Ring of Kerry 8-8-10

Today we travelled around the Ring of Kerry. It's getting hard now to write this blog as adjectives just run out in Ireland. Every corner we turned was just amazing scenery---breathe taking really. Incredible mountains in the distance and the Atlantic Ocean before us.

Two Leprechauns!!!

We passed through the Bay of Kells, Waterville, Dennynane Bay Sneen Kenmare and Killarney National Park also Lough Leeane. The road was very hair raising at times and I was very happy to let Brenda drive. WE had a sheer drop on one side and in the Irish way----sometimes a cement barrier sometimes a hedge sometimes nothing!!! I really had sweaty hands at times!! 
 This was incredible country to travel and we both loved it as it revealed another part of the mysterious landscape of Ireland.

TRavelling from Galway to Killarney 7-8-10

Happy Birthday Shelley!! Great to be 29 eh??

Today we left early and took the scenic route to Killarney. So glad we did as we passed close to the sea and through beautiful little villages. Our favourite was Listowel, A little village with beautiful coloured pubs and shops. We had lunch at Tralee or a cuppa and explored this town--small and quaint but a lot of old areas lost to the newer parts. Found a wonderful book here called "Vanishing Ireland"----couldn't buy it of course but it looked great----stories of individuals.

As we drove along we passed beautiful green trees overhanging and forming green arches----a beautiful canopy of green that formed a tunnel to pass through. We both enjoyed this drive and look forward to our day round The Ring of Kerry tomorrow,

Connemara National Park

Today we drove to WEstport through Connemara National Park. It was raining quite hard at times but the country was so spectacular. Swirling mists over high mountain ranges and beautiful lakes with mist above them. We passed through Joyce Country and the mountains we saw were the Maamturk Mountain Range. When we arrived in Westport it was pouring with rain but such a pretty town.I loved this day and the weather added to the beauty and mystery that surrounds Ireland.

Galway

WE set off for Galway today and after a "minor" wrong turn we ended up in the beautiful village of Slane. That is where Newgrange was and I couldn't believe we went past Tara the home to the ancient kings of Scotland!!! Good mistake eh?? I really felt my brother Stan's presence----he wouldn't let me be this close to Tara without seeing it!! Just a huge mound of green grass but one of those "close your eyes and imagine" moments. The Kings certainly picked not only the most beautiful valley but the most fertile.

Then we connetcted to the motorway and headed to Galway. Hate motorways but they sure get you there!! two and a half hours to Galway across Ireland. Galway is such a pretty place with an old city that I loved. Beautiful coloured little pubs and shops. Many shops sell beautiful knitted garments---wish I had some suitcase room!! We are in a lovely B7B with great wi Fi!!!

Off to Westport exploring the country and coastal regions today. raining but so nice after the stifling heat of London!!

The Book of Kells 4-8-10

Today we stayed in Dublin and explored the city. We did a tour on the "Green Bus" and then went to Trinity College to view "The Book of Kells". It was interesting to see the city and learn some of the history of Ireland.

President of Ireland residence

A highlight for me was the Book of Kells. The history of this book is incredible and the illustrations amazing. It was written by hand by monks on calf skin, Vellum and the colour in the illustrations is still vibrant today. The calligraphy is so beautiful and it writes and illustrates the 4 Gospels from the bible. Loved this place!

Dublin and Newgrange

It was so good to reach Dublin and see that we had a lovely little Hotel opposite a beautiful park, Saint Stephens Green. So lovely to see so much green and huge Elm trees after the dryness of London.

We went on a bus trip to Newgrange today----The valley of the Kings. It was quite spectacular situated on this hill that overlooks the green rural countryside. This is known as Royal country in Meath where Tara is situated. It is 1,000 years older than Stonehenge and 500 years older than the Great Pyramid. In the visitors centre you can enter a ballot to try and win a pass to go to the Winter Solstice on December 21 for 4 days. 30.000 enter the lottery and only 50 can go!! Why go you ask?? On this day at daybreak the first rays of the sun shine enters through a little high viewing door and makes a line of light along the passage. We went in the passage tomb (crouched very low) and stood in a circle while the guide turned off the lights---yes a bit scary!! Then a simualted light went on making a line right past us---it was amazing and another deep spiritual moment. Like feeling the presence of Kings past.

We really loved this sight and found it a very amazing sight. On the walls were Tricircles or Trykalics and other celtic symbols. The roof was very high with no cement to hold the stones together just skilled craftsmen.

WE also went to Monsterboice where we saw two huge Irish High crosses.

A great day!!

To Ireland!!

Today we headed off to catch the train for Holyhead. We left early but had horrendous times with overcrowding on the train----we were standing with many people when the conductor said everyone standing off the train at Chester !! Bit frantic as we had to catch the ferry at 2!! We finally caught a small local train that was badly overcrowded and took two hours to get to Hollyhead!! Terrible experience and some people had to stand for the two hours!!!

On The Irish Ferries and having a wonderful time in Club Class!! Loving the journey and a glass of wine orr two----badly needed1!! So quiet and relaxing!!!! Best time ever! Then we head to our accomodation in Dubin----looking forward to our Irish adventures!!