Brú na Bóinne is one of Ireland’s most important archaeological sites! Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993, the 780-hectare site features various tumuli, megaliths, stone circles and other tombs of prehistoric origin! The site is one of the most impressive and richest in Europe in terms of prehistory! It includes the incredible prehistoric site of Newgrange, a site older than the Pyramid of Giza!
History of Brú na Bóinne
A major archaeological complex
Brú na Bóinne is located in the Boyne valley, close to the river of the same name. The area is home to a variety of Neolithic sites, each more fascinating than the last.
All these sites are thought to have been built in the Neolithic period, and are concentrated on the north side of the River Boyne. Numerous traces of prehistoric art have been found here, as well as rock engravings on the large megaliths.
By the end of the prehistoric period, the megalithic structures at Brú na Bóinne had unfortunately fallen into oblivion, and were gradually overgrown until they were completely unnoticed. However, some of them were plundered by the Vikings in the 8th century, and subsequently forgotten.
In 1690, Brú na Bóinne became the scene of one of the bloodiest battles in Irish history: the Battle of the Boyne (1690), which pitted the English Orangemen against the Irish Catholics (and ended in defeat for the Catholics). A battle that left an indelible mark on Ireland.
Visit Brú na Bóinne
An archaeological complex built around 4 major sites
Brú na Bóinne consists of 4 major sites:
- Newgrange: the country’s largest Neolithic tomb. It’s an impressive tumulus, 80 metres wide and 13 metres high. Built in 3,200 BC, it is one of the most fascinating sites of its kind. Over 200,000 tonnes of stone were used in its construction. The entrance features a number of period engravings: a real treasure trove!
- Dowth: a remarkable cairn, also of impressive dimensions. 90 meters in diameter and 15 meters high!
- Knowth: another cairn, housing 2 corridors and 2 burial chambers. A unique, beautifully preserved place!
- Tara: once the capital of the Kings of Ireland. It was here that the rulers of the Kingdom of Ireland were seated. Today, the site is remarkable, and traces of the old buildings can still be seen.
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