Possible new henge discovered at Newgrange
By: Louise WalshThe first research excavations at Newgrange in Co. Meath in over 30 years have begun, after a geophysical survey showed what could prove to be an 'extraordinary monument'.The find at the world heritage site has been described as 'the most definite, complex and ordered feature ever seen in a geophysical survey in Ireland, according to noted archaeologist Matthew Stout who is leading the dig alongside his wife Geraldine.The four-week excavations started last week and it may be another week before the team of 18 archaeologists uncover anything of real significance.The survey was conducted in 2015 by Joanna Leigh to investigate the feasibility of renovating the old tourist office at Newgrange and clearly identified the substantial site at the back of Newgrange Farm.It suggests numerous large pits, forming two parallel sets extending over 75m indicating an ancient processional way to Newgrange.The entrance way and perpendicular pits form a passage or corridor, which ends precisely due south of the entrance Newgrange Passage tomb.Ms Leigh has speculated that the site is therefore associated with the passage tombs and is ritual in nature.