Page 52 - royal-times-14-15

NEWGRANGE

After learning lots about the Stone Age our history teachers decided to organise a
trip to Newgrange passage tomb in Co. Meath. On the 13th of January we headed
off on our trip.

We got on board a bus and travelled to Newgrange. When we arrived we went to
the visitor’s centre where there was an exhibition on Neolithic life. We had a look
around and saw how the Neolithic people lived. We saw bones, tools, weapons and
models of their houses. It was very interesting! Afterwards, we got a shuttle bus
over to the site of the actual passage tomb.

Not even pictures in our history books could prepare us for the size and magnificence
of this ancient burial ground. We divided into our classes and went into the tomb,
one class at a time. It was amazing to experience first-hand the narrow passage
and cruciform chamber with corbelled roof often seen on television during the
winter solstice.
The amount of time and labour invested in construction of Newgrange suggests
a well organised society with specialised groups responsible for different aspects
of construction. We had a walk around the perimeter of the tomb and saw lots of
artwork and carvings on the larger stones.

It was probably one of the only
days in the year that it was warmer
inside the tomb than outside, and
it provided very welcome shelter
from the hail and snow!!! It was a
wonderful experience thoroughly
enjoyed by all and brought our
history alive!
Sophie Reilly

52 The Royal Times 2014-2015