Book of Kells

The Book of Kells was written around the year 800 AD. It contains a richly decorated copy of the four gospels in a latin text based on the Vulgate edition. It was transcribed by Celtic monks.
In all, there are 340 folios.

The script is embellished by the elaboration of key words and phrases and by an endlessly inventive range of decorated initials and interlinear drawings. Originally a single volume, it was rebound in four volumes in 1953 for conservation reasons.
It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.
The decoration combines traditional Christian iconography with the ornate swirling motifs typical of Insular art.
The manuscript takes its name from the abbey in Kells that was its home for centuries. Today it is on permanent display at the library of Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. The library usually displays two of the current four volumes at a time, one showing a major illustration and the other showing typical text pages.

Some Ancient Sites

Newgrange It is located in the heart of the Boyne Valley.

The Megalithic Passage Tomb at Newgrange was built about 3200 BC.The mound covers an area of over one acre and is surrounded by 97 kerbstones.On the Winter Solstice, the light of the rising sun enters the roofbox and penetrates the passage, shining onto the floor of the inner chamber. The sunbeam illuminates the chamber of Newgrange for just 17 minutes. Newgrange has some stunning examples of megalithic art.


Knowth It was built around 3300BC. The carved stones contain a quarter of Western European neolithic art.The eastern passage of the Great Mound at Knowth measures 40 metres, making it the longest megalithic passage in Western Europe. At the end of the passage is a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof similar in style to Newgrange.


Dowth

It is about the same age as Newgrange and Knowth. The passages tombs are much less spectacular than Newgrange or Knowth with shorter passages and lower roofs.


The Hill of Tarawas the ancient seat of the High Kings of Ireland. In ancient Irish religion and mythology was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods, and was the entrance to the otherworld. Saint Patrick is said to have come to Tara to confront the ancient religion of the pagans at its most powerful site.
The megalithic tomb called the Mound of the Hostages is the oldest monument on the Hill of Tara dating back to between 2500 B.C. and 3000 B.C.
At present, there is a big controversy because the Irish Government is planning to build a motorway (M3)through the Gabhra Valley between the Hill of Tara and the Hill of Skryne, County Meath, just 1000 metres from the top of the Hill. Many people argue it endangers part of the nation's cultural heritage.