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
This hit me like a bolt from the blue. Very sorry to hear that a man I much admired is gone. Martins pioneering work on the Boyne valley was such a huge influence on my own life and continues to be so. Its fair to say he challenged the status quo of the wisdom of our time and opened up many fields of research shining a light on our ancient past.
I was delighted to be in the audience and chat to him during Anthony’s conference in 2009 and only now do I realise how special it was.
Deep peace of the starry heavens to you.
I attended the Boyne Valley Revision conference in 2009. It was a privilege to finally meet Martin who is my mother’s first cousin. His talk and the reception he received that night will live long in my memory. Thanks to Anthony for organizing the event. It was wonderful to have the chance to meet Martin and see just how much his work in Ireland is valued to so many people around the world.
Thank you Martin for the great contribution you have made to this life. You made great explorations into the ancient world and you were also a great Aikido teacher. RIP
Rip Martin. He was a genius & a natural born charmer! Thank you for your huge contributions & gifts to the world. Much love 💚💚💚