We’re history buffs and we want to visit some Neolithic sites in Ireland. Where can we go? We know that Ireland is full of ancient sites that come from Neolithic times – you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from a standing circle or a passage tomb! But what are the best to visit?
We hear that the quintessential experience of ancient Ireland can be found at
Newgrange. This huge passage tomb predates the pyramids. It’s famous around the world for the event that occurs here on the Winter Solstice each year, when the sun comes streaming through the opening above the tomb’s entrance, illuminating the central burial chamber at the back of the passage – an incredible feat for ancient engineers.Has anyone ever visited on December 21?
In County Sligo, we heard that you'll find one of the oldest Neolithic sites on the island at
Carrowmore. Can anyone tell us more about this treasure trove for Neolithic explorers, or do you have any pictures?
Finally, we want to round out our trip by visiting two iconic dolmens. The
Poulnabrone Dolmen is a distinctive monument in the
Burren Global Geopark in CountyClare – it is the site of an archaeological investigation that unearthed a huge amount of detail about the day-to-day lives of ancient people in Ireland. And the
Brownshill Dolmen, in County Carlow, is the largest dolmen in Europe,with a capstone that weighs over 100 tonnes! Who else wants to go?