Newgrange: A Neolithic Passage Tomb in Ireland

Newgrange is is one the most famous Neolithic sites in Ireland, if not all of the British Isles. It is estimated to have been built in 3,200 B.C., which makes it 1,000 years older than Stonehenge and 600 years older than the Great Pyramid at Giza.
It is located on a ridge along the Boyne River, forty miles north of Dublin near the town of Drogheda. It is part of the larger Brú na Bóinne complex, which also includes the Neolithic sites of Dowth and Knowth. Additionally, approximately forty smaller ancient grave sites are found in the area.
Together, all of the sites at the Brú na Bóinne complex are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, and it is considered the largest and most important Neolithic complex in the world.
Although the original use of this passage tomb is not known, it is speculated to have had some kind of religious significance. The passageways were designed so that light floods the main corridor at dawn on the Winter Solstice, December 21, and also on the days just preceding and after the solstice.

Archaeologists have found human remains within the Newgrange tomb, showing that it had, indeed, been used as a burial site. However, ritual use of the site was so significant that some say Newgrange should be considered an ancient temple more than simply a tomb.
Newgrange appears to have been utilized for astrological, spiritual, religious, and ceremonial purposes. A useful comparison is with Medieval cathedrals where the larger population gathered for ceremonies and feast days, and where rulers and people of social and political importance were buried.

Winter solstice seems to have been the major event of the year at Newgrange. On the days just before, during, and after the solstice (December, 21), light enters the chamber through an opening at dawn, and floods the main corridor with light. This is one of many examples of ancient time-keeping which marked the calendar year.
Anthropologists speculate that this event holds symbolic meaning. Not only would it mark the beginning of the new year, but also it celebrates the victory of light over dark, the return of the sun, and possibly renewal of life.
Due to the association of Newgrange with the sun, some have speculated that the Dagda, an ancient Irish god of the sun, may have been worshiped there. And, indeed, like other ancient sites, Newgrange's meaning likely changed over the years to the people who lived within the general vicinity.

Image for "Winter Solstice Experience" at Newgrange.

Source: Winter Solstice Experience

Today, the tradition of recognizing the solstices has been revived, and ancient Neolithic sites such as Newgrange and Stonehenge are central gathering points of celebration. People from all walks of life come together to witness first hand what was considered sacred to our ancestors.
Among the groups who pay special attention to the revival of celebrating the turning of the astronomical seasons are modern pagans, who include both Neo-pagan as well as ancient religion reconstructionists.


Source: http://carolynemerick.hubpages.com/hub/Three-Neolithic-Sacred-Tombs-in-Ireland#