Newgrange revisited:: new insights from excavations at the back of the mound in 1984-5

This article presents the results of excavations carried out in the 1980s on the north-eastern periphery of the mound at Newgrange. The earlier turf mound, previously identified by O’Kelly, was further investigated and shown to be c. 50m in diameter. Its precise function remains unclear. A strip, up to 5m wide, was investigated behind K56–K78. New carvings were recorded on nine kerbstones and a catalogue of these is included. Nine additional AMS radiocarbon dates were obtained, which, when modelled together with those published by O’Kelly, give a date range of c. 3200–3000 cal. BC for the construction of both the turf mound and the large cairn. The cairn slip was investigated outside K79 and a terminus post quem of the Chalcolithic (Beaker) period is postulated for the deposition of quartz outside the kerb. The lithics assemblage ranges in date from the earlier Mesolithic to the Chalcolithic period. A comprehensive programme of pollen, macrofossil and charcoal analysis indicates possible scrub cover on the Newgrange ridge prior to the construction of the tomb and strong evidence for arable and pastoral activities in the immediate vicinity.