Newgrange

The entrance to the tomb, marked by a curbstone on the southeast side with carved spiral decoration, leads into a narrow passage 66ft/20m long formed of 43 uprights between 5 and 8ft/1.5 and 2.4m high and roofed with massive lintels. At the end of the passage is the main tomb chamber, with a 20ft/6m high vaulted roof. The structure is so designed that the sun shines directly into the chamber at the winter solstice. Three side chambers open off the main chamber giving the tomb a cruciform plan. Many of the stones are carved with spirals, lozenges, wave patterns, snake-like designs or zigzag ornaments, which contribute to the powerful effect of the whole. The tomb was constructed with great precision, so that in the course of 5,300 years there has been no penetration of rainwater.Beside the parking lot is an exhibition center giving background information on the tomb.