World Heritage Site Newgrange

Newgrange is a World heritage site, which is about 30 minutes away from Drogheda. People say that it's a must see for the local area. 

Before visiting, I did not research it. It's easy to research everything nowadays, but that spoils all the fun. I wanted to be surprised and excited about one of my first main attractions in Ireland. 

When we arrived they had a mini museum with all kinds of interesting facts. We were picked up about ten minutes later by a friendly older woman named Gertrude. 

http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne/built-heritage/newgrange/

She took us inside here with the opening being in the middle. It was dark, but the rocks all piled up on top of one another were visible. The whole structure was made by hand from rocks with only a small area on the top with light shining through. It was a way of life that was revolved around the solar system. Astrology also had a large influence with the reading of the sun, moon, and stars. Over thousands of years, Newgrange stands tall on the hill with another similar structure on the hill across.

Gertrude, like many Irish tour guides, told the story so well. Her words left me with intrigue and wonder. With such an appreciation for the sun, moon, and stars- it's beautiful to communicate through solely these elements. It's amazing the principles of mathematics and geometry that was created and studied. The way they inscribed different messages inside the stones with people still deciphering these messages, codes, and language today. 

This was quite the tour. You can never judge a book by its cover. This may not look like much from a distance, but the learning experience and wonderous feeling is worth it. 

Specific information is on the WHI link.

It's highly interesting to read about. 

http://www.worldheritageireland.ie/bru-na-boinne/built-heritage/newgrange/

By Day

St Lawrence Gate 

Always find an Art Collection Everywhere I Go...... 

     

Kids on A Fieldtrip wearing sweaters and white collared skirts to their knees-nice school uniforms in Ireland 

By Night

Exploring Drogheda by Night 

 

St Marys Church 

The beautifully breathtaking St Peters Church 

At First Glance

The Irish like to eat bread


They drive fast and a bit careless


They have a strong sense of Irish hospitality


They enjoy talking more than eating


Beer is breakfast to them


Some are committed to church and others are anti- church

D Hotel Drogheda

Our original arrival destination was the Dublin Airport where we picked up our rental car and had our experimental drive to the D Hotel.  The D Hotel is the first two day stop on the trip. It's style is contemporary and modern in comparison to other hotels. It's located right on the river with one bridge to the left and one to the right. It's the center of the Drogheda poet with many shipping cargo along the river. 

The sunshine was taking a break from our time there, but that was the weather for most of the trip going forward. 

Overall, it actually was one of my favorite cities because it was a smaller city, which means simpler people, less congestion, a few nice attractions, but not so many you feel overwhelmed, and nice churches. People were friendly and helpful with directions- especially for directions as we had difficulty with it. 

Car Insurance Yes Please!

When traveling to Ireland, the most common mode of transportation for exploring is a car.  Often, one thinks of a car being a great addition to their trip. You don't have to rely on the train, bus or taxi, which leaves you additional time for other things.  It is so great to have a car on vacation right? I don't think so.

When you have to drive a manuel car on the left side of the road, it can make things a bit scarey, confusing, and exhausting.  When Kevin, drove the car, he had difficulty keeping up to speed. 
The distance between cars from the passengers seat appears to be merely a few inches. Sometimes it appears to be even less and that's when my hands come straight up directly over my eyes.  When I place my whole head into my lap, fear is immediately instilled upon me leaving me questioning my life.  "God please don't let this be the way I will die." While it all sounds quite traumatic, it may also come as a shock that I was not even the driver yet a full-time passenger.


My girlfriend, also a passenger, informed me of the dangers of sittting in the passengers seat in Ireland. Usually, she may overreact to some things, but this time it was a true statement. It is almost like one of those trick mirrors where everything appears a bit foggy. With some practice, Kevin's driving improved, but still there were close calls when entering into roundabouts and staying on the correct side of the road. When picking up the car, I was focused on getting the new Black manuel Dacia, but all the mini manuel cars are potential death traps in my opinion. 
Luckily, we arrived at our hotel, D Hotel  in Drogheda where we did not need the car.  It was such a breath of fresh air. 

 Thank you God for your protection and comfort today. Amen   

It is Finally Time

For years and years , I have longed to travel to the wonderful country of Ireland.  With Irish blood and an Irish smile, I feel overjoyed that it is finally my time to travel to Ireland.  From my times to attending St Patrick's Cathedral in New York to speaking with my Great Grandmother who was born in Ireland, I always had a true wonder for what the real Ireland would be like.  

One would imagine the fantastic churches, the castles, the small towns, the lush green landscape, the Irish pubs and the interesting people in them, meat-beer and fresh breads and milks.  While these few things would come to ones mind, I'm sure there is much, much more to this place where my Grandfather's heritage comes from in his generation.  

Now he only way to know about a country is to travel there and find out first hand. It is my time to explore this beautiful country from North to South and from person to person church to church and city to city. Let's Go!