Newgrange is seen by purchasing a ticket at the Visitor Center, then hopping on a bus that will take you to the tomb. A guide will take you through the tomb and explain the history and significance of the site.

On the Winter Solstice the sun shines through the roof box above the passage entrance and illuminates the basin stone. Tickets to see this magnificent event are on a lottery basis, and even that won't guarantee you a peak, as it could be cloudy or there might be fog! Not to worry though, as each tour includes a simulated Winter Solstice experience.

The tomb dates from around 3200 BC - which is well before the Great Pyramids of Giza. Seeing the famous entrance stone will be something you'll not soon forget - as your eyes follow the curves and spirals, your mind wanders through neolithic times.

The site is so popular that it's recommended to go early in the day (open from about 9.30 - 17 in the winter months.) The number of visitors that can be acccommodated at Newgrange each day is limited, so there is no guarantee that everybody will have access to the site.

Make sure to move all your packs, purses, child harnesses to your chest when entering the tomb. This avoids scratches on the stones.

Additionally, take a few minutes to enjoy the walk around the outside of Newgrange mound. The landscapes are breathtakingly beautiful.

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Newgrange is a World Heritage site featuring Megalithic ruins. You will actually get to travel into the center of the mound after traversing the Irish farm countryside. The kidney shaped tomb dates back to 3200 BC, but it's present condition is owed to more modern restoration of the previously recognized mound or sihde (Shee).

I took a Bus Eireann tour from Dublin to Newgrange via Bective Abby, Trim Castle and Hill of Tara. Cost was about E30. We left about 10am and returned about 5 or 5:30pm. If you don't have a car, the bus tour is a great way to go. The one drawback is time allowed for each location. I almost missed the return trip; thank goodness the kind bus driver had me paged in the Newgrange Museum!!

I thought Newgrange was just an incredible site. I had a very good guide, John Clark, who was both knowledgeable and very friendly. After entering the passage chamber he turned off the lights and then there was a simulation of the winter solstice sunlight lighting the passage and chamber. EXTRAORDINARY! In my opinion, this site is a must see in Ireland! I want to go again. Next time I will go by car so I can spend much more time at Newgrange, and visit Knoth and Dowth sites as well.

Oh, almost forgot. I enjoyed Bective Abby, Trim Castle and Hill of Tara as well, but, Newgrange was the most amazing!!

Also, we had lunch at the cafetria in the Newgrange Visitors Center. I had salmon and it was excellent! There is a full range of items from scones to quiche to salads to sandwiches plus desserts, and my choice - poached salmon and veggies.

Of course, you have time enough to walk around Newgrange (not inside). And wonder how people could calculate when exactly (in minutes) would the sun be at the right place to iluminate the cave! Every year on Dec. 21st. at 9:00 AM, a sunray makes the little room completely bright! And this ever since 5000 years!!! Ah! and by the way: Many people talk about Newgrange as a tomb, but fact is, that nobody really knows what was it for!

I think it is a great experience to visit Newgrange. As you are not allowed to visit it alone, while inside this monument, be adviced: The guide from the visitors center will explain you many interesting things about. But after warning, they turn off the lights, to show you how good was this built: In fact you do not see the person next to you, who actually is touching you lightly ! and off course, there is it absolutely dry.
If you consider it was built like 5000 years ago, without tools of any kind and no wheels! Its just amazing!

Newgrange... is there anything else to say, that nobody has yet told?
It `s very very bad signposted how to get there by car. Just as much: There is only one direction from which you see some signs to get there. For the 75% chances else you will need more than just patience and time. So plan it good in advance and good in time.
Newgrange is located between Navan and Drogheda. And do not try to go there directly with your own car: You MUST go first to the Visitor Center. There you get a bus that takes you and other visitors for free to Newgrange.