The Stars and the Stones: Ancient Art and Astronomy in Ireland

by Martin Brennan

Examines stone age carvings in Ireland, discusses their astronomical significance, and looks at how ancient mounds were oriented towards the rising sun of the solstice and equinox

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Irish Literature, Archaeology

208 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1984

Reviews

[Frank Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recall learning about Newgrange in Art class in secondary school and always thought it odd that it was never covered it in History, Geography or Science classes.
For such an important period in our ancient history it's amazing to me now as an adult that it was only given a cursory glance in Art class due to the fact that the carvings on the megaliths appeared decorative and therefore fell under the category of 'Art'.
Brennan expertly and clearly explains the connection these markings have to astronomical events and objects which our ancestors obviously had a fundamental awareness of.
His painstakingly diligent and scientific observations of these archeoastronomy sites are well explained in this fascinating book.
If you ever studied or visited one of these sites and thought these markings may be something more than decorations then this is a must read for you.