Our flights were smooth, if crowded, and we were met at the Dublin airport by our most wonderful guide Aine (an-ya) and driver John. Before taking the trek west to Galway, we had to head a bit north, and far back in time.
The photos above and below were taken at that Neolithic passage tomb Knowth (quite near the more famous Newgrange), and helped us see that our pre-Christian ancestors were very in touch with nature, the seasons, and symbolism.
The photos above and below were taken at that Neolithic passage tomb Knowth (quite near the more famous Newgrange), and helped us see that our pre-Christian ancestors were very in touch with nature, the seasons, and symbolism.
It has been a cold day and windy, but with brilliantly blue skies. The chill helped keep us awake after that overnight flight!
After we left the passage tombs along the River Boyne, John expertly manuevered the bus along small roads and lanes to Monasterboice. Here we discovered the ruins of a small monastery and pilgrimage site (and still used cemetery) dating from at least the 10th century. Prominent is a round tower, partially destroyed by invaders, and two of the 'best' high crosses in Ireland.
After we left the passage tombs along the River Boyne, John expertly manuevered the bus along small roads and lanes to Monasterboice. Here we discovered the ruins of a small monastery and pilgrimage site (and still used cemetery) dating from at least the 10th century. Prominent is a round tower, partially destroyed by invaders, and two of the 'best' high crosses in Ireland.
The high crosses served a catechetical function,, much like stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the Old and New Testaments for the mostly illiterate population.
Hours later, our group of pilgrims have settled into our hotel in Galway, enjoyed our first real meal together (for a tired bunch of people, it was an animated dining room!), and are settling in (I assume) for a well-deserved night's rest.