Search on for a second passage in Newgrange

ARCHAEOLOGISTS are examining whether one of the country's most popular tourist attractions may have more to it than meets the eye.

Newgrange in Co Meath may have a second passage, and it too could be aligned with a solstice event.

Teams from Ireland and Slovakia are exploring the possibility -- using technology that has proven successful at the pyramids in Egypt.

"The absolute best-case scenario would be to demonstrate there is an undiscovered passage and chamber within Newgrange because the mound has not been fully excavated," said Dr Conor Brady, archaeologist with Dundalk Institute of Technology.

The northwest side of the mound has never been excavated, he said, so "it is technically possible there is something there".

Newgrange is synonymous with sunrise on the winter solstice and light entering the chamber.

The neighbouring mounds at Knowth and Dowth both have two passages.

Irish Independent

http://www.independent.ie/national-news/search-on-for-a-second-passage-in-newgrange-2908492.html