Neolithic Sites
Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth
Newgrange, Knowth, Dowth, are all Megalithic Passage Tombs built by Neolithic farming communities about 5000 years ago. The passage tombs
have
astronomical alignments. For example, Newgrange is aligned with the winter
solstice sunrise. Our teacher, Dr. Jones, was very interested in the
Neolithic time period. He wrote a book called Chasing the Sun: A Journey
in Neolithic Speculation. It is about his theory of the Neolithic
ceremonial macehead. Click here
for Dr. Jones' book on Amazons website. It provides a longer description
of
what his book is about.
While we were at Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, Dr. Jones and our tour
guide taught us about passage tombs and how the are astronomically
aligned. Dr. Jones got me very interested in this. If he were still with
us today, he would be proud to know that I still do research about the
Neolithic time period in my spare time.
Poulnabrone dolmen
Poulnabrone dolmen is a portal tomb located in the Burren, County Clare. It is one of the most famous Irish dolmens. Its name, Poulnabrone, means the hole of the sorrows. It consists of a twelve foot thin capstone that is supported by two portal stones. These portal stones lift the capstone 6 feet from the ground, creating a chamber. The entrance to the tomb faces the north.
Multiple grave goods were found inside of the tomb including: a polished stone axe, two stone disc beads, a perforated bone pendant, part of a bone pin, two quartz crystals, many arrowheads and scrapers, and many pieces of pottery. Uncremated remains were found in the chamber. There were the bones of a newborn baby, six children, and about twenty adults. I found the Poulnabrone dolmen very interesting.
Loughcrew
We went to Loughcrew on one of the nicest days we had while in Ireland. To get to the Loughcrew Passage Tomb, we had to walk up a large hill. Dr. Jones had a key and we were able to enter the tomb. Loughcrew Passage Tomb is one of the four main passage tomb sites in Ireland. While we were here, Dr. Jones showed us how he believed that the Neolithic ceremonial macehead was used. This is what his book is written about. While we were at Loughcrew, a dog found us. We played with the dog and relaxed in the sun. We were given free time to explore the area. Some of the boys on the trip decided to roll down the hill when we were leaving. All in all, this was one of the most fun days of our trip.
Dan with dog at Loughcrew. Dr. Jones macehead theory.
Group walking to Loughcrew (top). Entrance to Loughcrew (bottom).