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The Ancient History of Ireland: Newgrange, Crosses, and the Trim Castle
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On the way from Dublin to the Connemara Peninsula, we headed north from Dublin to visit Newgrange. Newgrange dates back to 3000 BC and is thought to be a Passage Tomb. The site was built by an ancient people who utilized flat stones to layer in order to build the tomb. No mortar was used and to this day it remains stable and rainproof. Twice a year the sun shows through the light box above the entrance into the tomb, and lands on the main tomb inside. It was fascinating to see and learn about the site, which was rediscovered in the 18th century by a farmer after being covered up for thousands of years by trees and dirt. They have found dozens more similar to this Passage Tomb throughout the valley. The taking of video and photos was prohibited inside the tomb so I only have video of the outside.
The Trim Castle, which is forty minutes west of Dublin, was built in the 12th and 13th centuries. You can take a tour to the top of the castle, which we chose not to do. On the road we stopped at a famous cemetery known for its 9th century crosses. Quite impressive.
We stayed the night in the sleepy town of Trim before heading to the west coast.
September 2nd, 2012 at 9:28 pm
[...] in France - Dingle’s Historic Sights: the History of Ireland, The Ancient History of Ireland: Newgrange, Crosses, and the Trim Castle, Sights and Sounds of Dublin, [...]