Introducing Brú Na Bóinne
Not to be missed, the vast Neolithic necropolis known as Brú na Bóinne (the Boyne Palace) is one of the most extraordinary sites in Europe. A thousand years older than Stonehenge, this is a powerful and evocative testament to the mind-boggling achievements of prehistoric humans.
Advertisement
The complex was built to house the remains of the people who were at the top of the social heap. Its tombs were the largest artificial structures in Ireland until the construction of the Anglo-Norman castles 4000 years later. Over the centuries the tombs decayed, were covered by grass and trees and were plundered by everybody from Vikings to Victorian treasure hunters, whose carved initials can be seen on the great stones of Newgrange. The countryside around the tombs is littered with countless other ancient mounds (tumuli) and standing stones.
The area consists of many different sites, with the three principal ones being Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
First Trip To Ireland--Need Advice On Logistics & Destinations :)
by destinydrawn 29 April 2011
I'm headed to Ireland with family from June 5-15, so hopefully the major touristy attractions will have been checked off my list by then.…
-
RE: Help planning 1-day visit
by anniepops112 31 January 2011
Whilst Glendough and Powerscourt are beautiful if you are already north of the city at the airport why not head up to Newgrange? Only…
-
RE: A dumb question. Sorry.
by markfawkner 03 December 2010
Oooooh Crumpets. Lots of real butter (Western Star or any Irish preferred) and honey (Boyne Valley honey is nice but eucalypt honey is…
