26 May Newgrange , County Meath
This cairn and passage tomb is over 5000 years old and is regarded as the world’s first solar observatory. It is estimated that 18,000 tonnes of stone were needed to build it. It contains many mysterious and well preserved stone carvings. A small distance away are 12 standing stones , all that remains of a probable 36 stones which once surrounded the cairn.
One unique feature of this ancient tomb is the roof-box , positioned to catch the rays of the rising sun during the winter solstice. There is a waiting list of five years to attend this phenomenon.
This is a real hidden gem and a must see on your Ireland tours.