Brú na Bóinne

Our trip to Ireland ended where civilization on the island began -- Brú na Bóinne, a World Heritage Site and the largest Megalithic site in Europe, dating back to the Neolithic period.

The walk from the visitor center to the tram that takes you to the actual site was picturesque in its own right, with a lovely view of the River Boyne.

According to Wikipedia, the mounds, chamber tombs, standing stones, henges and other prehistoric enclosures date back to the 35th century BC.

The monuments of Brú na Bóinne are associated with the Tuatha Dé Danann, a race of supernatural beings who according to tradition ruled Ireland before the coming of the Celts and afterwards retreated into the fairy mounds and forts.

It's easy to understand why someone would want to build and live at this location.  From the top of the main mound at Knowth you've got a pretty sweeping view of the surrounding countryside.

The site was built with sophistication and a knowledge of science and astronomy, which is most evident in the passage grave of Newgrange.  The beam of light that penetrates the chamber at dawn at the winter solstice reaches the floor just below a tri-spiral design on the back of the chamber.

Knowth has about 45% of all the art known from Irish tombs and nearly 30% of all the megalithic art in Europe.  Many people suggest that some of the spiral and concentric circles represent the movement of the sun and stars, a fascination with the changing seasons and how the cycles related to their own lives.

A final shot of Ireland with some of the elements of the country I'll never forget -- rolling green hills and beautiful fluffy clouds.

An incredible two weeks made even more special by getting to share it with my family.  Truly a trip of a lifetime!