Synopsis (from the book cover):

Older than the pyramids and predating Stonehenge by at least a thousand years, the stone complexes of ancient Ireland have been extensively excavated and studied, ye they have refused to give up their mystery. Archaeologists have speculated that the chambers were tombs. Art historians have tried to interpret the enigmatic designs painstakingly carved into the faces of the stones. But the real function of these ancient structures can be understood only when the art and the architecture are seen to be parts of a unified whole.

Through a combination of careful observation, analysis of the astronomical alignment of the sites, and insightful interpretation of the megalithic symbols and carvings, Brennan argues that the mounds and art are interconnected, sophisticated calendar devices. At critical times of the year, the rising or setting sun projects beams of light into the inner chambers of the mounds, illuminating specific images carved on the stones. Those images – seemingly abstract wheels, spirals, and very wavy lines – suggest provocative new insights into their makers’ understanding of celestial cycles and the importance of those cycles in human affairs.

Review:

In the book the author explores the rock carvings and how they are aligned in the landscape and to their celestial orientation. His research and observations reveal that the ancient builders understood the yearly celestial cycles and carved them as markers on the stones. The book also reveals that the chambers themselves were aligned to specific solar and lunar events.

The book is a fascinating read complete with numerous diagrams and photographs to illustrate the research.