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- Go West: Explore the Wild Atlantic Way
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Discovering the Art of Newgrange
IrishShopShare
If you enjoy Irish gifts, you have probably seen the distinctive triple spiral design often referred to as the Newgrange spiral. But do you know where it came from and what it means? This triple spiral is one of many swirling spirals that decorates the ancient site of Newgrange. It is carved on the entrance stone.
Newgrange is one of the three passage tombs that make up the Bru na Boinne site. The site is named for its location near the River Boyne in County Meath. Newgrange was discovered first, and is the star of this constellation of pre-Christian monuments. It is a World Heritage Site that is older than the pyramids. Knowth, another of the three sites, is also open to visitors. The third site, Dowth, is not.
Our most ancient legends refer to the Bru na Boinne site, and to Newgrange. While our ancestors did not leave us any clear explanations of their beliefs and their reasons and purposes for building these amazing sites, we can glean a few key things. The most amazing thing about Newgrange is that they designed it very precisely so that one day of the year – and one day only – the rising sun hits an opening above the entrance to the mound in such a way that it illuminates the interior and shines on another triple spiral inside the tomb. That day is the winter solstice. So we know our ancestors felt this was a very special day, and that they had some kind of event here. And clearly, they were brilliant engineers and astronomers to be able to do the calculations required to get Newgrange so right.