Newgrange ~ Ireland

Newgrange was constructed over 5,000 years ago (about 3,200 B.C.), making it older than Stonehenge in England and the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt. Newgrange was built during the Neolithic or New Stone Age by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley.

Newgrange is best known for the illumination of its passage and chamber by the winter solstice sun. Above the entrance to the passage at Newgrange there is a opening called a roof-box. This baffling orifice held a great surprise for those who unearthed it. Its purpose is to allow sunlight to penetrate the chamber on the shortest days of the year, around December 21, the winter solstice.

Trim Castle

Trim Castle, the largest Anglo-Norman castle in Ireland, was constructed over a thirty-year period by Hugh de Lacy and his son Walter. Hugh de Lacy was granted the Liberty of Meath by King Henry II in 1172 in an attempt to curb the expansionist policies of Richard de Clare, (Strongbow).  Construction of the massive three storied Keep, the central stronghold of the castle, was begun c. 1176 on the site of an earlier wooden fortress. This massive twenty-sided tower, which is cruciform in shape, was protected by a ditch, curtain wall and moat.

They also filmed part of the movie Braveheart at this castle.  Made a few of the locals famous and proud!

It was a great way to start the day's sightseeing.

Supper in Dublin

Bangers & Mash

Prawns

Duck

Prawn Salad 

The traveling companions ~ Ken ~ Juila ~ Ed ~ Emily

This was our first group photo taken by the fella at the restaurant ~ our group photos get better as the trip progressed.

West side of the government buildings at night.

Grafton Street ~ Dublin

The arch is the gate at St. Stephen's Green.  You could hire a horse and buggy ride around the park if you so wished.  We decided  to walk through St. Stephen's Green and enjoy the huge trees and flowers.

Temple Bar ~ Dublin

Dublin has several areas set aside for pedestrian traffic only.  It was great to be able to walk around and sight see without having to worry about cars and buses.  We ventured into The Stags Head for a bit of refreshments and a sit down.  It was not crowed and we struck up a fun conversation with the bar tender.

Around Dublin

City street ~ yes it is that small and yes the large buses drive down these streets too!

 Bridge over the River Liffey.

Busy Dublin street between traffic rushes.

We did not drive while in Dublin, we rode the Hop-On-Hop-Off tour bus around town and did a lot of walking.  We picked up the car two days later and headed north out of town.

Gilroy's ~ Guinness

Eating at Gilroy's in the Guinness St. James's Gate Brewery in Dublin.  Marinated prime mince beef burger with Ballymaloe relish, soup of cockles, mussels, and cod aioli, the daily special lamb on champs (mash potatoes with green onions), and the cheese plate.

All very tasty and delicious!

Dublin ~ Saint Patrick's Cathedral

 
Our second stop along the route ~ Saint Patrick's Cathedral ~ the tile floors are spectacular.

Built in honor of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral stands adjacent to the famous well where tradition has it Saint Patrick baptized converts on his visit to Dublin.

The parish church of Saint Patrick on this site was granted collegiate status in 1191, and raised to cathedral status in 1224. The present building dates from 1220. The Cathedral is today the National Cathedral of the Church of Ireland (a church of the Anglican communion) and also serves as a popular tourist attraction in Ireland.

Dublin ~ Christ Church

Our first stop when we were riding the Hop-On-Hop-Off tour bus around Dublin.  It was a beautiful sunny day touring around seeing all the sights.

Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt.

Go Where Ireland Takes You!

We are off on an adventure ~
Back in two weeks with plenty of pictures and stories to share!

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Fortune Cookie Friday

No distance is too far, if two hearts are tied together.

Forturne Cookie Saturday

Never underestimate the power of the human touch.

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High Five Friday

How's your luck?

Photo of the four leaf clovers that I have found over the years.

They are Mod Podge two layers deep.

Have a wonderful Friday and a fantastic weekend
and believe that good things happen to you all the time!

Oh Happy Day

Oh happy day Thursday and cumulus clouds that bring rain!

Photo of the Museum of the North at UAF.

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Tip Tuesday

Before you sign your name at the bottom of the page ~ read and understand ~ know what you are signing and what the fine print means to you now and at the end of the day.

Saturday

What a nice way to spend a Saturday afternoon ~ hanging out at
Ann's Greenhouse among the flowers and watching
the joy of a little girl riding a pony!

Enjoy your Saturday!

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High Five Friday

High five Friday for two of the coolest ~ awesome'st ~ wonderful sons West of the Mississippi and North of the moon.  Thanks for all your help last night at my work potluck!

You guys rule!

Fortune Cookie Friday

Do you believe? Endurance and persistence will be rewarded.

Illumination

Small are the steps that lead to illumination we never know what powers each turn will take to enlighten our day.

Word of the Day ~ Nestor

nestor

PRONUNCIATION:

(NES-tuhr)             

MEANING:

noun: A wise old man.

ETYMOLOGY:

>From Nestor, king of Pylos, who was the oldest and wisest of the Greeks and served as a counselor in the Trojan War. Earliest documented use: around 1510. 

 

 

A THOUGHT FOR TODAY:

That sorrow which is the harbinger of joy is preferable to the joy which is followed by sorrow. -Saadi, poet (c.1213-1291)