Newgrange

Newgrange - Key Facts

Newgrange is a megalithic passage grave, built around 3000 B.C.

It predates the Egyptian pyramids.

It was rediscovered in 1699 by Charles Campbell, the landowner at the time.

The mound is 85m in diameter and 11m in height.

The exterior walls are covered with white quartz stone.

97 kerbstones surround the outside of the mound.

Only the entrance stone and Kerbstone no. 52 are decorated.

There is a roof box over the entrance, which allows light to enter the chambers on the Winter Solstice (21^st December).

The interior passage is cruciform shaped.

The passage is approx 19m long (24m including the chambers).

There are 22 orthostats (standing stones) on the left and 21 orthostats on the right.

The roof in the chambers is corbelled.

There are 12 standing stones surrounding Newgrange. It is believed there were originally a total of 36 standing stones.