An Archeological Wonder: The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange: Ireland

With the help of tour guide extraordinaire Ciaran Ganter, a fun-loving bloke who definitely possesses the Irish gift of gab, I went on an Irish adventure.

Our destination?

The World Heritage site, a prehistoric archaeological prize called the Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange located in the Boyne Valley.

Older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids of Giza, this serious archaeological find dates back to 3200 B.C.

Also the scene of an Irish myth, the Newgrange Megalithic Passage Tomb is called the largest and best preserved fairy mound -- home to the god of love, Oenghus. Myths aside, Newgrange's grassy top was buried for centuries, the mound rediscovered in 1699 when a road was being built there. Major excavation began in 1962, with rebuilding from local white quartz.

Winter solstice is a special time for the giant, 5000-year-old, kidney-shaped mound covering more than an entire acre. At this time of year, the rising sun shines down a long passage at Newgrange, magically lighting up its chamber to form the shape of a cross.

Amazing!

Sadly, being privy to entry during this time means winning a lottery to be placed on a waiting list that has been booked ahead for years. Still, you can tour this sacred place year round.

Here's a taste of what you'll experience when you go:

Through a decorated doorway, a very narrow, very low path (duck!) gradually widens, opening into a central compartment with cone-shaped dome, decorated with spiral shapes some say were created by ancient Celts. One caveat: The latter concept seems impossible given the Newgrange carvings were determined to have been done 2,500 years prior to when the Celts ever reached Ireland.

And th mystery of Newgrange continues.