Brú na Bóinne, which means the ‘palace’ or the ‘mansion’ of the Boyne, refers to the area within the bend of the River Boyne which contains one of the world’s most important prehistoric landscapes. The archaeological landscape within Brú na Bóinne is dominated by three large passage tombs, Knowth, Newgrange and Dowth, built some in the Neolithic or Late Stone Age. An additional ninety monuments have been recorded in the area giving rise to one of the most significant archaeological complexes in terms of scale and density of monuments and the material evidence that accompanies them. The Brú na Bóinne tombs, in particular, Knowth, contain the largest assemblage of megalithic art in Western Europe. It's fascinating to realise that these tombs were built before the Pyramids.
The tombs can only be visited on a guided tour (using a shuttle bus) so we booked into the tours of both Knowth and Newgate (there are no tours of Dowth).
The Great Mound of Knowth was built over 5000 years ago, probably after the construction of Newgrange and before the construction of Dowth. The Great Mound at Knowth is similar in size to Newgrange and is surrounded by 18 smaller satellite mounds. The Great Mound has two passages with entrances on opposite sides, the western passage is 34 metres long and the eastern passage is 40 metre long, ending with a cruciform chamber. You do not enter the tunnels at Knowth but do enter an outer room which holds much of the information of the tomb.
Newgrange is a 5,200 years old and like Knowth was built by Stone Age farmers. The mound is 85 meters in diameter and 13.5 meters high. A passage measuring 19 meters leads into a chamber with 3 alcoves. The passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun at the Winter Solstice. A lottery is held each year for people to witness this event. Unlike Knowth you do get to go inside the passage to the chamber at the end. There is also a simulation of the winter solstice with electric light - most effective. Newgrange is surrounded by 97 large stones called kerbstones some of which are engraved with megalithic art; the most striking is the entrance stone.
As we had quite sometime before our plane left (at 9pm) we headed off to the Battle of the Boyne Information Centre.
The Battle of the Boyne was a battle in 1690 between the forces of the deposed King James II of England, and those of Dutch Prince William of Orange who, with his wife Mary II had acceded to the Crowns of England and Scotland in 1688. The battle took place across the River Boyne and resulted in a victory for William. This turned the tide in James's failed attempt to regain the British crown and ultimately aided in ensuring the continued Protestant ascendancy in Ireland. We had a wander around the gardens and some afternoon tea but didn't feel the need to visit the centre.
At the airport we had to wait around until the Flybee desk opened at 7pm. Time for a cuppa and some reading. After booking our luggage through, going through security etc. we found an interesting spot for dinner. Called "Chopped", it was basically a salad bar where you ordered, Teriyaki Chicken salad/Prawn Salad and they put all the ingredients in a bowl and then put them on a board and chopped them up before adding dressing. It was a step above the usual airport food.
We arrived at Cardiff and straight through emigration to be met by Ray. We're staying with Kath and Ray for the next couple of weeks for the real reason we are in Europe – Do Not Go Gentle.
The Drill Hall Theatre Company in Mullumbimby (of which both Jill and I are involved with) is combining with the Everyman Theatre Company in Cardiff for a joint International performance of Patricia Cornelius' play Do Not Go Gentle. Half the cast come from Mullumbimby and half from Cardiff. We meet for the first time tomorrow after having rehearsed in our separate countries over the past few months. After a week of rehearsals, we perform the play here in Cardiff before additional performances back in Mullumbimby in early October. Jill and I are involved because I will be doing the light and sound as well as being responsible for the set in Mullumbimby and Jill is coordinating the visit (accommodation etc.) in Mullumbimby.
It was about 11 o’clock after greetings etc. Time for bed......
