When I was working on an itinerary for an Irish trip, I realized how little I knew about Ireland. Most people know about The Troubles, great pubs, the Guinness factory, and all the amazing places where Irish whiskey is made. But for the average person outside of Ireland, unfortunately, we don’t know as much.
One thing that grabbed my attention was the Newgrange Monument. The monument is older than the pyramids in Egypt and Stonehenge and dates back to 3200 BC. It is believed the monument served several purposes. During the initial excavation, bones were found, causing archaeologists to believe it was a tomb. It was also used to mark the beginning of a new year.
In Mythology:
It is believed stone-age farmers built Newgrange. There is a mythological aspect to the mound. Mythological tales say an ancient supernatural race called the Tuatha De Danaan built Newgrange. They were named after the goddess Danu. “Tuatha De” translates to “Tribe of.” So, Truatha De Danaan means, “Tribe of the Gods.” In literature and art, Truatha De Danaan are supernatural human beings, depicted as warriors, royalty, craftsman, druids, and actors that interact with normal people.
One mythological story about Newgrange is a hero named Cuchulainn. In the story, Newgrange was where Cuchulainn was conceived by his mother Dechtine. Dechtine was the sister of King Conchobar. Cuchulainn’s father was an Irish God named Lugh. Cuchulainn was victorious in many battles throughout his life.
According to mythology, the ancient mound was built for the burial of the Irish King Dagda Mor. Dagda Mor had power over the weather and livestock. He also wielded a staff that could bring the dead to life.
People flock to the Newgrange Monument every year for the winter solstice. On the day of the winter solstice, sun beams light the inner chambers for 17 minutes. Because of the way the light can enter and fill the tomb, the monument is considered the first solar observatory. Other stones suggest the monument also acted as a type of calendar.
We stopped to see the monument on our drive from Dublin to Belfast. The monument is only 26 miles from Dublin, so for tourists focusing most of their trip on Dublin can still make it to the mound quickly.
On the day we arrived in Newgrange, the weather was gorgeous and perfect for walking around the area. If you’re planning visiting and are blessed with beautiful weather, take a picnic lunch with you.
Check out these other stories from my trip to Ireland
Visiting the Aran Islands and the Cliffs of Moher
Visiting the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin
Getting Touched by a Ghost in Leap Castle
2 Days in Dublin
Taking a Black Taxi Tour of Belfast is the Best Way to See and Learn About the City
Drinking a Pint at the Oldest Pub in Ireland: Sean’s Bar
Beautiful photos and interesting.
I hadn’t known about this, and it’s very interesting, thanks. I haven’t been to Ireland. I often wish my dad were alive now, he’d have loved to visit sites like this (he was a big fan of them and used to drag – ahem – take me and my sister to various ones).
King Dagda Mor sounds like a thunder God, or at least a celtic equivalent of Thor.
I sometimes wonder what the bringing the dead to life myths are based on, what natural events caused the idea of them.
There’s a song by Clannad about Newgrange, now I know what it was about.
Have you been to any of the monuments in South or South West England? If not, consider visiting Stonehenge, Maiden Castle and Avebury Stone circle.
I haven’t been to those sites, but I want to.