Newgrange Great Circle Stone GC-10

Great Circle stone GC-10 is one of the surviving standing stones in the Great Circle at Newgrange. It stands to the east of the entrance to the mound.

The Great Circle originally consisted of approximately 35 standing stones surrounding the mound, although only 12 survive today. The four tall standing stones opposite the entrance to the Newgrange mound rise between 2 and 2.5 metres above the original ground surface. They are GC3, GC1, GC-1 and GC-2. Many of the other surviving stones were broken in antiquity and now stand only a short distance above ground level.

Unlike the decorated kerbstones of Newgrange, none of the standing stones in the Great Circle are carved. The circle has an average diameter of 103.6 metres (340 feet) and encloses an area of approximately two acres.

Newgrange – Archaeology, Art and Legend

Newgrange – Archaeology, Art and Legend by Professor Michael J. O'Kelly and Claire O'Kelly is the definitive archaeological study of Newgrange and one of the most important books ever published on an Irish prehistoric monument.

Based on Professor Michael J. O'Kelly's excavations between 1962 and 1975, the book explains the construction, chronology, megalithic art and winter solstice alignment of Newgrange. O'Kelly also describes the excavation, interpretation and restoration of the great passage tomb using detailed archaeological records and architectural analysis.

Richly illustrated throughout, the volume includes the important contribution of Claire O'Kelly, who collaborated closely in the excavation and recording of the site from its earliest seasons.

First published in 1982, with a paperback edition in 1988, the book remains an essential reference for anyone interested in the archaeology, megalithic art and wider significance of Newgrange and the Boyne Valley.

Purchase at Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk

Newgrange | Brú na Bóinne

GC-10 is a survivor on the eastern arc of the Great Circle, one of only twelve stones left from an original ring of about thirty-five. It stands to the east of the passage entrance, within the wide enclosure that lies between 7 and 17 metres outside the kerb. Unlike the decorated kerbstones and chamber orthostats, none of the circle stones were carved; their significance may have lain in marking boundary and approach rather than in megalithic art.

Together with the mound, kerb and passage, the Great Circle forms part of the architectural ensemble that earned Brú na Bóinne UNESCO World Heritage status in 1993. Newgrange shares the ridge with Knowth and Dowth, and the wider valley holds henges, satellite tombs and later monuments spanning thousands of years. Passage entry is by timed tour from the visitor centre; stones such as GC-10 remain visible to anyone walking the outer path around the cairn.