Capturing the Winter Solstice at Newgrange
Friday, February 16, 2018 - 08:30 to 18:00
UNESCO World Heritage Site/ Brú na Bóinne
This seminar will explore the extensive Neolithic (3300–3000 BC) passage tomb cemetery at the Bend of the Boyne, which includes the three largest artificial structures in Neolithic Europe (each 80 metres (262 ft) in diameter and containing about 200,000 tonnes of material). In addition to their use as burial places the tombs were the focus of an elaborate ‘Cult of the Ancestors’. Long after its prehistoric abandonment the Knowth mound was fortified and became the residence of the kings of North Brega, one of the most powerful new families of the Uí Neill (O Neill) dynasty descended from the legendary founder Niall Noígiallach (‘Niall of the Nine Hostages’). The early narrative traditions of the region will be explored including a consideration of key figures, such as Bóann, Óengus and the Dagda.