posted by Travel Cat on May 31
Ireland is a country of hidden gems – and there are a whole host of ancient sites for you to look at in awe!
It’s not just shamrocks and Guiness that you will see in this amazing country – there are years and years of history to be found here as well. And I have put a few of them together here to whet your appetite.
So, let’s get started here with the most amazing and mystical, across some rocks, and through to the political!
1) Newgrange: Southern Ireland
This huge enclosed ‘temple’ is coated in a glowing casing of white – and can be seen from some distance away.
According to Celtic lore, the legendary Kings of Tara were buried here, but excavations have proved otherwise – putting this megalithic structure at over 5200 years old! That’s older than the pyramids of Egypt!
With an entrance tunnel to funnel the morning sunlight into the centre of the structure at a certain time of year – it is completely unique. There is apparently nothing else in the structure apart from this ‘sun funnel’!
2) The Giant’s Causeway: Northern Ireland
You must have seen a picture of these amazing rock formations – and they have set off many an amazing legend of their origins due to their bizarre appearance on the northern coast. Protruding out into the sea and bashed by the waves all day everyday – but why are they there?
No words can really do them justice, but they are crooked plateaus of (mainly) hexagonal rocks completely vertical in the ground. They have all eroded over time – but at different rates, so they look like some sort of giant board game – with around 37,000 columns!
3) Blarney Castle: Southern Ireland
Visitors from all over the world (like me) travel to this small castle to see the Blarney Stone. Luck is apparently bestowed on all those who kiss it – but they don’t tell you that it is susspended away from the main castle wall and that you have to lay on your back hanging off the wall to kiss it!
The history of the Stone is engrained in the ‘wars’ between England and Scotland over this historically important stone – well, according to myths and legends. But there are some great caves and gardens around the Castle. Well worth stopping off.
Of course there are plenty of other great sites here, and these are just 3 of my favourites as highlights!
Go there yourself - and find your own best bits!
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