Photographs of Historic Ireland

taken by

Barbara Wynn Malatesta
Newgrange Entrance Kerbstone, County Meath
Once a year, at dawn on the winter solstice, December 21, the sun shines through the roof box portal above the entrance, travels through the passageway, and illuminates the chamber within.
Close up of Kerbstone Spiral, Newgrange
Newgrange is a neolithic tomb dating back to 3200 BC.  It is older than Stonehenge, Mycenae, and even the pyramids of Eygpt. According to Celtic lore, the legendary kings of Tara were buried here.  Surrounding the base of the cairn is a continuous unbroken circle of large stones, ninety seven in number.  Three of the kerbstones are famous for their detailed stone carvings.
Newgrange North Side Kerbstone
The Rock of Cashel is located in County Tipperary.  Originally the seat of the Kings of Munster until Brian Boru, High King of Ireland came to power in 1101.  In 1102, Muircheartach O'Brien granted the Rock to the Church.  In the 5th Century, St. Patrick converted Aenghus, the King of Time, and made Cashel a bishopric.  It flourished as a religious center, until a siege by a Cromwellian army in 1647 culminated in the massacre of its 3000 occupants.
Rock of Cashel Ruins
St. Patrick's Cathedral
Rock of Cashel Round Tower
St. Patrick's Cross, from the 12th Century, set into the coronation stone from the 4th Century
Rock of Cashel Stone Carvings
Monasterboise, in County Louth, is a medieval monastic settlement founded in the 5th Century.  It is known for its 10th Century High Crosses.  Muiredach's High Cross is the finest example, with its sculpted biblical scenes.  They depict the life of Christ on the west face, and the Old Testament stories on the east face.  Monasterboise is also home to the tallest cross in Ireland, West Cross, and a round tower.
Muiredach's Cross detail, showing the Last Judgement of Christ, and the Adoration of the Magi.
Monasterboise West High Cross and Round Tower
Monasterboise Round Tower
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Monasterboise
The Drombeg Stone Circle is situated on the Glandore Road, west of Clonakilty, County Cork.  Drombeg dates back to 150 BC, and is locally known as the Druids Altar.  The circle has 17 standing stones, and is approximately 30 feet in diameter.  At the winter solstice, the rays of the setting sun fall on the recumbent altar stone, which faces the entrance to the circle, marked by two upright stones.  The word Drombeg means "the small ridge"
Drombeg Stone Circle, County Cork
Drombeg Entrance Stones