Newgrange and Brú na Bóinne – Ireland’s Neolithic Wonder
Meta Description: Learn about Newgrange and the Brú na Bóinne complex — a 5,200-year-old passage tomb aligned with the winter solstice, older than the Pyramids of Egypt.
Introduction
Newgrange, along with Knowth and Dowth, forms part of the Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage Site in County Meath. Built around 3200 BC, this megalithic passage tomb is not only a burial place, but also a cosmic temple aligned with the winter solstice.
Architecture and Astronomical Precision
Newgrange features a 19-meter-long passage aligned so that, on December 21st, sunlight enters the chamber and illuminates the central tomb. The site’s corbelled roof, still watertight after 5,000 years, and elaborate stone carvings make it a masterpiece of Neolithic engineering. Visit Brú na Bóinne’s UNESCO profile for technical and cultural insights.
Spiritual and Cultural Meaning
The carved spirals and lozenges are believed to represent solar cycles, rebirth, and eternity. The alignment and burial practice suggest complex rituals and astronomical knowledge well ahead of their time.
Visiting the Tomb
The Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre manages access to Newgrange and Knowth. Tours must be booked in advance, especially for winter solstice events.