Archaeological Ensemble of the Bend of the Boyne
N 53° 41.577 W 006° 26.975
29U E 668389 N 5952381
Quick Description: Known as Brú na Bóinne (English: "Quarters of the Boyne") this is an internationally important complex of Neolithic chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric enclosures located in a wide meander of the River Boyne in Ireland.
Location: Ireland
Date Posted: 10/30/2006 11:49:23 AM
Waymark Code: WMWVW
Views: 299
Long Description:The coordinates indicate the position of the visitor center.
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. It is a World Heritage Site, containing what have been
described as the national monuments of Ireland.
The site covers 780ha and contains around 40 passage tombs 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.
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:
Dowth Hall passage graves
Cloghalea Henge
Townleyhall passage grave
Monknewton 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 studdied 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.
All access to Newgrange and Knowth is by guided tour only: tours
begin at the Visitor Centre in Donore, Co. Meath.
