Ireland 2006
As some of you know, I have just returned from yet another rejuvenating visit to the Emerald Isle. This time, however, I explored Dublin and its surroundings (a special shout out here to my friend Judy O'Goldman for taking me about). Here are a few glimpses of what I saw...
To the North of Dublin, along the Boyne River in Co. Meath, is the oldest man made structure on the planet. NEWGRANGE. Newgrange pre-dates the Pyramids by 500 years. Its construction may have been for burial or may have been tied to the stars.
The markings on this stone may refer to those very heavens. Of they could refer to the interior structure of Newgrange. So precise was its construction that the Winter Solstice sun shines perfectly through an opening above the entrance to bathe the interior with golden light.
Newgrange is not the only mystical structure of the Boyne Valley. A few kilometers to the West is the Hill of Tara.
The rings of Tara are better seen from above, but this should give you a sense. Most of Ireland's history and legend is tied to the hill and its sacred mounts. Author Michael Slavin wrote an illuminating work on the hill called THE BOOK OF TARA. If you go there, you can buy this book from the author at his antique bookstore at the base...
... right below St. Patrick's church. (Yes, that St. Patrick)
In the city of Dublin, it seems as if the people have put the legendary aside. That doesn't mean they don't display their history with pride. Here is the old square of Trinity College...
... Dublin Castle...
... and a statue commemorating Molly Malone outside of Trinity's wall. Also known by the Dubs as "the tart with the cart".
Down South in Co. Wicklow, there is Devil's Glen National Park.
The lush forest is also an art museum. Many artists were commissioned to create wooden exhibits that you find along the forest path.
Further South, in Co. Wexford, is Tintern Abbey. The abbey is under renovations so I can't tell you much about ut till I read the book I bought.
One thing that struck me, especially in the town of Kilkenny, was the limited amount of public advertising compared to here in the States. Of course this ice cream truck in front of Kilkenny Castle had a slogan... one that may give off the wrong idea.
Oh, well. Those Irish can be a little cheeky.
To the North of Dublin, along the Boyne River in Co. Meath, is the oldest man made structure on the planet. NEWGRANGE. Newgrange pre-dates the Pyramids by 500 years. Its construction may have been for burial or may have been tied to the stars.
The markings on this stone may refer to those very heavens. Of they could refer to the interior structure of Newgrange. So precise was its construction that the Winter Solstice sun shines perfectly through an opening above the entrance to bathe the interior with golden light.
Newgrange is not the only mystical structure of the Boyne Valley. A few kilometers to the West is the Hill of Tara.
The rings of Tara are better seen from above, but this should give you a sense. Most of Ireland's history and legend is tied to the hill and its sacred mounts. Author Michael Slavin wrote an illuminating work on the hill called THE BOOK OF TARA. If you go there, you can buy this book from the author at his antique bookstore at the base...
... right below St. Patrick's church. (Yes, that St. Patrick)
In the city of Dublin, it seems as if the people have put the legendary aside. That doesn't mean they don't display their history with pride. Here is the old square of Trinity College...
... Dublin Castle...
... and a statue commemorating Molly Malone outside of Trinity's wall. Also known by the Dubs as "the tart with the cart".
Down South in Co. Wicklow, there is Devil's Glen National Park.
The lush forest is also an art museum. Many artists were commissioned to create wooden exhibits that you find along the forest path.
Further South, in Co. Wexford, is Tintern Abbey. The abbey is under renovations so I can't tell you much about ut till I read the book I bought.
One thing that struck me, especially in the town of Kilkenny, was the limited amount of public advertising compared to here in the States. Of course this ice cream truck in front of Kilkenny Castle had a slogan... one that may give off the wrong idea.
Oh, well. Those Irish can be a little cheeky.
posted by FHW | 8:07 PM
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