1425 kilometers (885 miles) – the total distance we traveled throughout Ireland, and every kilometer was amazing. Not only the time together, but the sightseeing, the countryside, the people, and the relaxation all made the trip magnificent. We fly back to the US tomorrow morning and will be sad to go, but glad to see our family again.
Today we left the west coast early and traveled across country to the Dublin area. It’s hard to believe that we spent nearly the whole trip outside of Dublin, but we came for a slower-paced holiday with the countryside in mind and not the big city. We took a short tour through the city and found some great history, although it could have been even more exciting if the Guinness Brewery meant something to us.
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The highlight of today was a place called Newgrange, located about 45 minutes north of Dublin. Newgrange is a large circular mound surrounded by working farms, but holds a huge historical significance. The mound was built by a prehistoric civilization about 5,200 years ago, making it one of the oldest structures on earth. We walked inside the small room at the center to pitch-blackness. The room is lit naturally only once a year during the summer solstice, when the sunlight enters through a small hole above the door and shines directly into the center room. It was not only amazing to think about the use and importance, but also the engineering it took to move the 10-ton rocks at the base.
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It looks like you two had a great trip! I can’t tell you how jealous I am, especially after looking at those pictures. So jealous. I’m feeling physical pain, I’m so jealous.
Oh wow guys! Thanks for sharing these pics and memories! What a great trip! Now I want to go to Ireland!!!!!!
What a fun trip! Looks like you’ve been able to see so many neat places and things! I think it’s great that you’ve been able to spend a lot of your time in the countryside as well as the city! The best of both worlds! So fun to see all your pictures.