This large Entrance Stone at Newgrange, in Ireland, is called a Kerb Stone. When you enter past the brick wall you know you are going back in time. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.,) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. A long passage leads into a chamber with 3 alcoves. Newgrange is best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the Winter Solstice sun.

Above the entrance to the passage at Newgrange there is an opening called a roof-box. It’s purpose is to allow sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the shortest days of the year, around December 21st, the Winter Solstice. At dawn, from December 19th to the 23rd, a narrow beam of light penetrates the roof-box and reaches the floor of the chamber, gradually extending to the rear of the chamber. As the sun rises higher, the beam widens so that the whole chamber is dramatically illuminated. Newgrange is now recognized to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification: A place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance.