Newgrange (Passage Grave) — Images (click to view fullsize)

Posted by fitzcoraldo 8th April 2012ce

Knowth — News

'New' ancient monuments come to light at Knowth Excavations unearth new features from Neolithic period New and exciting archaeological finds have been made at the Knowth tumulus over the last few months, according to archaeologists working on the site. The passage tomb cemetery at Brú na Binne has produced some extraordinary discoveries over the decades ever since Professor George Eogan made his first tentative exploration in and around the site. A number of previously unknown large-scale monuments in the field lying immediately to the south-east of the large mound have recently come to light. A programme of detailed non-invasive topographical, electrical resistance and magnetometer surveys conducted by Joe Fenwick of the archaeology department of NUI Galway, in collaboration with Professor George Eogan, has revealed a complexity of sub-surface wall-footings, earth-filled ditches and post-pits. This research confirms that the archaeological footprint of Knowth extends over a far greater area than previously thought. The nature, date and function of these 'hidden' monuments has yet to be fully assessed but it is likely these features represent a succession of overlapping periods of human occupation, building and rebuilding over the course of several thousand years - from the early Neolithic up to the present day. Two features are particularly apparent in the magnetometer image, a large double-ringed oval measuring 65m across its minor axis and a sub-rectangular ditched enclosure with internal features measuring over 70m in maximum dimension. These may represent the remains of a double-ditched enclosure of prehistoric or early medieval date, possibly a henge-like enclosure or ringfort, and a medieval or post-medieval walled enclosure, respectively. In the absence of dating evidence and with few, if any, definitive archaeological parallels, only very tentative interpretations of these features can be provided at this early stage of investigation, the archaeologists said. During OPW repair works to a 19th century wall, which forms a boundary along the west side of the public road, a number of significant stones that had been built into its fabric were identified. One, though undecorated, is likely to have served as kerbstone marking the base to one of Knowth's satellite tombs. Another is an architectural fragment, possibly part of a chapel or other prominent structure at Knowth, which once formed part a grange established in the high medieval period by the Cistercian monks of Mellifont. Perhaps the most remarkable discovery, however, is a stone which bears a finely carved spiral in the megalithic tradition on one of its surfaces - undoubtedly a structural stone from one of the nearby small passage tombs. http://www.meathchronicle.ie/news/roundup/articles/2011/12/02/4007977-new-ancient-monuments-come-to-light-at-knowth/ Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by moss 4th December 2011ce

Newgrange (Passage Grave) — News

Search for 2nd Passage at Newgrange Newgrange may have a second passage, and it too could be aligned with a solstice event. Check out link below for more info: http://www.independent.ie/national-news/search-on-for-a-second-passage-in-newgrange-2908492.html Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by mascot 19th October 2011ce

Dowth I (Passage Grave) — Images

Posted by ryaner 23rd June 2011ce

Newgrange Tumulus B (Passage Grave) — Fieldnotes

Although I didn't get to visit this Passage Grave up close it is easily visible in the distance from Newgrange itself; in the field the other side of the road you came along in the bus. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by CARL 7th June 2011ce

Newgrange Tumulus A (Passage Grave) — Fieldnotes

Although I didn't get to visit this Passage Grave up close (in a field full of crop and not part of the Newgrange 'tour') I was able to see it out of the bus window. Easily seen on the left (when travelling from the visitors centre to Newgrange) Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by CARL 7th June 2011ce

The Great Circle (Stone Circle) — Fieldnotes

Visited 23.5.11 While we were waiting for our turn to enter the passage of Newgrange, Dafydd and myself walked (or more accurately got blown) around the remains of the stone circle. The stones are large but not as large as Avebury/Stonehenge. They were however big enough to afford shelter from the near gale force wind! We also walked down to the bottom of the field where a single large standing stone stood. The stone seemed to align with the entrance to Newgrange? Two chaps had a long tape measure and were measuring something out across the field – no idea what they were up to? Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by CARL 7th June 2011ce

Newgrange (Passage Grave) — Fieldnotes

Visited 23.5.11 At last, I get to visit the famous Newgrange – and what a fab place it is! Now, I know a lot has been said about the reconstruction, restrictions on visiting times etc but despite all this I thoroughly enjoyed my (brief) visit. Following out bus ride to Knowth, myself and Dafydd jumped on our allotted bus to Newgrange. There were 4 of us on the bus to Knowth – there were 60 of us on two buses going to Newgrange!! As we wound our way through the country lanes I caught my first glimpse of the famous white façade through the trees – I was getting excited! We disembarked and waited for our guide to lead us to the site. I won't talk about the site itself as I doubt there is anything else I can add. What I will talk about are the visitor arrangements. I thought the visitor centre was excellent; housing a very good museum, shop and restaurant. (Far, far better than what Stonehenge has to offer!) The organisation of the site bookings/buses was slick and the staff friendly and helpful. I also thought the entry fee was very reasonable (free for Dafydd) The only down side for me was the lack of time you had actually at the site to have a good look around and try to get a 'feel' for the place. In saying that I guess with so many people wishing to visit, it is understandable that time is kept to a minimum? I can't finish without mentioning the chamber – wow! fantastic! The 'light show' they do is very well done and adds to the occasion. All in all a most definite 'must see' site. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by CARL 7th June 2011ce

Dowth I (Passage Grave) — Fieldnotes

Visited 23.5.11 I asked for directions to Dowth at the visitor centre and the lady at the desk kindly gave me a typed slip of paper with details. We headed off into the countryside and were soon there. The Tomb is large but looking rather sorry for itself, with a huge crater dug into it. I know that this site has not been 'tarted up' like Knowth and Newgrange but a little TLC wouldn't go amiss. The site itself is easy to access with a lay by to park in. There was no one else there when I visited. Due to I guess safety reasons? The entrances to the Tomb were fenced off which was a pity. I settled to peer inside and once your eyes adjust you can make out quite a bit of detail. Whilst I was doing this I could here a bird chirping away. It had built a nest in the drystone walling of the entrance so I made a quick exit not to disturb it. I then climbed to the top of the Tomb and was nearly swept off my feet by the wind. As the day went on the wind was getting stronger. From the top I spotted a Hare who appeared to call Dowth 'home'. Good for him – or her. Not as much to see as Knowth or Newgrange but you do get the place to yourself. Comments (0)  |  Add a comment  |  Permalink

Posted by CARL 6th June 2011ce