Top ten historical sites to visit in Ireland - SEE PHOTOS
Irish history stretches back to 8000 B.C. when the first known settlement of hunter-gathers arrived from continental Europe. From pre-history, to Christianity to the Vikings and the Normans modern Ireland is built on a rich tapestry of history.
Happily a great deal of evidence of the island's rich history is still visible through archaeological and historical sites, castles and beauty spots. All of them playing a part in telling the story of Ireland.
Here is IrishCentral.com's pick of the top ten historical sites in Ireland -
1. Newgrange, County Meath
A large mound, spread over an acre is surrounded by 97, uniquely carved kerbstones. The cremated remains of the dead were buried a large stone basins under the mound in a chamber assessable by a narrow passage.
At dawn on the December 21, the shortest day of the year, every year, sunlight shines directly into the central chamber of the tomb. It is believed that this was an ancient way of measuring the passage of time, like a calendar for the ancient farmers, or that the light has some religious significance for those in the afterlife.
Newgrange is part of the Bru na Boinne complex which includes similar tombs at Knowth and Dowth.
2. Hill of Tara, County Meath
The Hill of Tara is also located near the River Boyne in Meath. It is an archaeological complex that runs between Navan and Dunshaughlin and contains a number of ancient monuments. According to tradition it was the seat of the High King of Ireland (Árd Rí na hÉireann).
The oldest archaeological site at Tara is the Mound of Hostages, which dates back to 2500 B.C.
The hill itself is 500 feet high and has some of the most panoramic views of the plains in Meath.
3. Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary
Is not a rock at all, a usual misperception of tourists reading the name off the map.
This Rock of Cashel was a fortress in the 4th century. The medieval structure with four edifices including the Connac’s Chapel, the round tower, the cathedral and the Hall of the Vicars Choral.
It was the traditional seat of the Kings of Munster for several hundred years before the Norman invasion. Although very little of the original structure survives the building which have survived date from the 12th and 13th century.