Friday August 26th

Time to say goodbye to Dublin. We did not have a long journey to Monaghan but had lots to see on the way. After we got the GPS figured out and I learned my left from my right we were underway. Our first stop was Hill of Tara. Hills were considered sacred by the druids and Celts. There is a burial mound built by the druids there. Inside were many pictures carved in stone as well as the cremated remains of the departed. There were also dirt henges from a later date. There is much know about this area from the carvings and later written data.

 

We went on to see Newgrange which has more of the burial mounds. We only went into the visitors centre as it was a long way to the monuments.

 

After lunch we went on to see the Old Mellifont Abby and the Manasterboice crosses and what is left of the monastery. One thing we did learn on our travels today was that the historical sites were not on nice wide roads. If you were on a proper two lane road you knew you were not near the site. One has to get on roads that get progressively narrower until you are really afraid to meet oncoming traffic. Then when you arrive at your destination there is a tour bus!!!

 

While having supper in Monaghan we started talking to a couple from Quebec. Small world!!