Publications
Knowth in Process
Recent analysis of the megalithic art at Knowth, part of the UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne archaeological ensemble, has unveiled intricate carvings that offer new insights into Neolithic symbolism and ritual practices in Ireland. The study, based on George Eogan and Elizabeth Shee Twohig's publication, highlights the significance of Knowth as a ceremonial site within this ancient passage tomb cemetery. Surrounded by 21 smaller mounds, Knowth's main mound features two passages aligned with astronomical events, suggesting its role in ritualistic or calendrical functions. The research approach combines archaeological excavation data with detailed analysis of the megalithic art, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural and symbolic significance of this World Heritage Site.
Pigs, pannage, and the solstice: isotopic insights from prehistoric feasting at Newgrange
A new study reveals that feasting at Newgrange, the iconic Neolithic monument within the UNESCO-listed Brú na Bóinne complex, was likely tied to the winter solstice for centuries after its construction. Using isotopic analysis of pig remains, researchers found evidence of rapid weight gain through pannage (foraging) followed by slaughter, suggesting a seasonal pattern around 2600–2450 BC. This indicates that later activities at Newgrange maintained the original monument's solstice-focused significance. Additionally, a unique isotopic signature linked to mast (tree nuts) provides insights into prehistoric pig diets and human-woodland interactions across Europe.
Ritual Landscapes and Sacred Spaces: A Landscape Archaeology Perspective on Megalithic and Neolithic Monument Complexes An Investigation of Spatial Organization, Phenomenology, and Social Memory in Prehistoric Ritual Sites
Ritual landscapes, particularly those involving megalithic and Neolithic monument complexes, function as multisensory, performative spaces that encode cosmological beliefs and social relationships. This study reveals how prehistoric communities constructed sacred geographies through carefully choreographed spatial organization, leveraging topography, celestial phenomena, and environmental contexts. Using a combination of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) analysis, viewshed modeling, and phenomenological surveys, researchers demonstrate that these landscapes served as theaters of memory, where communities negotiated identity, power, and cosmological understanding through embodied practices. Comparative case studies from Stonehenge, Avebury, the Orkney Islands, and Brú na Bóinne highlight the interconnections between monument morphology and social memory, offering new insights into how prehistoric societies ritualized their environments.
Professor George Eogan, MRIA FSA HonFSAScot
Professor George Eogan, Professor Emeritus of Celtic Archaeology at University College Dublin (UCD), made groundbreaking contributions to the understanding of Neolithic and Bronze Age cultures in Ireland. His extensive research on the Knowth passage tomb complex within the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage site revealed significant insights into the architectural sophistication and symbolic significance of these ancient structures. Eogan's work, which combined meticulous excavation techniques with innovative analytical methods, shed light on the social and ritual practices of Neolithic communities. Additionally, his studies on Bronze Age metalwork and goldwork expanded our knowledge of craftsmanship and trade during this period. His legacy lies in both his scholarly publications and his role as a mentor to future generations of archaeologists.
Beyond Newgrange: Brú na Bóinne in the later Neolithic
Recent surveys of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, Ireland, have uncovered a diverse array of late Neolithic ritual and ceremonial structures, including earthen henges, square-in-circle monuments, palisaded enclosures, and pit/post-alignments. These discoveries, made possible by advanced non-invasive technologies like LiDAR and geophysical surveys, as well as the 2018 drought-induced cropmarks, reveal a landscape of extraordinary diversity yet architectural commonality with earlier passage tombs. The findings suggest both parallels with British Neolithic traditions and insular developments unique to Brú na Bóinne, offering new insights into the later Neolithic period without relying on excavation.
Archaeology and Myth in Early Medieval Europe: Making the Gods of Early Ireland
Recent research into early medieval Ireland reveals that many deities associated with iconic sites like Tara and Brú na Bóinne were likely invented during the 8th century for political, allegorical, or exegetical purposes rather than reflecting prehistoric cult practices. This challenges traditional assumptions about pre-Christian cosmologies, highlighting a creative process tied to the flourishing of saga literature and monumental architecture. The study critiques the use of mythology, place names, and folklore in reconstructing mentalities, emphasizing the need for systematic scrutiny of such methods across European medieval archaeology. By analyzing case studies from Tara, Brú na Bóinne (Co Meath), and Nenagh (Co Tipperary), the research underscores the complexities of linking medieval evidence to pre-Christian beliefs.
The Role of Solar Deities in Irish Megalithic Monuments
Irish megalithic monuments, particularly those within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Brú na Bóinne, hold deep mythological significance tied to solar deities. Analysis of Irish mythology reveals that these sites, especially Newgrange, were central to narratives involving sun gods like Dagda and Lugh, as well as the conception and birth of the warrior hero Cú Chulainn. The study suggests that myths may reflect the monuments' symbolic meaning across different historical periods, offering insights into their cultural and spiritual importance.
Lidar survey in the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site
A lidar survey of the Brú na Bóinne World Heritage Site, covering approximately 90 km², revealed previously unrecorded archaeological features such as large enclosures (>100 m in diameter), route ways, hollow-ways, embanked enclosures, and quarries. These findings, analyzed using advanced visualization techniques like multi-direction hillshade and Sky View Factor, significantly enhanced the understanding of this Neolithic landscape's subtle topographic expressions. Geophysical surveys corroborated lidar-based discoveries, while viewshed analysis suggested that Newgrange would have been the first visible tomb for a Neolithic boat traveler, with all three great tombs only visible from the Bend's apex. The study also highlighted recent discoveries lacking topographic expression, emphasizing lidar's potential and limitations in subtle-relief landscapes.
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