Newgrange, Sí an Bhrú, is one of
the most famous prehistoric
monuments in Western Europe.
Built over 5000 years ago, the
burial chamber is entered
through a long stone passage
(hence the name), the whole
area being covered by a huge
mound. The mound itself covers
over an acre of ground and was
constructed from over 200,000
tons of stone and earth.
features, perhaps the most
famous is the small opening over
the door, the roof box. At dawn
on the morning of the winter
solstice, the shortest day of the
year (December 21st) and a
number of days before and after,
a shaft of sunlight penetrates the
passage, creeping slowly to the
very back of the chamber. To the
Neolithic farmers, this may have
been a sign of rebirth, with the
New Year giving renewed life to
crops and animals.