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Loughcrew, with a concentration of around 30 passage tombs, is one of the most important prehistoric cemeteries in <strong>Ireland</strong> The Loughcrew complex is a megalithic cemetery containing around 30 passage tombs and is situated around the summit of three hills near the town of Oldcastle, Co. Meath. Nearby are the restored 17th Century Loughcrew Gardens which also holds the key to the Loughcrew Cairns site. 34 FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO WWW.DISCOVERIRELAND.IE/BOYNEVALLEY
Loughcrew is roughly contemporary with Newgrange (3200 BC). Neolithic communities built large communal tombs, or megaliths, for their dead. There are four main types of tombs, each being named after a particular and defining feature (court tombs, portal tombs, passage tombs and wedge tombs). The typical passage tomb is cruciform in plan with a long central passage leading to a main chamber, off which there are three smaller chambers. The dead were cremated and the remains placed in the chambers above the ground. The tombs were then covered in great mounds of earth and stones called ‘cairns’, though often these do not survive. A distinguishing feature of Irish passage tombs is the presence of rock art – carved or picked designs on the internal or external stones of the tomb. The art is abstract in form with circles, spirals, arcs, lozenges, triangles, zigzags and flower motifs being common. Certain symbols seem to have been favoured at particular tombs or cemeteries; spirals at Newgrange, concentric rectangles at Knowth and rayed circles at Loughcrew. One of the best-preserved and most accessible tombs at Loughcrew, known as Cairn T, appears to be the central tomb of the whole complex. It faces the rising sun at the vernal (March) and autumnal (September) equinoxes which shines through the passage to illuminate symbols carved onto the back wall of the chamber. This tomb is reputed to be the resting place of Ollamh Fodhla, a legendary king of <strong>Ireland</strong>. Did you know … Slieve na Callaigh gets its name from the Irish Sliabh na Callaí, meaning ‘Hill of the Witch’ or ‘Hag’s Hill’. Contact Details for Loughcrew Cairns: OPW, Cortown, Oldcastle, Co Meath GPS: 53° 44’ 38.40”, -7° 7’ 7.32” T: + 353 (0) 49 854 1240 E: brunaboinne@opw.ie W: www.heritageireland.ie Contact Details for Loughcrew Gardens & Adventure Course: Loughcrew, Oldcastle, Co Meath T: + 353 (0) 49 854 1356 E: info@loughcrew.com W: www.loughcrew.com Loughcrew Loughcrew Gardens are generally open March to October every year. The site is full of history, beauty, fantasy, and atmosphere making the Gardens a magical experience. The ancient Yew Walk, medieval moote and St. Oliver Plunkett’s family church create a spirit of history with a ‘grotesque’ grotto with tortured pillars guarding a rockery of fantasy tree fairy sculptures. With something for all the family, the hidden story of Alice In Wonderland and a small playground keep the younger visitors happy, while the insect walk with giant bugs and hidden reptiles appeals to the older children. The canal, ponds, the water mill and cascades all create a stunning atmosphere. FOR OPENING TIMES AND ADMISSION DETAILS PLEASE SEE PULL OUT INSERT AT THE BACK 35
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Page 5 and 6: Discover Ireland’s rich heritage!
Page 7 and 8: “So memorable in ancient history,
Page 9 and 10: Bronze Age 2200 - 600 BC Industrial
Page 11 and 12: more recently with canvas. It was a
Page 13 and 14: The imposing façade of St. Peters
Page 15 and 16: Did you know … The current owner
Page 17 and 18: William’s army (called Williamite
Page 19 and 20: * An Artist Impression, as it might
Page 21 and 22: Christianity was introduced into Ir
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Page 25 and 26: Stereophonics, Red Hot Chili Pepper
Page 27 and 28: Passage tombs consist of a burial c
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Page 39 and 40: Solstice Arts Centre could safely h
Page 41 and 42: Drogheda proper began as an Anglo-N
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Page 48 and 49: Getting to the Boyne Valley is very
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Page 52 and 53: Your Road Map See detailed touring
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