New Grange

New Grange, megalithic passage tomb near the Boyne River in Co. Meath. Erected c.3300-2900 BC by a pre-Celtic people, it has a long passage, corbelled central chamber, decorated stones, and a roof box which permits the sun's rays to penetrate the length of the passage at the winter solstice. In early Irish literature the site is primarily depicted as the otherworld residence [see sídh] of major figures of the Tuatha Dé Danann of the mythological cycle. It was also regarded as the burial place of both the Tuatha Dé Danann and the High Kings of Tara.