Martin Brennan's Boyne Valley Research

Letter to the Editor of The Irish Times, 5 January 1981

Sir,

I was surprised by the lack of interest shown by The Irish Times (December 22nd) on the fascinating subject and great significance of Martin Brennan's research work into the Boyne Valley edifices.

To state that it is of little significance to the man or woman in the street whether these are primarily burial mounds or astronomical construction is surely to underestimate people's interest in our ancient heritage.

Martin Brennan has effectively, through his research and book The Boyne Valley Vision, revealed that these 'relics/tombs' are in fact the oldest (3,200 BC) known operative sun-dial system in the world.

In so doing, the mounds and stones can now be seen in their intended light as an astronomical calendar at least, rather than a continuing archaeological enigma.

Yours, etc.,
Toby Hall
The Potato House,
Woodbrook,
Bray.

The Stonelight team - Jack Roberts (left), Martin Brennan (centre) and Toby Hall (right). Photo by Anthony Murphy at the 'Boyne Valley Revision' conference at the Newgrange Lodge in December 2009.