Ireland

Keri, Ian and I took a quick trip back to Ireland. We had a four day free travel period and had not really had time to plan, so at the last minute, we headed back to Ireland. Keri wanted to go to the Belleek factory in Northern Ireland because they are celebrating 150 years and are producing a special backstamp during 2007. So after landing in Dublin, we headed north. I must admit that Ireland (including both Republic and Northern portions) is one of my favorite places on earth.

We enjoyed touring the factory again and I expected them to recognize us when we entered. Ian tried his hand at glazing a small spill and I was ready this time after I missed the Waterford photo. We spent a good portion of Thursday there. The longer we spent there, the happier I was because I wasn't having to drive. Yes, we rented a car again.

From there we headed back south. We had several places on our list but the fun of traveling in Ireland is just waiting to discover what appears around the next turn. We spent Thursday night in Virginia (yes Santa, there is a Virginia). Halloween is a big holiday in Ireland and every shop was decorated and it was fun to just walk along the street. Friday we explored Kells and discovered another round tower and four ancient Celtic crosses before heading toward the Hill of Tara. We found a B&B in Slane, dumped our bags and headed on to Tara. It really was a beautiful (and mystical) place. From Tara you can see into 16 counties of Ireland. The visitor center closes the end of September so we were on our own but we had a grand time, don't you know. We headed back to Slane as it was getting dark and drove to the Hill of Slane in the dark. This is the site where St. Patrick built a fire to celebrate Easter when he first arrived in Ireland in violation of the laws of Tara. The resulting conflict led to the conversion of Ireland.

Saturday morning we headed to the World Heritage Center in the Valley of the Boyne to see the neolithic burial site, Newgrange. It was amazing. It indicates that neolithic people were not as primitive as we were taught in school. The graves and burial sites in Ireland predate the Pyramids of Egypt. From there we raced for the airport. We could find no gas stations, so once again we had to return a car and pay airport gas charges. Nothing is easy to find when you are away from your familiar surroundings.

We arrived home last night in time to see South Africa defeat England in World Cup Rugby. The street were silent afterwards. I remember four years ago when England won and there was celebrating all night.