Dublin to Galway

Newgrange

This morning again, found my body clock still out of sync, with a 2:30 am wake up, at least this time I was able to roll over and go back to sleep. Today we left Dublin and headed west to Galway. Our first stop was Newgrange. 

Newgrange is a prehistoric passage tomb built around 3200BC. There is a 19 metre long passage way, that takes you to the centre of the mound. In the centre there is three smaller chambers. The roof is what they call a corbled roof, which means they used a series of stones layered on top of each other gradually working there way in to a single cap stone. sadly I was not allowed to take picture inside but it was really amazing, and even more amazing when you realise that this structure is older than the pyramids and has required no human intervention inside, it is still perfectly intact. On the outside some restoration work has been done with the main front facade being rebuilt with stones found on the site.

Newgrange is particularly of interest during the winter solstice, when the sun shines down the 19 metre long passage way lighting the inner chamber for just 17 minutes.  Entering Newgrange for the winter solstice is by lottery, with only people whom have visited the tomb being able to enter the lottery.  mounds like Newgrange are considered to be fairy mounds and Newgrange itself was said to be the home of Oenghus, the god of love. It was definitely worth the visit, we only wished we had 

time to visit the other two mounds in the same site.

One of the lovely towns, we passed through as we headed west.

Above is the quick photo I got of Trim castle sadly we were unable to stop and visit this castle as there was no parking and we needed to keep traveling. 

Clonmacnoise 

Our next stop was at Clonmacnoise in the county Offaly, on the banks of the river Shannon.

Clonmacnoise was a monastery founded in 544 by Saint Ciarán. It's strategic position enabled it to become a major centre for religion, learning and craftsmanship. 

The site includes the ruins of a cathedral, seven churches, two round towers, three high crosses and a large collection of Early Christian graveslabs. 

The high crosses were just stunning, so beautifully carved and the whole site felt very peaceful, they still have religious services there today in a purpose built glass chapel

We finished our journey for the day late in the  afternoon in Galway.

Of course we found ourselves a pub, The sliding rock, and finished the afternoon with a pint of Guinness and for me a Gin with rose lemonade

Thanks for continuing the journey with us 

sláinte mhaith 

( good health, in Gaelic)

Googy girl