The majestic stone tombs of Brú na Bóinne were built, in a great outpouring of religious and creative energy, over a relatively short period of time, between 3200 BC and 2800 BC. The main mound at Newgrange, built around 3200 BC, is older than the Giza pyramids of Egypt (2600 BC) and Stonehenge in England (2200 BC).

 

At times this amazing cemetery of nearly 40 tombs and other structures was neglected and almost forgotten. Today, Brú na Bóinne's heritage and unique landscape are celebrated and respected. Since 1993 Brú na Bóinne has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

This guide tells what we know of the builders of Brú na Bóinne; who they were, how they lived, and what compelled them to create their mighty monuments. This is the story also of the tombs themselves, how they were built and how their use and the ceremonial activity that centred on them evolved over time.