DAY THREE: DUBLIN -- PREHISTORIC IRELAND

Trip to Newgrange, Co. Meath (8:45 am-1:30 pm)
Boyne River Valley, Co. Meath
Monasterboice, Co. Meath
Study Time (afternoon)
Walking Tour of Medieval Dublin, Horror, History, Humor (7:00 pm-9:00 pm)

 

Newgrange Newgrange Newgrange Newgrange
map of the Boyne River Valley the frozen and snow covered Boyne River Our teacher and a cat the Irish name for the Boyne River (Bruna Boinee)
frozen waterfall Newgrange a monk tower at Monasterboice Celtic High Cross
another view of the same monk tower Monasterboice plaque Amy and I at Grafton Street, in front of the Christmas tree Chris and Ryan at Christ Church Cathedral, as seen on the night tour of Dublin


  • Inside of Newgrange. Because of the snow, it was too dangerous for us to drive up to the actual site itself, but we did get to go inside of the replica. 5000 years old, Newgrange is older than Stonehenge.
  • Above the doorway is where the sunlight enters. During the winter solstice, the sun lights up the interior of the structure, perhaps in much the same way as Stonehenge.
  • Simulation...the light is just starting to enter into the portal.
  • Looking from the entryway to the rear of the structure
  • Boyne Valley map...if you are interested in seeing how many places of interest there are in just a valley.
  • The River Boyne
  • Our teacher, Kelly, and a random cat. We didn't see that many cats in Ireland; dogs were more prevalent.
  • The Irish name for the Boyne River Valley
  • A frozen waterfall
  • Outside view of Newgrange...this was the closest we could get to the actual site because of the "treacherous roads."
  • A typical "monk tower"...this is at Monasterboice. I'll explain more about monk towers in another day's entry.
  • A typical Celtic High Cross...these were decorated with biblical stories, which the priests used to teach to the common folk. The circular design is thought to be a tribute to the sun deity that the Celts worshipped and which St. Bridget made popular.
  • Another view of the monk tower.
  • Monasterboice plaque
  • Amy and I and the Christmas Tree at Grafton Street. You can find great deals, especially at that time of year, along this street. Unfortunately this was a double exposed picture but I tried to sharpen it. Chris, my camera buddy, took this shot.
  • There's my camera buddy with Ryan (who never wears a hat, it seems) in front of Christ Churh Cathedral, during our Horror, History, Humor tour. I'll never forget the tale of Stoney Pockets!
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