Page 19 - DK Eyewitness Travel Guides - The World's Must-See Places

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A Megalithic motifs adorning
the walls of Newgrange

A Restoration of Newgrange
Located on a low ridge north of the Boyne River,
Newgr ang e took more than 70 years to build.
Between 1962 and 19 75, the passage grave and
mound were restored as closely as possible to
their original state.

Passage>
At dawn on December 21, a
beam of sunlight shines through
the roof box (a feature unique
to Newgrange), travels along
the 62-ft (19-m) passage and
hits the central recess in the
burial chamber.

Entrance>
The opening was origin ally
blocked by the stone standing
to its right. Newgrange's most
elaborately carved curbstone is
in front, part of the curb of
huge slabs around the cairn.

Retaining Wall
White quartz and granite stones MYTHOIDGICAL TALE
found scattered around the site
during excavations were used to In Irish mythology, Aenghus Mac Og was the God of
rebuild this wall around the front Love, who tricked his way into owning Newgrange.
of the cairn. It is said that he was away when the magical places of
Ireland were being divided up. On his return, he asked
Roof box to borrow Newgrange for the day and night, but
refused to give it back, claiming it was his, since all
of time can be divided by day and night.