Newgrange

Newgrange is most famous for its alignment with the winter solstice sunrise. A shaft of sunlight illuminates the central chamber and passage for a brief period around December 21st. Above the passage entrance, a 'roof-box' allows this light to penetrate.

No, access to the Newgrange tomb itself is only possible via a guided tour. Visitors must first go to the Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre, purchase a tour ticket, and then take a shuttle bus to the Newgrange site to participate in the guided tour.

Newgrange is not the oldest structure in the world. While it is an exceptionally ancient passage tomb, built around 3200 BCE, structures like Göbekli Tepe in Turkey are considerably older. Newgrange does, however, predate the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge by centuries.

Yes, remains were found inside Newgrange. Although the chamber was disturbed before proper excavation, the remains of five bodies were recovered. Most of the bones found had been cremated, suggesting that the original number of interred individuals was likely much higher.

Newgrange's megalithic passage tomb was meticulously designed and constructed over 5,200 years ago. Its most celebrated feature is the precise astronomical alignment, allowing sunlight to enter the inner chamber during the winter solstice, a testament to the advanced understanding of the Neolithic people.