Speaking of Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids, Newgrange is actually older than both of them! Located in County Meath, Newgrange is a giant mound with many inner passages. Like other ancient monuments, it aligns with celestial events—events involving the sun, moon, planets, and stars. Newgrange aligns perfectly with the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year. Every year, around December 21, a sunbeam lights up Newgrange’s inner chamber. Want to see this for yourself? You’ll have to win a public lottery with more than 16,000 entries!

Another ancient and mythical site is a collection of 240 archaeological findings. Its name, Rathcroghan, is Irish for the Fort of Cruachan. This beautiful location was once the capital of Connacht, an ancient kingdom. It is believed that the legendary Irish figure, Queen Medb, ruled this kingdom and even launched the famous Cattle Raid of Cooley from Rathcroghan. Intriguingly, this site is also considered the birthplace of Halloween. According to ancient tales, the festival of Samhain first began at Oweynagat, or the Cave of the Cats, at Rathcroghan.

You can’t study Irish history without encountering the Hill of Tara. It was tradition for all the high kings of Ireland to be crowned at the Lia Fáil stone on the hill. It was said that when the rightful king touched the stone, it would roar to confirm that the High King had been chosen. The Hill of Tara has been used since Neolithic times, more than 3,000 years ago! Its oldest visible structure, the Mound of the Hostages, was built as a tomb. On a clear day from the Hill of Tara’s summit, you can see almost half of Ireland.