March 19th, visited Bru Na Boinne (Newgrange). The boys did a tour of the Neolithic burial mounds which pre-date the Ancient pyramids of Egypt by 500 years. The entry faces 90 degrees due east parlleling the subsequent layout of Christian cathedrals. During the winter solstice a ray of sunlight enters the front of the mound producing a tapering ray of light that illuminates the center chamber for a total of 17 minutes. The engineering expertise required in such a design is astounding given the fact it was completed over 5000 years ago. The lottery subscription for the mere 100 places available to enter Bru Na Boinne on December 21st numbers typically over 32,000.
