Many of my influences come from my local area. Living just 40 minutes from the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange I have always been fascinated by the megalithic art in my area. The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC. The kidneyshaped mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19 metre long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. It is estimated that the construction of the Passage Tomb at Newgrange would have taken a work force of 300 at least 20 years.

The passage and chamber of Newgrange are illuminated by the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight shines through the roof box over the entrance and penetrates the passage to light up the chamber. The dramatic event lasts for 17 minutes at dawn on the Winter Solstice and for a few mornings either side of the Winter Solstice.

The Tri-Spiral design engraved on one of the stones inside the chamber of Newgrange is probably the most famous Irish Megalithic symbol. It is often referred to as a Celtic design, but it was carved at least 2500 years before the Celts reached Ireland. At 12 inches in diameter the tri-spiral design is relatively small in size, less than one-third the size of the tri-spiral design on the entrance stone.

For more information about Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, Click here to visit the Newgrange website.

Newgrange pendant carved for the Guardian Stone at Newgrange. Click here for more information about this pendant.