Mythical Ireland is saddened to report the death of Martin Brennan, author, researcher and discoverer. Martin, who was best known for his book The Stones of Time (originally The Stars and The Stones) is reported to have passed away on 1st November 2023 at his home in Mexico. He was 81 years of age.
Brennan and his team of research companions made pioneering discoveries relating to Irish Neolithic monuments, including the equinox alignment of Cairn T at Slieve na Calliagh, Loughcrew, and the winter solstice sunset alignment of Dowth's southern chamber. He is well-known for his work on the interpretation of Irish megalithic art, especially in relation to its astronomical import.
Martin Brennan speaking at a conference in the Boyne Valley in 2009.
He lived for a number of years in Ireland, both in the Boyne Valley and in Dublin, in the early 1980s. He left Ireland in the mid '80s and returned here in 2009 to speak at a conference held in his honour.
His passing will be mourned by many who admired and followed his work. A full obituary and tribute will be published here on Mythical Ireland in the near future.
Rest in peace Martin. It was an honour to have been counted among your friends.
9 comments
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Martin Brennan in Puerto Vallarta, MX on March 13, 2020 pre COVID at Murphy’s Pub; he was sitting alone and we started a conversation and to our delight he was such pleasure to meet!
He shared with us when he came to PV in early 1960’s and his love of the culture there.
We are saddened to hear that he has passed.
We looked for him each year we returned to PV.
RIP Martin ♥️
As a young and ignorant (on archaeology and life generally) I had the privilege of meeting Martin during his time leading the aikido group in TCD in the late 1970s. Along with others of that group, I stayed at his then home of Dowth Castle, beside the archaeological mound, and learned of Martin’s then (in his own description) “far out” ideas; now largely mainstream.
Martin was a true visionary and a thought leader in this and other sectors. His influence stayed with me over the decades. Sorry to learn, belatedly, of his passing. May he rest in peace.
As a young and ignorant (on archaeology and life generally) I had the privilege of meeting Martin during his time leading the aikido group in TCD in the late 1970s. Along with others of that group, I stayed at his then home of Dowth Castle, beside the archaeological mound, and learned of Martin’s then (in his own description) “far out” ideas; now largely mainstream.
Martin was a true visionary and a thought leader in this and other sectors. His influence stayed with me over the decades. Sorry to learn, belatedly, of his passing. May he rest in peace.
Glad I had the honor of working with Martin on his book on the Maya and traveling with him in New England and Colorado. He continues to inspire.
Glad I had the honor of working with Martin on his book on the Maya and traveling with him in New England and Colorado. He continues to inspire.