Brú na Bóinne

Brú na Bóinne (Irish for Palace of the Boyne) is a World Heritage Site in County Meath, Republic of Ireland and is one of the largest and most important prehistoric megalithic sites in Europe. It is a complex of Neolithic chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric enclosures, some dating from as early as 35th century BC - 32nd century BC. The site predates the Egyptian pyramids and was built with sophistication and a knowledge of science and astronomy, which is most evident in the passage grave of Newgrange. The site is often referred to as the "Bend of the Boyne" and this is often (incorrectly) taken to be a translation of Brú na Bóinne (Palace of the Boyne). In 1690 it was the site of the famous Battle of the Boyne.

The site covers 780ha and contains around 40 passage graves, as well as other prehistoric sites and later features. The majority of the monuments are concentrated on the north side of the river. The most well-known sites within Brú na Bóinne are the impressive passage graves of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth all famous for their significant collections of megalithic art. Each stands on a ridge within the river bend and two of the tombs, Knowth and Newgrange appear to contain stones re-used from an earlier monument at the site. There is no in situ evidence for earlier activity at the site; however, save for the spotfinds of flint tools left by Mesolithic hunters.

Numerous other enclosure and megalith sites have been identified within the river bend and have been given simple letter designations, such as the M Enclosures. In addition to the three famous tombs, several other ceremonial sites constitute the complex including:

  • Cloghalea Henge
  • Townleyhall passage grave
  • Monknewtown henge and ritual pond
  • Newgrange cursus

Each of the three main megalith sites have significant archaeoastronomical significance. Newgrange and Dowth have Winter solstice solar alignments, while it is claimed Knowth has an Equinox solar alignment. In addition, the immediate environs of the main sites have been investigated for other possible alignments. The layout and design of the Brú na Bóinne complex across the valley has also been studied for astronomical significance.

As well as being surrounded its southern, western and eastern sides by the Boyne, one of the Boyne's tributaries, the Mattock, runs along the northern edge, almost completely surrounding Brú na Bóinne with water. All but two of the prehistoric sites are within this river isthmus.


Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

All access to Newgrange and Knowth is by guided tour only: tours begin at the Visitor Centre in Donore, Co. Meath.

See also

  • List of archaeoastronomical sites sorted by country

Notes and references

  • Lewis-Williams, D and Pearce, D, Inside the Neolithic Mind, Thames and Hudson, London, 2005, ISBN 0500051380

External links

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Gus Moreira
23 February 2015
Really cool place to visita, bit be aware of the time. If you miss your slot, you are screwed.
Jack Lim
24 October 2017
Awesome place to visit. Please do go over to the visitor centre as you access the site from there (via a bus service). Also the exhibits there will provide you with the context and significance of it!
Max K
16 June 2017
The tour inside the Newgrange tomb is incredible. No photos allowed though :(
Jonathan McCormack
9 October 2014
Get down early as the buses fill up quickly as the day goes on
Alex D´Paula
17 July 2011
Pede o sanduiche de presunto defumado e queijo! Eh simples, tem um sabor diferente e eh uma delicia!!! Enjoy your time! Haha
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