Newgrange Books

Discover the most comprehensive books on Newgrange, one of Ireland’s most famous Neolithic passage tombs and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the Boyne Valley, Newgrange is celebrated for its ancient astronomical alignment, intricate megalithic art, and deep connections to mythology and prehistoric Ireland.

Our curated selection includes expert research, archaeological studies, and historical explorations that shed light on the builders of Newgrange, the Winter Solstice phenomenon, and Ireland’s ancient past. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a traveler, or a student of archaeology, these books offer unparalleled insights into one of the world’s most fascinating prehistoric sites.

Newgrange by Geraldine Stout and Matthew Stout. Newgrange is the most visited archaeological site in Ireland. Every year around 250,000 people come to the see this Neolithic passage tomb. Designed for the general reader with an interest in Irish prehistory, this book explains the results of decades of excavation and analysis in one volume. It is written in a lively style that seeks at the same time to be authoritative and thorough. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk


A Pocket Guide to Newgrange and the Boyne Valley. Newgrange in Co. Meath was built over 5,000 years ago. This remarkable Neolithic structure by the legendary River Boyne has fascinated visitors for millennia, but became a significant tourist site after its excavation and partial reconstruction by archaeologist Michael O'Kelly in the 1960s and 70s. Regarded as Ireland's greatest national monument, Newgrange has entered Irish mythology through its associations with ancient deities, and today it continues to fascinate archaeologists and visitors alike. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk


First Light: The Origins of Newgrange addresses why Newgrange was constructed and what was its purpose. In the Boyne Valley, through Newgrange we have evidence not only of extraordinary physical accomplishments, but of tremendous acts of imagination; a testament to rich and developed inner worlds. In this book, it is proposed that the concept of an otherworld which could be embodied by and accessed through passage tombs was a central motivator in passage tomb construction from its earliest beginnings. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

In Newgrange - Monument to Immortality Anthony Murphy looks beyond the archaeology and the astronomy to reveal a much more profound and sacred vision of the very spirit of the people who built Newgrange. Many people who visit the ancient and magnificent Newgrange monument in the Boyne Valley are driven by some deep longing to connect with their most distant roots. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

In Newgrange Archaeology, Art and Legend Professor Michael O'Kelly presents the full results of his excavations at Newgrange between 1962 and 1975. Every stage in the excavation, interpretation and restoration of the site is described and illustrated with additional contributions from Claire O'Kelly, who collaborated in her husband's work at Newgrange. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange and the Bend of the Boyne by Geraldine Stout. This wonderful 236 page historical geography of the Boyne Valley covers 7000 years, from prehistory to the twentieth century. The megalithic mounds at Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth are extensively covered. The Boyne Valley is where the great pre-historic tomb-building tradition of Atlantic Europe reached its zenith. It is where legend says the foundations of Irish Christianity were laid and is also the home of Ireland's first medieval Cistercian monastery at Mellifont. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Exploring Newgrange by Liam Mac Uistin. An good introduction to Newgrange and the other Megalithic Passage Tombs at Knowth and Dowth. This very readable book includes maps, reconstruction drawings and photographs. While the sleeve notes describe Newgrange as "an amazing stone age place of mystery and spiritual worship", the books itself is written in an encyclopaedia type style which will suit readers who are just beginning to learn about Newgrange. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange and the New Science by Kieran Comerford. An engineer by training Kieran spent eight years investigating the purpose for which Newgrange was built. He concluded that this Neolithic World Heritage Site in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, represented the culmination of a huge project which began in County Sligo and progressed south-eastwards through a series of developments. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

The Stones of Time - Calendars, Sundials and Stone Chambers of Ancient Ireland by Martin Brennan. First published in 1983 as The Stars and the Stones. The stone complexes of ancient Ireland have been extensively excavated and studied, yet they have refused to give up their mystery. The real function of these ancient structures can be understood only when the art and architecture are seen to be parts of a unified whole. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange - Temple to Life by Chris O'Callaghan puts forward the case that the passage tomb description of Newgrange is incorrect. Chris states "I propose that the commonly coined 'passage grave / burial tomb' description seriously misrepresents what the leaders, astronomers, architects, engineers, artists, builders, as well as the hundreds of workers, achieved on the Newgrange ridge over 5,000 years ago: a fusion of belief, astronomy, engineering and logistics that works as efficiently today as when declared open for business over 5,000 years ago" Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange Speaks for Itself: Forty Carved Motifs & Related Site Features by Jacqueline Ingalls Garnett. Firmly grounded in Newgrange's structure and engravings, this book offers revolutionary insights into its religion and its science. Forty motifs are explained as emblems of features meant to ensure life beyond the grave, including the nine "rungs" in the passage, the "leak" in the chamber, the stone bowl and marbles, and sightlines through the vault. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange: The Mystery of the Chequered Lights by Hugh Kearns. More than 5,000 years ago, an extraordinary race of people lived in Ireland. Farmers, engineers and astronomers, they carved their knowledge into history with tools made of Flint. At the bend of the River Boyne, they built a supremely accurate observatory, a repository of their ingenuity. It is a monument to immortality - with a twist. Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Illustrated Guide to Newgrange and other Boyne Monuments by Claire O'Kelly. This Guide is the result of intensive research into every aspect of the wonderful prehistoric monument that is Newgrange and this third edition (first printed in 1978) brings together all the discoveries made during the excavations, 1962-1975.

Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange remains one of the greatest wonders of prehistoric Europe, a testament to the ingenuity of Ireland’s Neolithic builders. Whether you're fascinated by its Winter Solstice alignment, intricate megalithic art, or archaeological discoveries, these books provide in-depth knowledge and expert perspectives. Perfect for history buffs, students, and travelers, our collection offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual, astronomical, and cultural significance of this ancient site.

Boyne Valley Private Day Tour

Immerse yourself in the rich heritage and culture of the Boyne Valley with our full-day private tours. Visit Newgrange World Heritage site, explore the Hill of Slane, where Saint Patrick famously lit the Paschal fire. Discover the Hill of Tara, the ancient seat of power for the High Kings of Ireland. Book Now