Newgrange is a Stone Age, neolithic monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath.
It is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange is a large circular mound 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.
It was overgrown with trees, and was discovered completely by accident when the local landowner removed a rock in 1699 that revealed the entrance into what was thought at first sight to be a cave.
At the entrance to Newgrange there is a large stone with a Triskele design engraved in the rock. This is the most famous Irish Megalithic symbol in the world. This design was carved at least 2500 years before the Celts reached Ireland. It is hard to even imagine people back then creating such inspiring artwork.
The silverwork on this pendant is inspired by this very Triskele design.
