Birchwood B&B accommodation at Kells, Co. Meath Ireland. Phone/Fax: 00 353 (o)46 9240688 email clarket@iol.ie

Places to see

Newgrange is one of the best examples in Ireland and in Western Europe, of a type of monument known to archaeologists as a passage-grave or passage-tomb. It was constructed around 3200BC, according to the most reliable Carbon 14 dates available from archaeology. This makes it more than 600 years older than the Giza Pyramids in Egypt, and 1,000 years more ancient than Stonehenge.
In 1993, Newgrange and its sister sites Knowth and Dowth were designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO because of their outstanding cultural legacy. On the Winter Solstice, the light of the rising sun enters the roofbox at Newgrange and penetrates the passage, shining onto the floor of the inner chamber. The sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Newgrange for just 17 minutes.

Also nearby in Oldcastle are The Loughcrew Megalithic Cairns.

The Loughcrew MegaliticCairns (Prehistoric Passage Graves), some 5,000 years old, are the oldest feature of this area. Set in the hills near Oldcastle, they dominate this part of Ireland, with a fabulous view of of the surrounding counties and lakes.

They may be the oldest calendar known, and have clear astrological alignments. Loughcrew is relatively unknown and unspoilt, making it a wonderful, uncrowded place to visit.

On a clear day it is claimed that features in half the counties of Ireland can be seen from atop Loughcrew.

The Hill of Tara, was once the ancient seat of power in Ireland – 142 kings are said to have reigned there in prehistoric and historic times. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site.

On a clear day in the distance to the northwest can be seen the brilliant white quartz front of Newgrange and further north lies the Hill of Slane, where according to legend St. Patrick lit his Pascal fire prior to his visit to Tara in 433 AD.

The earliest settlement at the site was in the Neolithic, and the Mound of the Hostages was constructed in or around 2500BC.

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Birchwood Bed & Breakfast, Kells, Co. Meath | Tel: +353 (0)46 9240688 | Email: clarket@iol.ie