Junior History students and 5th Year Art students visit Newgrange

On Wednesday, 13th May 1st, 2nd and 5th Year art students visited Newgrange passage tomb in Co. Meath. We got to go into the passage tomb and while we were in the tomb a simulation of the winter solstice was displayed.

This was really interesting and it felt really special to think that neolithic farmers would have been standing where I was 5000 years ago.

Anna Baker (2nd Year)

The passage is barely shoulder width. The roof is uncomfortably low. Once you're through, however, you're met by a round, ancient chamber. Spirals and shapes are engraved on the stones that surround you. The untouched, underground burial ground slumbers as you stand in it's centre. Where are you? Unmistakably, you have found yourself within the ancient passage tomb of Newgrange, along the banks of the legendary river Boyne. This is where our 1st, 2nd, and 5th year art students found themselves on Wednesday, the 13th of May.

Arriving at the Newgrange site for the first time can only fill you with awe as you gaze upon the mysteriously majestic site, perching upon an ancient hill, you instantly begin to wonder and think of all the thousands of years of history and legends that surround this incredibly old passage way to the Dagda of the Stone Age Irish people.

Being guided trough the tomb itself was an incredible journey into the past. Ducking low beneath the stone roof, we were brought into the main chamber. Standing huddled together underneath the original corbelled roof, we were shown by our guide a fantastic recreation. A demonstration of what it would be like to stand where we were on the day of the winter solecist, when the light of the rising sun passes through the tomb and illuminates the chamber. It was truly a magical moment.

After leaving the site of the tomb and returning to the interpretation centre, the group explored the in depth exhibitions, complete with displayed artefacts, model reconstructions of ancient settlements, and a short documentary clip about the tombs of the Boyne themselves: Knowth, Dowth, and of course, Newgrange.

In all, the day was thoroughly enjoyable, inspiring and interesting. As we climbed back onto our bus on our way back home, we could see the mysterious tomb fade into the distance. Patiently sitting on its hill, waiting for us to return and discover it once more.

Andrew Enright (5th Year)