Newgrange

Newgrange is the oldest site in Ireland dating back to 3200 BC. Though its purpose is unknown, the general consensus is that it is either a tomb or a ritualistic site for the Neolithic people who lived in the area. Newgrange is located in Boyne Valley where the Neolithic people settled due to the rich soil, plant life, animal life, and timber in the forests. The location of the valley also offered a place of natural protection, similar to an island, with the river and high ground acting as a border around the community. The river seemed to have been a vital resource to the neolithic people, both spiritually and physically. From the river, they were able to draw their water and fish, as well as use it to transport goods and building materials. This river was also symbolized as a division between the real world and the “other world”.

Newgrange is a passage tomb, and this type of building is common with the fringe societies of Europe. Other passage tomb sites are located in Portugal, Spain, the south of France, and the Scandinavian countries. A passage tomb is a megalithic monument with a central cross-shaped chamber inside. Its main features include a kerb, a passage, a chamber, and a mound. The kerb consists of 97 stones. There are a number of carvings along the walls, but archaeologists today are unsure of whether the carvings served as an early form of writing or simply an artistic purpose. The chamber is dark within as natural sunlight is prohibited from entering, except for a very specific time of the year. The most amazing feature of this passage tomb is the upper window above the entrance that emits the light from the dawn of the winter solstice to illuminate the chamber inside for only 17 minutes.

The purpose of this architectural masterpiece is unknown, but there are many theories on why only one day a year the chamber is brightened by the morning sun. One theory is that it helps symbolize new birth and ultimate transcendence. Another theory is that the light helped serve as a calendar for the Neolithic people who used this building. It is impossible to know, unfortunately, because there was no written language or record from this time period. The only concrete evidence for the purpose of this amazing structure is that there have been human remains discovered along the floors of each chamber. This is why many believe that Newgrange was a burial site; it is also quite possible that it was built for ritual sacrifice to the gods. When we asked our tour guide about his thoughts on the purpose of this ancient place, he simply responded that he felt that there was something sacred about it, and that its purpose was for transcendent and holy reasons. He told us how in local Irish legend and folklore the area surrounding Newgrange was associated with the Tuatha De Danaan (people of the goddess, Danu), which were supernatural beings who settled and ruled Ireland before the Celts arrived. It is said that the chief deity, Elcmar, used Newgrange as his home and married to the goddess Boann, who was the river Boyne.

This site is significant in modern Ireland because it helps harken back to the country’s rich heritage and folklore. It helps demonstrate that even in the Stone Age, these people were highly intelligent and industrious. This monument is older than the Pyramids of Giza and even Stonehenge, but the interior remains in near perfect condition from when it was originally constructed over 5000 years ago. The Irish have struggled with their identity as a country for hundreds of years as they have fought invaders and kings who claimed the land as their own, but a site like Newgrange helps Ireland remember a time when their country and culture were united. It is also important to preserve these sites because oftentimes in our modern society we view the people of the past as less intelligent or unimportant, but even without the technology of our age, the Neolithic people here were able to construct a monument that has stood for 5 millennia. It has baffled even the most intelligent minds on how they managed to build such a monument. It is a site that can truly humble all that come to visit.

PERSONAL REFLECTIONS

Grace: I am left in awe and wonder after leaving Newgrange. The area it sits in is astoundingly beautiful and untouched by man. Despite the reconstruction that happened during the excavation, I cannot believe that this ancient place is still in the same condition it was when the Neolithic people were finished with it. I had a wonderful conversation with the tour guide afterwards, and his reverence for Newgrange was so inspiring. He had worked at this monument for 20 years, but he told me that he still is working through the mystery of the place every time he enters. It was almost intimidating walking into the passage because I felt like I was approaching something sacred and special. I had chills through the demonstration of the winter solstice sun. There is a secret in Newgrange that will never be answered, and I left the place feeling a sort of burden of that knowledge. What was it used for? Why did the people spend so long building it? What was the purpose of the winter solstice light? And my biggest question of all: Why was it constructed in a cross-shape? Only God knows the answers, and I can’t wait to ask him someday.

Erin: Newgrange was not like anything I have ever seen before. Even though I got a little claustrophobic when we entered the tunnel, I was still able to appreciate the design and how well the interior has been preserved. Even though we only saw a simulation of the winter solstice, it was still breathtaking -- quite literally as I was almost hyperventilating at this point. Despite the claustrophobia, I thought Newgrange was stunning; not just because of the architecture but also the ingenuity and dedication of the Neolithic people who built it.

Rae: After spending all of January looking at temples in ruins, Newgrange is a breath of fresh air. Its age and status in this present day is entirely amazing. Though we only saw a simulation of the winter solstice light, it was captivating. It is easy to understand why the sight emulates a sense sacred space. The brilliance in the engineering of the structure is incredible. It is difficult to understand just how ancient this monument is because it seems so new and beautiful. I would most definitely go back to experience the atmosphere present there.

Isaac: Newgrange was absolutely stunning. The condition of the interior for its age is incredible, not to mention the architectural genius of the structure. Upon entering the tunnel, we immediately had to squeeze between to rocks and duck from the cross beams supporting the walls. Once we got to the end of the tunnel, I was a bit surprised that the center room was not larger, but as we spent time admiring the structure, I was thoroughly impressed. Our tour guide the turned off the lights, and we were able to see how the natural sunlight shines all the way into the depth of the tunnel. It is incredible that with the limited technology during the time it was built, they were able to tell exactly where the sun would shine on the winter solstice. For about 17 minutes they were able to have the warmth of the sun illuminate the deep, dark room. It was also very interesting to see the ways in which they lived their daily lives 5000+ years ago as farmers, hunters, and craftsmen.