Our first full day in Ireland was designated (note the task oriented language) to see the Hill of Tara and Newgrange. The grassy high-lands of the Hill of Tara is the capital of Ireland’s 142 high kings who ruled Ireland until the 5th century and was home to the ancient druids before this time. It is also where the great politician Daniel O’Connell rallied the Irish people in 1843 fight for independence from Britain. Over 100000 / 300000 / 100000 people (depending upon the account – fake news?) came to listen to O’Connell speak, travelling by foot, horse and carriage for many miles. Not being possessed of a microphone or booming voice, his words were carried by runners to the outlying crowds.
The Hill of Tara is also a burial site, and mounds dot the hills as far as the eye can see. Despite this history I did not feel the oppression I thought I might; it seemed a place of tranquility and hope. We walked around the gentle slopes in the sunshine and it was a wonderful introduction to the history of Ireland.
We were then fortunate to be included among the hundreds of people who see Newgrange each day. Booking is strictly necessary to enter the tomb in peak season. This site is over 5000 years old and predates Egypt’s pyramids and the call of Abraham by about 600 years. Newgrange is a burial site for the elite of the day – it’s a Stone Age passage tomb, remarkable because on the winter solstice, the rising sun’s rays travel through the passage and provide light to the inner depths of the tomb.
During the tour the rising sun was simulated by torch light and I can only wonder at the thoughts and motives of this ancient people in the construction and design of this remarkable site. Derek pointed out the passage was in the shape of a cross, the shape of later cathedrals and churches and I wonder if this holds any significance?