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16/3/2000 |
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 Mythical Ireland - Photo of the Month |
APRIL 2008 - NEWGRANGE UNDER A STARRY COSMOS |
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Newgrange, sitting above the flowing waters of the Boyne as it loops around the great megalithic complex of Brú na Bóinne, is one of the world's oldest astronomical observatories. Remarkably, it continues to function today. There has been considerable debate as to the extent of the astronomy carried out at the Boyne - and other sites in Ireland, Britain and Europe. On the shortest day of the year, the sun shines into Newgrange and illuminates its stoney chamber. Its builders lived and farmed here over 5,000 years ago. One gets the sense that Newgrange and its sister sites, Knowth and Dowth, were built by a people who had a unique cosmic vision, which saw that things that happened on the ground were influenced by the events in the sky. This photo was taken by Declan McCormack, an amateur astronomer and avid photographer. It captures remarkably that sense of cosmic vision. Thank you Declan. |
PREVIOUS PHOTOS OF THE MONTH MARCH 2008: Offerings for St. Brigid, at her shrine in Faughart, Co. Louth, which claims to be the birthplace of this uniquely Irish saint. FEBRUARY 2008: Can you guess what this mystery photo shows? JANUARY 2008: Solstice moongazers at Dowth at the time of Winter Solstice. DECEMBER 2007: The intricately decorated kerbstone 13, Knowth, Co. Meath. JULY 2007: The view from Slieve Gullion, Co. Armagh. JUNE 2007: Moon and Venus over Turlough Round Tower, Co. Mayo. MAY 2007: The Holy Thorn, Wearyall Hill, Glastonbury, UK. This is the place where St. Joseph of Arimathea brought Christianity to Britain. APRIL 2007: The moat of king Slaine sits on the summit of the Hill of Slane, famous as the place where St. Patrick lit the first Paschal Fire in Ireland, but which lies at the centre of an ancient alignment system. MARCH 2007: On a bright March evening, the new lambs of 2007 graze atop the megalithic cairn at Dowth, under the watchful eye of mother, who is aware of the presence of the photographer. In the distance is Newgrange. If you want to send a contribution for Photo of the Month, send me an e-mail to mythicalireland AT eircom DOT net |
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