Ancient Destinations Ireland

The emerald isle's natural beauty will amaze travellers with its lush green landscapes and captivate them with its enchanting celtic music. Ireland offers travellers the chance to explore medieval castles and prehistoric mounds!

Photo: teamaskin

Located near the Boyne river about 32 kilometres from the city of Dublin stands the great Mound Of Tara. The hill measures 1,043 ft by 866 ft. It is believed that in ancient times Irish kings were crowned inside the mound. There are numerous monuments and earthworks located on the hill. The most famous is that of the Lia Fail (aka the Stone of Destiny). According to scholars, the stone has been a sacred site since Neolithic times but its history is largely unknown. According to legend, when the true king of Ireland was crowned there, the stone gave out a scream of approval. Some people still believe that the stone was one of the four talismans brought to Ireland by a group of people that worshipped the Goddess Danu. (More Photos)

Photo: MllePeterson

The Stone Age tomb of Newgrange is located in County Meath, Ireland. Archaeologists speculate the site was built around 3200 BC which will make it several hundred years older than the Great Pyramid of Egypt. Its exact purpose is still unknown. The oval shaped mound is 250 ft wide and 90 ft high. The outsides of the mound are made from white quartz and the entire structure is surrounded by ninety-seven kerbstones. The entrance is surrounded by a massive oval shaped boulder with mysterious spiral patterns. (More Photos)

Archaeological excavations has led to the discovery of a 60 foot long passageway that leads directly to a cross shaped chamber inside. A series of stone basins extend from this chamber. It is believed that these basins once held both ash and human bones. The greatest attraction at Newgrange however, can be seen every year on December 21st on the Winter Solstice. On this day, the sun's rays pierce through a little opening above the entrance of the tomb and makes its way along the narrow passage inside. Its final destination is the central chamber. Once there, it illuminates the entire floor with sunlight.

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