Professor O'Kelly, the most distinguished authority on Newgrange, demonstrates that this remarkable megalithic tomb, 'the great national monument of Ireland, was built about 3200 BC by Neolithic farmers, who possessed considerable expertise in engineering, architecture, art and astronomy.'
Not only did they erect a monument which has stood virtually intact for thousands of years, but they deliberately orientated it so that each year, on midwinter's day, the rays of the rising sun would shine through a special aperture to illuminate the inner passage and chamber.
Every stage in the excavation, interpretation and restoration of the site is described and fully illustrated, with additional major contributions from Claire O'Kelly, who collaborated in her husband's work at Newgrange from its beginning.
Extent: 240 pp
Format: Paperback
Illustrations: 157
Publication date: 1988-03-14
Size: 24.7 x 18.8 cm
ISBN: 9780500273715
Press Reviews
Archaeology
Professor Glyn Daniel
Peter Harbison, Irish Independent
Independent
About the Author
Widely respected as a teacher, writer and practising archaeologist, Michael J. O'Kelly was Professor of Archaeology at University College Cork from 1946 until his untimely death in 1982. His long career as an excavator culminated in his work at Newgrange, and his formidable list of publications on all aspects of Irish archaeology earned him the award of Doctor of Literature in 1963, the highest degree conferred by the National University of Ireland.
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