Exploring Through the Ages

      On my first day in Ireland, I had a field lab that went to Newgrange and Tara Mountain. We traveled to Bru na Boinne first. Bru na Boinne  consists of three prehistoric mounds: Dowth, Knowth, and Newgrange. We went to Knowth first.

     The name “Knowth” comes from “Cnobha,” which means yellow hill. Knowth is the largest of the three mounds. It has many “satellites,” or little mounds, around it. The satellites have cremated remains inside. At least three of the satellites were believed to be made prior to Knowth, because Knowth is formed around them.

     Knowth changed over the years since its creation. It was created during the Neolithic period, or “New Stone Age.” There are many theories for what Knowth was used for during this time period. Some scholars suggest that it was used for religious ceremonies or solar and lunar movements.

      During the Iron Age, people lived on top of the main mound. They created two trenches: one on top, and one on the bottom. Archaeologists found blue glass, beads, and skeletons from this era. In the Early Christian period (8th-12th century), there were approximately 15 houses with tunnels for defense and refuge. I actually walked through one. It is only about two feet high!

    During the time of the Normans (12th-14th century), major landowners created a church on the top of the main mound.  There were remains of stained glass with the word “Mary” inscribed on them around the site.
                                                  
     The main mound of Knowth has two tunnels running through it. One tunnel is from the east, and the other is from the west. The do not meet in the middle, but rather are 9 meters apart. They may have been used for prayer and storage. Surrounding the mound are 127 curbstones. The ancient people used water to transport them there. The rocks display geometric art with the typical Irish spirals and circles.

    The entrance stone is the most elaborate in design. There are also granite and quartz stones in front of the entrance which are believed to have been used for ceremonies. It is believed that light shown through the tunnels during the spring and fall equinox.

     After we left Knowth, we went to Newgrange. Newgrange means “new farm.” It is one of forty passage tombs in Ireland. There are many stones used for this mound. There are 97 large curbstones around the mound, which were delivered by the river, and then log rolling. The curbstones weigh one to ten tons each. There are also many smaller stones used. The closest source for these stones is approximately twenty kilometers away. The white quartz stones are found seventy kilometers away. They reflect the sun. These may have been used to reflect to the Sun God. There are also egg shaped stones, which are river granite. They are found fifty kilometers away. In total, all of the materials used for Newgrange weigh over 200,000 tons!
                                           

    It was abandoned after sometime, but found again in 1699 when the people needed to improve the local roads. The needed stone for the roads, and they unearthed the mound. Newgrange is the most famous because on every winter solstice at 8:58am,  the sunrise streams through the tunnel opening for 17 minutes. It is still unknown how the ancient people calculated this phenomena. Many people try to come to visit during this day to witness the event. There is actually a drawing for people to come during the winter solstice to see the sunrise. Last year, there were over 29,000 entries.

      Newgrange, like most of Ireland, has ties to superstition. The Irish people are very superstitious. Myths and legends helped protect Newgrange. Newgrange is believed to be on ancient fairy and God grounds. It was specifically home to the Tuathadonna. These gods were people of the goddess Dano. Newgrange was one of their dwellings. People believed that if they harmed the grounds, that they would be cursed with bad luck, and their crops and livestock would die; therefore, Newgrange remains in tact.

     After Newgrange, we went to Monasterboice. This is a graveyard in the countryside. It is home to the largest Celtic cross in Ireland. We then went to the Hills of Tara, which were used for housing crematory remains, as well as defense for kings and their men.