Loughcrew, County Meath
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Loughcrew Cairns, County MeathFree Admission Tourist Attraction in Ireland #21The keepers of Loughcrew Cairns in County Meath suggest that their site is one of the best kept secrets in Ireland and it is easy to see why. The largest complex of passage graves in Ireland were built over 5000 years ago as burial chambers. With elaborate engravings these ancient structures are older than the Egyptian pyramids! The Cairns are situated in two groups, the furthest being a brisk 2km walk from the car park. If you happen to be in Ireland at the time of the equinox then you may be able to book a place on the Loughcrew Equinox Festival (March 19-21 and September 19-21) where the astronomical and 'new-age' communities rub shoulders to witness the sunrise at this very special time of the year. The back of one of the Loughcrew chambers is illuminated at the sunrise of the Spring and Autumnal Equinoxes. Magical. 
Loughcrew is located at Oldcastle in Meath, near Kells on the main N3 national road and not far from Mullingar to the south. A drive from Dublin would take about than an hour and a half. If your destination from Dublin is Cavan, Carrick-on-Shannon, Sligo or Donegal then Loughcrew is on the way, an adventurous detour! Loughcrew Gardens and Adventure Course provide a modern backdrop to this most ancient site. A visit to the Cairns, refreshment at the Coffee Shop followed by a walk around the gardens to visit St. Oliver Plunkett's family Church and Tower House could easily occupy an enjoyable afternoon or morning. There is a small playground at the coffee shop to entertain the kids. Access to the gardens is for a small fee but a visit to the Cairns is free of charge. The ancient burial site at Newgrange is famous the world over and is indeed a magnificent testament to the achievements of our ancestors. But there are other lesser know sites such as Loughcrew that are shamefully overlooked. Just to put this location into context, it is possible that the Cairns at Loughcrew are the oldest known existing human dwellings in the entire world. Find out more here: http://www.loughcrew.com |
Video about Loughcrew, County Meath |
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