Newgrange Ireland ancient megalithic site

The Megalithic passage tomb at Newgrange Ireland is over 5000 years old. It's part of the Boyne Valley necropolis which encompasses the nearby Knowth & Dowth prehistoric sites. The Irish megalithic passage Tombs at Boyne Valley, Co. Meath, including Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth, were constructed circa 3500 BC, before the Pyramids of Egypt, according to radio-carbon dating analysis of Newgrange. In 1993 the Boyne Valley megalithic complex was designated a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Newgrange ancient Ireland megalithic site in County Meath

Irish countryside & Boyne river, Brú na Boinne, Newgrange Ireland

Irish countryside & sheep grazing at Brú na Boinne, Co. Meath Ireland image - adjoining the ancient Irish megalithic site of Newgrange.

Kerb stone at Newgrange with spiral symbols.
Newgrange kerb stone with ancient Irish spiral art symbols

At Newgrange, sunlight during the December winter solstice illuminates the inner passage & Chamber annually. Similarly in the Egyptian Pyramids, the ceremonial inner sanctum was aligned with the Pole star & constellations.
During 1999 a Canadian scientist discovered a prehistoric map of the moon's surface engraved on stone within the inner chamber at Knowth, It was part of a rock carving which was highlighted by nocturnal lunar light. BBC Science Report. The ancient Egypt structures at Abu Simbel share similarities in their construction with Irish passage tombs & later pyramids of Egypt.
At both locations, astronomical alignments play a key role in the structures significance. Many believe ancient stone sites are/were charged with an energy or power. Kerb stones are decorated with ancient spiral symbols depicting the site's location.

Spiral symbols on kerbstone at Newgrange, Ireland.
Spiral art symbols on kerbstone, Newgrange Ireland

The exact use & original purpose of Ireland passage tombs has long been debated between traditional archaeologists & those who see a deeper significance to the stone structures. Some speculate that astronomically aligned sites at Newgrange, Knowth & Dowth were built by survivors from the Atlantis continent which once may have existed in the Atlantic Ocean, to preserve ancient teachings. Those who have stood in the centre of a Ring Fort or near ancient standing stones may understand the tranquility and feeling of Oneness with the Universe such a casual encounter with our Celtic past can evoke.