Once in a Lifetime Sunrise

I had never heard of such a big structure being built so long ago without the help of machinery. We arrived at Newgrange in the early morning to learn that it is a Megalithic Passage Tomb that was built about 3200 BC. Walking into the interpretation center I found out a little information on my own before crossing the bridge where we then took a short bus ride with about 24 people all together who were going on this journey to see what Newgrange was all about. The mound shape covers an area of over one acre with stones surrounding the outside and some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. We walked through a long and narrow chamber where we found three separate rooms which the people who lived here used to lay dead bodies in some kind of ritual. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years so it is unbelievable to imagine.

The tour guide explained that the images inside the chamber at Newgrange, including the tri-spiral design were probably the most famous Irish Megalithic symbol. It is often referred to as a Celtic design, but it was carved at least 2500 years before the Celts reached Ireland. There are names and years all over the walls and other art work which makes this place so mysterious, that years and years of generations have visited this place and it continues to hold up for visitors to view.

There is one significant experience that happens at Newgrange once a year on the winter solstice sunshine. The passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated by a shaft of sunlight that shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. This event usually lasts for about twenty minutes at down for a few mornings around the 21st of December. 200,000 visitors a year capture this moment like a baby first opening their eyes to the world.