Island of the Setting Sun: In Search of Ireland's Ancient Astronomers

This is the story of the sophisticated and enigmatic community of people who lived in Ireland around 6,000 years ago. They were the megalithic builders of the Stone Age, cunning engineers, and master astronomers. Archaeologists have been probing their building sites over the last fifty years, uncovering carvings, artifacts and dating materials which answer many questions about the people, yet pose even more about their purpose and genesis. This lavishly illustrated book explores the invasion myths of Ireland, the link between the ancient astronomers and St. Patrick, the true inspiration behind Newgrange's white quartz facade, the migratory patterns of Whooper Swans, the female reproductive system and its importance to the mound-builders, the eight-year Moon-Venus cycle, and a plethora of stories about such things as giant hounds, tragic drownings, cruel murders, vast battles, strange animals and the Irish cyclops.Anthony Murphy is the author of 'Island of the Setting Sun: In Search of Ireland's Ancient Astronomers', published 2007 under ISBN 9781905785056 and ISBN 1905785054.