Vacations to Go

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Ocean Fun-2009

Future Trips:

British Isles Invasion-2010

France Option

Ireland Option

Maui and Kauai-2011 or Alaska/
Caribbean Cruise

Trips for Friends:

Spectacular Yellowstone-2009

Optional Trips:
Long Trips-

Florida Sights

Great Britain on the Run-2008

Ireland

plus Key West Attractions or Key West Restaurants

Hawaii

Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

Oregon Coast from Rockaway Beach North and South

Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

Waterton-Glacier National Park

Yellowstone National
Park-Long
Trip

Short Trips:

Ainworth Hot Springs

Glacier in a Weekend

Lighthousing Around Puget Sound

Seattle-Whidbey Island Adventure-2006

A Week in Walt Disney World-2008

Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip

British Isles Invasion

Day 1
	Do:	Fly to Dublin
	Lodge:

Day 2
	Do:	Purchase Heritage Card (HC) €21 and Heritage Island Explorer (HIE) Touring Guide €6 for buy one, get one
		British Heritage Pass (BHP) £41.00 7 Days, £55.00 15 Days
		(
10:00 a.m.	See:	Dublin Castle - Free HC/€4.50 (Mon-Fri 10-5, Sat & Sun 2-5) Built on the spot of the 1st Viking fortress in 1230 AD at King John's orders, this castle was the seat of English rule for 700 years.
		(Take Lord Edward Street, which is north of the castle, left/west. It will become Christchurch Place. At the junction go left on Thomas St. It will become James St. at the brewery. Take a left/south on Echlin. At the top of the road turn left (opposite the Old Harbour Pub). Take the first left on to Market Street. The pedestrian entrance to GUINNESS STOREHOUSE® will be on the left. To reach the car park, take the next left onto Crane Street and the car park is immediately on the right. Journey time 5 mins. Complimentary car parking is available at the visitor car park on Crane Street)
11:30 a.m.		Guinness Storehouse - €14 (daily 9:30-5) including €4 pint/HIE pass 10%- Began brewing stout here in 1759. By 1868 it was the biggest brewery in the world. Gravity Bar on to of the building provides a 360 degree view of the city.
		OR
		(Continue on Thomas St going west. At the junction take the left on James. Turn right/north on Surf/Circular Rd.)
11:30 a.m.		Kilmainham Gaol (Jail) Free HC/C€5.50 ( daily 9:30-6) Opened in 1796 as both Dublin County Jail and a debtor's prison. Many who fought for independence of the rebellions of 1798, 1803, 1848, 1867 and 1916 were executed here. Take the 760 minute guided tour including a 15 minute slide show in the prison chapel. See the museum's dimly lit Last Words 1916 hall upstairs, which displays the stirring final letters that patriots sent to loved ones hours before facing the firing squad.
		(Go north on Surf/Circular Rd. After crossing the river at the roundabout take a left on St. John's Rd going east. At the next junction continue east on Wolf Tone Quay. Go left/north on Blackhall Place. Go right/east on Brunswick St, then right/south on Church St. Go left/east immediately on King St. It will become Dorset St. Turn right on Frederick St and park.)
	See:	Garden of Remembrance -Free (8:30-6) Honoring the victims of the 1916 rising. The bottom of the cross-shaped pool is a mosaic of Celtic weapons, symbolic of how the early Irish would proclaim peace by throwing their weapons into a lake or river.
		(Stroll down O'Connell Street looking at shops and statues.)
		Charles Stewart Parnell Monument- member of Parliament who nearly won Home Rule for Ireland in the late 1800's. The names of the 4 ancient provinces of Ireland and all 32 Irish counties ring the monument.
		Father Matthew Statue-Leader of the temperance movement of the 1830's.
		Millenium Spire- 390 ft stainless steel spire.
		(Turn right on Henry St for two blocks enjoying the shops on the way.)
		Moore Street Market
		(Go back east on Henry to O'Connell)
		James Larkin Statue- founder of the Irish Transport Workers' Union.
		Daniel O'Connell Statue (1775-1847) Liberator for founding the Catholic Ass. and demanding Irish Catholic rights in the British Parliament
		O'Connell Bridge - Look upriver (west) as far upstream as you can see. On the left in the distance, the big concrete building is the city planning commission. Across the river stands the Four Courts, Supreme Court building. It was shelled and burned in 1922, during the tragic civil war. The National Archives was burned, losing all birth records. The closest upstream bridge is Ha' Penny Bridge leading to Temple Bar for nightlife. Turn 180 degrees to see the tall Liberty Hall union headquarters, the tallest building in the Republic.
	Lodge:

Day 3
	Depart:	Dublin
		(Take the N3 north towards Navan. Watch for the signs.)
		Hill of Tara - Free HC/€2.10 (10-6) Most important center of political and religious power in pre-Christian Ireland. 20 minute video and a 20 minute guided walk. You'll see the Mound of Hostages from 2500 BC, a couple of ancient sacred stones, a war memorial and vast views of the Emerald Isles. In 1798 Irish rebels chose Tara to stand and fight. Again in 1848 Daniel O'Connell gathered 500,000 peasants for a peaceful show of force demanding the Act of Union with Britain be repealed.
		Celtic Gryffin Letterbox
		Ducks in Dublin Series#4 The Hill of Tara Letterbox
		(Continue north on N3. At Navan take N51 going east/right. Exit onto the N2 going south. Watch for the exit or Fennor or Johnstown.)
	See:	Bru n Boinne - (9-6:30) 30 minute tours. Newgrange (Free HC/€5.80, which dates to 3200 BC. You will squeeze down a narrow passageway to a cross-shaped central chamber, located under a 20 ft. high igloo-type stone dome. Bones and ashes were place here under 200,000 tons of stone and dirt to wait for a special moment. On Dec. 21st a ray of light would creep slowly down the 60 Ft. long passageway for 17 minutes. Knowth (Free HC/€4.50) is a necropolis of several grassy mounds around one 85 yd wide grand tomb. The big mound covers 1.5 acres and has 2 passages aligned so that on the spring and fall equinoxes, rays from the rising and setting sun shine down the passageways to the center chamber. Neither is open to the public, but you visit a room cut into the side where you can see a passageway.
	Do:	Travellers Among You Letterbox
		(Go back to the N2. Go north crossing the N51. Exit onto the Kellystown/Mellifont Rd.)
		Old Mellifont Abbey - Free HC/€2.10 (10-6) 45 minute tour This Cistercian abbey was established by French monks in 1142 to bring the Irish more inline with Rome. Henry VIII dissolved it and it was used as a quarry. Only the lavabo remains, where the monks washed their hands.
		(Continue east on Mellifont Rd. Turn left on on R168. Watch for turnoff.)
		Monasterboice - Ruined abbey, but "Celtic" Christian monastery founded by St. Buite before 521 has 2 of the best crosses in Ireland. The Tall Cross (or West Cross) is the tallest high cross in existence, standing at an impressive 21 feet. Unfortunately it has been carved from stone not very resistant to the elements and been left at their mercy too long, the carvings are withered. But just a few yards away you will find Muiredach's Cross - named after its sponsor, commemorated in an inscription (but an elusive figure nonetheless). The 18 feet high cross consists of three parts and is complete, most of its carvings are still well-defined and identifiable. The center of the west face has a crucifixion scene, contrasted by a "last judgement" on the east face. Other panels show scenes from the Old and New Testaments, including the Passion, the Adoration of the Magi, Moses smiting a rock, David smiting Goliath and even the Fall of Man with Eve giving an apple to Adam and Cain slaying Abel.
		(Go back to R168 and turn left/south. Enter the M1 going to Dublin.)
	Lodge:

Day 4
10:15 a.m.	See:	Trinity College Tour €10.00/HIE Buy 2 for 1 (10:15-2:40) 30 minute tours of their campus including rundown of the Georgian architecture, peek at student life and ending at the Book of Kells. Take stairway upstairs to Proclamation of Irish Republic.
		(Go back to where you meet for the tour. Turn left/south on Grafton St.)
12:00 p.m.		Browse Grafton St shops to St. Stephens Green, glass enclosed in 1664. Many street artists and musicians
	Do:	Lunch- Dunne's grocery store is on the SW corner of Grafton and St Stephen's Green St. (7-midnight)
		(At Grafton and Merrion Row/St. Stephen's St. go east. Turn left/north on Fitzwilliam.)
1:00 p.m.	See:	#29 Georgian House- €5.00 (10:15-5 Tue-Sat, 1-5 Sun) Restored 1790 Georgian home. Descend the stairs to the basement level entrance. Do 15 minute video first.
		(Head back left/west on Merrion Square. Go1 long block, then turn left/south on Merrion St. Go 2 blocks, then turn right/west on Merrion Row. At the end of the block turn right/north on Kildare St.)
2:30 p.m.	See:	National Museum- Archaeology and History-Free (10-5 Tue-Sat, 2-5 Sun) Treasures of Ireland from the Stone Age to Modern times including Celtic metalwork
	Depart:	Dublin
		(Take the N7/M7 out of Dublin. Exit onto the N9 to Waterford.)
	Arrive:	Waterford	90
	Lodge:

Day 5
		(
10:00 a.m.		Reginald's Tower - Free HC/Adult: €2.10 (10-6) Built in 1003 AD by the Vikings. Oldest building in Ireland. Displays of Medieval coins, old city models, a few Viking artifacts and a short video. Guided tour upon quest.
10:30 a.m.	Depart:	Waterford
		(Continue on N25/Meaghers Quay, then becomes Merchants Quary. Go right across the Brother Edmund Ignatius Rice Bridge. Turn right on N25/Dock Rd. It will become Fountain St, then Ferrybank, Milepost, Kilmurry, Rathpatrick, Luffany, etc. etc. N25 will cross the bridge at New Ross and turn right. Turn right on R733. At the junction go straight on R734. Go through Fethard, then turn right on Ralph. Follow signs to Hook Head.)
11:00 a.m.		Hook Head Lighthouse- €5.50 (9:30-5) Oldest operating lighthouse in N. Europe. Built by the Normans in the 12th century. 110 ft. tall you climb the 115 steps to the walkway at parapet level to feast your senses on the magnificent landscape of Hook peninsula. On your climb to the top your guide will bring you through a series of chambers, introducing you to the fascinating story of Hook Lighthouse, an entrancing audio show retells the story of the monks, the earliest keepers of the light.	26
12:00 p.m.	Depart:	Waterford/Hook Head
		(Go back north on Churchtown, then left on Slade. Take a left on Templetown. Turn right on R737, then right on R733. Turn left/north on R734. It will become R733 again. Enter the N25 west out of town. Past Middleton take R624 south to Cobh.)
2:00 p.m.	Arrive:	Cobh	71
	See:	Titanic Memorial and Lusitania Memoral - l/2 of all emigrants to the U.S. came through here. This was the last stop for the Titanic before it went overseas.
		Shops
4:00 p.m.	Depart:	Cobh
		(Go back north on R624. Enter N25 going west/left. At a roundabout outside Cork take N8. In town don't go across the bridge, take N20 north following signs to Limerick. Watch for the exit to Blarney on R617.)
4:30 p.m.	Arrive:	Cork	15
	See:	Blarney Castle- 10% HIE/€8 (9-7 castle, 10-4 gardens)- a) Blarney Castle, as viewed by the visitor today, is the third to have been erected on this site. The first building in the tenth century was a wooden structure. Around 1210 A.D. this was replaced by a stone structure which had the entrance some twenty feet above the ground on the north face. This building was demolished for foundations. In 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster of which the keep still remains standing. b) Badger Cave- When Cromwell’s general, Lord Broghill, besieged the castle, he fired down from Card Hill above the lake and broke the tower walls. Yet when he entered the castle, he found only two trusty old retainers. The main garrison had fled through this cave – Badgers Cave. All had gone – as well as the gold plate that Broghill expected to claim. Legend tells us there are three passages to find in the darkness beyond – one to Cork, one to the lake, and one all the way to Kerry. But this being Blarney, the passages may be as hard to find as the gold... c) When Cormac MacCarthy, King of Munster, sent five thousand men to support Robert the Bruce in his defeat of the English at Bannockburn in 1314, a portion of the historic Stone was given by the Scots in gratitude – and returned to Ireland. To kiss it, one has to lean backwards (holding on to an iron railing) from the parapet walk. The prize is a real one as once kissed the stone bestows the gift of eloquence. d) The Court- Against the east wall of the Castle, you can see the ruins of a late eighteenth century Gothic mansion, known as ‘the Court’, and built in 1739 by the Jeffereys, who bought the Castle in 1703, but found it rather uncomfortable to live in. It was a grand residence, three storeys high, with ranges of casement windows facing east, and was a thriving and lively country house through the latter part of the eighteenth century. Sadly it was destroyed by fire in 1820 and all remaining good building materials were sold off. There were rumours that this was to prevent the son from inheriting it. But they’ve always loved a good story round here... e) The Dungeon - Beneath the tower house that we know as Blarney Castle, you will find a labyrinth of underground passages and chambers, dating from different periods in the Castle history. Now mostly inaccessible, many are beyond the most intrepid explorer. If you do venture within, you will find the chambers of what is believed to have been the Castle prison. If you climb the left-hand of the parallel staircases, you will find the chamber that some say housed the Castle well.
	Depart:	Cork
		(Continue on R617 going west. Turn left/east on R579/Cloghroe. It will change names several times. Enter R618 going left/east. Enter N22 going west. Exit onto R569 going west.)
	Arrive:	Kenmare	58
	Lodge:		(170)

Day 6
	Depart:	Kenmare
	Do:	Ring of Kerry	km
		Glacier Lake-	17.6
		Parnasilla Hotel-19th century hotel	5.2
		Sneem- Celtic Weave China Shop-only place other than Tiffany's where you can buy this china Bridge between North Square and South Square has a waterfall.	3.2
		(Turn off to Staigue Ring Fort)	14.4
		Staigue Ring Fort- €1 donation (10-9) Exhibition with tiny museum, fort model and 10 minute film. Built in 500 BC	2.5
		Back to Ring of Kerry	2.5
		Beara Peninsula beyond a ruined hospital with IRA ties by a local English woman sympathetic to the Irish Republican cause. No one will touch the ruins out of fear of "kicking up a beehive."	1.1
		Carroll's Cove-fine beach and grand view of Kenmare Bay	2
		Derrynane House turnoff	2.9
		(Just outside the town of Derrynane, pick up a handy free map of the estate from the little T1 insde the brown Wave Crest market and picnic food. One mile after the market, take a left and follow the signs into the ark.)
	See:	Derrynane National Historic Park- Free HC/€2.90 (9-6) Home of Daniel O'Connell, Ireland's most influential pre-independence politician, whose tireless nonviolent agitation gained quality for Catholics 175 years ago.
		Coomikista Pass lookout point-great view in both directions	6
		Skellig Island views	3.1
		Ruins of famine villages on both sides of road	1.9
10:30 a.m.		Waterville-Sculpture of Charlie Chaplin on the left. Butler Arms offers tea and scones in the Charlie Chaplin room with lots of pictures of him.	3.2
		After rejoining the main road and turning left, cross the small bridge that's locally famous for salmon fly-fishing. Take the 1st left (R567) for the Skellig Ring loop. Follow brown Skellig Ring signs through Ballinskelligs, then scenically to Portmagee.	5.4
		St. Finan's Bay-pleasant little picnic-friendly beach, but no WC. Just before the bay is the small Skelligs Choclate Factory (free samples and a fun visit)	10
		Portmagee-Jumping off point for small boats to Skellig Islands. (€40 boat ride) Has a bakery. Read slate memorial to sailors lost at sea.	8
		(Across the bridge to Valentia Island.)
		Skellig Experience Centre - €5 (10-7) Story of Skellig Island and the monks with an exhibit and 15 minute audiovisual show. Offers – again through artefacts and realistic re-creations - an experience of Skellig lighthouse – its history – its light keepers and its service to mariners since the 1820’s. Gift shop, ‘Fionan’s Kitchen’, our ‘restaurant-with-a-view’, overlooking the waterfront of Portmagee Channel, and seating up to 48 persons, offers teas, coffees, snacks, sandwiches – and larger meals. you can always enjoy the good food and keen shopping at the Skellig Experience Centre even without entering the exhibition area!	.2
		(Turn left at the church in Knightstown.)
		Knightstown Heritage Museum-€3 (10:30-6) Valentia schoolhouse built in 1861 highlighting the historic interests on the island. Includes laying the 1866 transatlantic cable.	8
		(Return to the main road and go through Knightstown to the tiny ferry.)
	Do:	Ferry €5 per car for a 2 km trip.	1.8
		(Leave the ferry, rejoin N-70 turning left for Cahersiveen.)
		Cahersiveen	5
		(Just behond the town church at the tourist office, turn left, cross the narrow bridge, turn left again, and follow signs for ancient forts.)
		Cahergal Ring Forts- Free parking, 100 yd. walk	2.5
		Leacanabuaile Ring Forts
		(Return to Cahersiveen at N-70 following signs to Glenbeigh and Killorglin.)	2.5
	Arrive:	Killorglin	25.5
		(Just past town take N72)
	Arrive:	Killarney	12
	Do:	Muckross House & Gardens Letterbox
	Lodge:

Day 7
	Depart:	Killarney
		(Go north on N22. At Tralee go west on N86.)
	Arrive:	Dingle	51
	See:	Dingle Peninsula
		(Starting with your odometer on 0 at Oceanworld go west along the waterfront. On the left are "two up and two down" flats built in 1908 as affordable government housing.)	km
		8 foot tide, across the Milltown River estuary is the Milltown House B& B where Robert Mitchum stayed for a year while filming Ryan's Daughter. Look for the narrow mouth of this blind harbor (where Fungie frolics), and the Ring of Kerry beyond.	.5
		(At the roundabout turn left over the bridge. The hardware store on the right was a corn-grinding mill in the 18th century.)	.2/.7
		Millstone B&B is named for the stone pillar in its front yard. This may be a prehistoric grave or a boundary marker between two tribes. The stone goes down as far as it sticks up. The peninsula is dotted with more than 2,000 such monuments dating from 4,000 BC. Another stone pillar stands in the field across the street, in the direction of the yellow manor house of Lord Ventry (in the distance) Lord Ventry built the mansion in 1750. It is a boarding school for girls today. As you pass the Ventry estate, you'll pass palms, magnolias, and exotic flora introduced into Dingle by Lord Ventry. It never snows here. The old red-sandstone and slate-roof cottages along the roadside housed Ventry estate workers in the 1840's.	.6/1.3
		Views-Stay off "soft margins" as you enjoy views of Ventry, it's 4 mile long beach and Skellig Michael in the distance. In 1866 the first transatlantic cable was laid from nearby Valentia Island to Canada's Newfoundland. It was used until 1965. Mount Eagle rising from the bay marks the end of Ireland. In the town of Ventry Gaelic is the first language.	3.3/4.6
		The bamboo-like rushes on either side of the road are the kind used to make the local thatched roofs.	.6/5.2
		The Irish football (GAS) star Paidi O Se (Paddy O'Shea) is a household name in Ireland. He won eight all-Ireland football titles for Kerry as a player. He then trained the Kerry team for many years and now runs the pub on the left. There is a tiny grocery store on the right and easy beach access.	3.4/8.6
		The plain blue cottage hiding in the trees 100 yds off the road on the left (view through the white gate, harder to see in summer when foliage is thickest) was kept cozy by Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman during the filming of Far and Away. Just beyond are fine views of the harbor and Dingle's stone tower.	.6/9.2
		Red-colored, two-room schoolhouse on the right that is used to teach Gaelic courses for kids from big cities. Left is a small Celtic and Prehistoric Museum, a private collection of prehistoric artifacts.	1.5/10.7
		The circular elevated hedge/mound on the right is a late-Stone Age ring fort. In 500 BC it was a petty Celtic chieftain's headquarters, a stone and earth stockade filled with little stone houses. Superstition believe them to be fairy forts, so they were not touched.	.4/11.1
		Look ahead up Mount Eagle at the patchwork of stone-fenced fields	.6/11.7
		Dunbeg Fort-€3 (9:30-7) a series of defensive ramparts and ditches around a central clochan, is open to tourists. It's ready to fall into the ocean. Includes a 15 minute video giving a bigger picture of the prehistory of the peninsula in the restaurant across the street. (500 BC-500 AD)	.8/12.5
		Stone House Restaurant (12:30-3:30, closed Tues.)-good lunches Stone-roofed house built to blend in with the landscape and a currach boat dry docked in the parking lot.
		Kavanaugh cottage €3 (9:30-6) abandoned 150 years ago during the famine. Old artifacts and good descriptions of their simple lifestyle. 50 yds up the hill	.11/12.6
		Beehive huts €2 (9:30-3) WC These mysterious stone igloos are clustered together within a circular wall. A short walk up the hill.	.8/13.4
		Pull off to the left at the 2nd group of beehive huts. Look downhill at the rocky field-in the movie Far and Away, that's where Lord Ventry evicted/torched peasants from their cottage. Look above at the patches of land slowly made into farmland by the inhabitants of this westernmost piece of Europe. Rocks were cleared and piled into fences. Sand and seaweed were laid on the clay, and in time it was good for grass. The created land, if at all tillable, was generally used for growing potatoes; otherwise it was only good for grazing. Much has fallen out of use now. Look across the bay at the Ring of Kerry in the distance and ahead at the Blasket Islands.	1.5/14.9
		Slea Head-marked by a crucifix, a pullout, and great views of Blasket Islands.	1.2/16.1
		Dun Chaoin sign-View Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head (the westernmost point of Europe) and to review the roadside map. About a km down the road on the left, a plaque celebrates the 30th anniversary of the filming of Ryan's Daughter	.8/16.9
		Blasket Island Cemetery - Famous Blascaod storyteller, Peig Sayers (1873-1958) is buried in the center. At the next intersection, drive down the little lane that leads left (100 yds) to a small stone marker (hiking in the grass on the left) commemorating the 1588 shipwreck of the Santa Maria de la Rosa of the Spanish Armada. Below that is the often tempestuous Dunquin Harbor, from the where the Blasket Islands ferry departs. Island farmers, who on a calm day could row across in 30 minutes, would dock here and hike 12 mile into Dingle to sell their produce.	2.4/19.3
		Back on the main road, follow signs to the Ionad An Blascaod Mor (Great Blasket Centre). You'll pass a village school from 1914 (2 teachers and 6 grades with 18 students).	.1/19.4
		Leave the Slea Head Road left for the Great Blasket Centre (good cafeteria)	2.9/22.3
	See:	Great Blasket Centre- Free HC/€3.70 (10-7) Blascaod and Gaelic heritage center gives visitors the best look at the language, literature and the way of life of Blasket Islanders. Sacred view of the actual islands. 20 minute video
		Back at the turnoff, head left (sign to Louis Mulcahy Pottery)	.8/23.1
		Passing land that was never reclaimed, think of the work it took to pick out the stones, pile them into fences, and bring up sand and seaweed to nourish the clay and make soil for growing potatoes. Look over the water to the island aptly named the "Sleeping Giant"-see his hand resting happily on his beer belly.	1.4/24.5
		Grab the scenic pull-out. The view is spectacular. Ahead, on the right, study the top fields, untouched since the planting of 1845, when the potatoes didn't grow, but rotted in the ground. The faint vertical ridges of the potato beds can still be seen-a reminder of the famine (easier to see a bit later). Before the famine 40,000 people lived on the peninsula. After the famine, the population was so small that there was never again a need to farm so high up. Today only 10,000 live on the peninsula. Coast downhill. The distant hills are crowned by lookout forts built back when Britain expected Napoleon to invade. The lousy farmland on both sides of the straight stretch of road was stripped of 7 ft. of peat in the 19th century. While the land here provided a lot of warmth back then, it provides no food today.	5.4/24.9
		Ballyferriter town- established in Norman 12th century is the largest on this side of Dingle. The pubs serve grub and the old schoolhouse is a museum €2.50 (10-6) The early Christian cross next to the schoolhouse looks real. It's a fiberglass prop from Ryan's Daughter.	5.1/30
		At the t-junction, signs direct you left to An Daingean (Dingle). Go left, via Gallaras (and still following CeannSleibhe/Sea Head Drive. Take a right over the bridge and follow signs to Gallaras.	1.4/31.4
		Reasc Monastery-Just beyond the bridge, you'll pass the Tigh Bhric pub and market (great pub grub). 5 yds before the sign to Mainistir Riaise (Reasc Monastery), detour right up the lane. After .3 km (up the unsigned turnout on your right), you'll find the scant remains of the walled Reasc Monastery (dating from 6th-12th centuries, free, always open. The inner wall divided the community into sections for prayer and business (cottage industries helped support the monastery). In 1975 only the stone pillar was visible, as the entire site was buried. The stone pillar is Celtic (500 BC) When the Christians arrived in 500 AD, they carved a Maltese-type cross over the Celtic scrollwork. The square building was an oratory. The round buildings would have been clochans-those stone igloo-type dwellings. They operated a double duty kiln. Just outside the wall (opposite the oratory, past the duplex clochan, at the bottom end), find a stone hole with a passage facing the southwest wind. This was the kiln, fanned by the wind, it was used for cooking and drying grain. Locals would bring their grain to be dried and the monks would keep 10% tithe. When the Normans arrived in the 12th century, these communities were replace by big time state and church governments.	.6/32
		(Return to the main road and continue to the right.)	.8/32.8
		At Smerwick Harbor Hotel turn left following the signs to Gallaras, Gallarus Oratory.	1.8/34.6
		At the building with camping sign, go right and follow the sign for the oratory, where you'll find a small tourist center with a coffee shop, WC and a video theatre. €3 for a 17 minute video overview of Dingle Peninsula's historic sights. (9-9) Gallarus Oratory, built about 1300 yrs. ago, is one of Ireland's best-preserved early Christian churches. Shaped like an upturned boat, its finely fitted drystone walls are still waterproof. Notice the holes once used to secure covering at the door, and the fine alternating stonework on the corners. Gallarus Castle- Free Built in 1400's. It's a 4 story tower with a vaulted ceiling on the 4th floor. From the oratory, return to the main road and continue, following the brown Ceann Sleibhe/Slea Head Drive sign.	1/35.6
		(Turn right at the fork and immediately take a right (at the blue shop sign) at the next fork. Here you leave the Slea Head Drive and head for Dingle (10 km away).	2.1/37.7
		Kilmalkedar (Cill Mhaoil-cheadair) -Norman center of worship for this end of the peninsula. It was built when England replaced the old monastic settlements in an attempt to centralize their rule. The 12th century Irish Romanesque church is surrounded by a densely populated graveyard, which has risen noticeably above the surrounding fields over the centuries. In front of the church you will find the oldest medieval tombs, a stately early Christian cross and a much older ogham stone. The stone, which had already stood here 900 years when the church was built, is notched with the mysterious Morse code-type ogham script used from the 3rd to 7th centuries. It marked a grave, indicating this was a pre-Christian holy spot. The hole was drilled though the top of the stone centuries ago, as a place where people would come to seal a deal as they stood on the top of the graves of their ancestors and in front of the house of God. They would "swear to God" by touching thumbs through this stone. You can still use this to renew your marriage vows (free). The church fell into ruin during the Reformation, as Catholic worship went underground until the early 19th century, Kilmalkedar was never rebuilt.	1.8/39.5
		(Continue uphill, overlooking the water.)
		Ciher Dorgan-Free - Another "fairy fort" on the right, dating back to 1000 BC. Go through the rusty "kissing gate" The bay stretched out below you is Smerwick Harbor. In 1580 a force of 600 Italian and Spanish troops, sent by the pope to aid a rebellion against the Protestant English) surrendered at this bay to the English. All 600 were massacred by the English forces, who included Sir Walter Raleigh.	.7/40.2
		At the crest of the hill, enjoy a 3 mile long coast back into Dingle.	1.5/41.7
		Tog Bog E means "take it easy". At the T-junction turn left. Turn right at the roundabout.	4.6/46.3
	Arrive:	Dingle	1.2/47.5
	Lodge:

Day 8
	Depart:	Dingle
		(Take N86. At Tralee change to N21 going east. It will eventually turn in to N20. Enter N7 at Limerick. At Portlaoise it will become M7. At Naas it will go back to N7 all the way to Dublin.)
	Arrive:	Dublin	208
	Do:	Fly to Edinburgh
		(From the airport enter Glascoe Rd going west, crossing the road and turning right. Enter the M6 going north. Take exit 1A onto A8000 going north. Enter A90 going north and across the bay. Take the 2nd exit onto A921 going to the 3rd exit on the roundabout. At the roundabout take the last exit onto Chapel Place. Turn left/east on Boreland Rd.)
	Lodge:	Boreland Lodge Hotel- 31/33 Boreland Road, Inverkeithing, Fife, KY11 1DA £84 a night, 1 double, 2 single beds, ensuite-shower, hair dryer, TV, coffee/tea maker, traditional Scottish breakfast. 15 car parking

Black Gold (It's Good For You!) LbNA #: 35236

Placed by: celtuscan (Contact the Placer)	Your status: (none)
Placement date: Jul 28 2007
State: Other International	Found by: TesoroVita
County: Other International	Found date: Feb 15 2008
Nearest city: Dublin, IRELAND
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Background:
A Guiness Fermentation Plant, from 1904 to 1988 is now the 7 story museum dedicated to the history and making of a world famous beer. Located in the heart of the St. James Brewery, Guiness Storehouse is the Home of Guiness, where you discover what goes into the making of every pint!
The building is designed in the shape of a giant pint of Guiness, that, if full, would hold 14.3 Million Pints! As you make your way through the Storehouse, you will see the history of this drink, experience the Tasting Laboratory, have a chance to pour your own pint, and even have a pint at the Gravity Bar, where you can see incredible 360 Degree views of Dublin.

Clue: While on the tour of the Guiness Storehouse, while in the upper floors, look for the glass sign showing the "ROASTING" process. Behind the sign, is a David Brown & Sons antique process machine. Hidden behind, and near the rear back leg, secured with velcro, lies your prize. Because of the number of tourists around the area, please be discreet.

This is a microbox....there is no logbook or stamppad. But, if you find it, please let me know how it's doing.

Celtic Gryffin LbNA #: 20913

Placed by: Illia (Contact the Placer)	Your status: (none)
Placement date: Mar 15 2006
State: Other International
County: Other International
Nearest city: Navan, Ireland
Number of boxes: 4

Clues

At the seat of the High Kings of Tara is a spot known as the Fairy Tree. The Hill of Tara has been an important and mystic site in Ireland since ancient times and it still attracts people looking for a little magic in their lives. The Fairy Tree is said to make you wishes come true if you leave a token for the Fairie folk.

Find the Fairy Tree (you'll need to walk past the mounds, look for a tree standing a little on it's own on a ridge, decked out in ribbons and charms) When you find the tree, stand facing it so that you can look back at the mounds. Look for the spot where coin offerings are left, behind a rock under the roots is your first box.

Next walk along the ridge, back toward the parking lot, until you have passed two more trees. After you have passed the second tree, turn back and face the Fairy Tree, then look at the tree you have just passed. A hollow in the tree sits waist high and deep inside is your second box (this one is in a bag rather than a hard container)

Continue on along the ridge until you have gone three additional trees. When you reach this tree, you will find a good spot to sit down at it's roots and gaze up at the seat of the king, and down at his domain. This tree grows on a flat rock that makes a ledge. Under the ledge, you will find the third box.

Your final box and the book to leave your mark is next. Stand up and look back at the Fairy Tree again, you will now notice an old, low rock wall. Walk towards the wall and find a large bramble growing on it. To the right of the brambles you will find, imbedded in the wall, the symbol of another religion deeply entrenched in Irish history. At her feet are two largish rocks that can be pulled away, the box lies beneath.

The Hill of Tara is a sacred spot, please be careful in taking and replacing these boxes so that they remain well hidden. Enjoy your journies in Ireland, we have cherished ours. Special thanks to Kreepy Kelli who made these beautiful stamps for us to place. If you visit Ireland, please plan to place a box as well as find one. Thanks

Happy Hunting!

Ducks in Dublin Series#4 The Hill of Tara LbNA #: 14026

Placed by: illia (Contact the Placer)	Your status: (none)
Placement date: Apr 30 2005
State: Other International
County: Other International
Nearest city: Navan, Ireland
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

STATUS: Confirmed as of 07/22/05

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate
DISTANCE to LETTERBOX: 300 yards

DIRECTIONS: Prehistoric Hill of Tara is in Navan, Co Meath, Ireland, 12 km south of Navan off N3. Heading Northwest out of Dublin on the M3 you will turn West at the Hill of Tara sign. Following the road to the parking lot.

Opening Hours: Everyday

BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Though best known as the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the Hill of Tara has been an important site since the late Stone Age when a passage-tomb was constructed there. Tara was at the height of its power as a political and religious centre in the early centuries after Christ.

CLUES:

At the north end of the parking lot there is a gate that will let you into tne Hill of Tara property. Go through the gate and follow the path until you come to a stone wall surrounding a church and graveyard. Dont go over the wall, instead, keeping the wall on your left (St Patrick will be on you right)follow the wall around until you come to a white entracnce gate. From the corner walk 16 paces along the wall (with the wall still on your left) and turn to face the wall. In front of you on the other side of the wall will be a old tree with a large wart. Directly below the wart at the base of the wall is a hole with no grass growing in front of it. The box is at the back of the hole. You are probably going to have to stick your whole hand in this whole so maybe use caution or a stick to find the box.

Please remember to replace it carefully and make sure it will not slip out.

Happy hunting and enjoy beautiful County Meath.

Travelers Among You

Author:	Reidling Trinity
Location:	Drogheda Slane, MEA (Ireland)
Clue Last Updated:	May 5, 2007

Status:	active (Last found: Sep 29, 2007)

The Dowth passage cairn is not open to the public, though you can see it from the outside. From the N51 west from Drogheda, take the first left after the turn for the site of the Battle of the Boyne. It is on the left just after Dowth castle (under renovation at the time of planting), and just before the Glebe House B&B (my favorite in all of Ireland, if you stay there be sure to tell Elizabeth Kisma sent you!)

The cairn shows damage from early excavations and 19th century stone quarrying. It has fallen victim to treasure-hunters over the eyars, including the Vikings. The mound is about 275 feet across and nearly 50 feet high.

Nearby is the famous Newgrange & Knowth cairns which can be visited via a tour. Like Knowth, Dowth has two passages opposite each other: a north passage about 27 feet long and a shorter south passage about 11 feet long which faces towards Newgrange. The sun rises to illuminate the Newgrange chamber at winter solstice and at the end of the day it enters the south passage of the Dowth cairn at sunset. Though the passage and chamber are much smaller here than at Newgrange, the beam of light is much bigger. This chamber has one recess on the right. The stone forming the right side of this recess is decorated with circular symbols, and it is this stone that is illuminated at winter solstice sunset by the sunbeam.

The back stone of the main chamber and the stones either side of it are also decorated. In the days before and after the solistce, the beam of light at sunset travels across these symbols lighting them in turn. The entrance stone has a large circular hollow, which marks the position of the setting sun.

Dowth's alignment with the setting sun at the winter solstice is at the end of the sun cycle and the beginning of the longest night of the year, the darkest point of the year. Its mythology reflects this. It is said to have been built by the Druid Bresal who wanted to build a tower that would reach the sky, but due to complications, the tower was never finished, and it was given the name Dubhaigh meaning "darkness."

CLUE: Once you find the 'Dowth' signpost, park on the side of the road (the N51 from Drogheda to Slane). Climb through the double "V" cattle guard gate and continue up the gravel walkway. A stone wall runs to your right, a field to your left, the mound before you. From the double "V" gate, take 22 paces, which will bring you to a turn style gate. With your back to the gate pole, face the stone wall. Compass bearing is 38-40. Three paces should bring you to the stone wall. Directly on the other side is an ivy garnished tree with another tree directly behind it, giving the apperance that it is one tree with four large branches springing up from the trunk. The box is in between these two trees in a crevice-like opening, close to the ground. You'll have to climb over the fence to retrieve the box, but the wall is only waist high and easy to do so. There are no worries about being yelled at for tresspassing, though the box has been planted in secret. Please be sure to seal the box before replanting to be sure no wetness gets inside. Thanks!

We hope you enjoy the seven boxes we planted in Ireland (The North Star, Congrats!You Found It!, the 4-box Animal Power Series!, and Travelers Among you.)

Ducks in Dublin Series#1 The Raghnallach Letterbox LbNA #: 14023

Placed by: illia (Contact the Placer)	Your status: (none)
Placement date: May 1 2005
State: Other International
County: Other International
Nearest city: Dublin, Ireland
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

STATUS: The letterbox is being updated 08/31/05

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate
DISTANCE to LETTERBOX: 35 yards

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Located in Ranelagh and extending to 1 hectare (2.47 acres), the gardens were originally part of 5 hectares of pleasure gardens developed in 1775 by a businessman who called them after Lord Ranelagh from Co. Wicklow. Lord Ranelagh had similar pleasure gardens beside the Thames in London. The first hot air balloon flight in Ireland was launched from the pleasure gardens by Richard Crosbie. The gardens were later sold to a teaching order of nuns and in 1840 the convent there became totally enclosed and the gardens forgotten.

DIRECTIONS:
From the "Ranelagh/Raghnallach" Luas stop (once you decend the stairs) cross the road and veer left under the bridge. Soon you will come to a tunnel that the LUAS runs over. Go through the tunnel and you will find yourself in the tiny, beautiful Ranalagh Garden. Follow the main path past a small cottage until you come to a division in the path. Before you continue you might want to take a loop around the pond, say hello to our feathered friends (and toss them some bread) and notice the cross that commemorates the Carmelite Monastery that stood on this site from 1783 until 1975.

CLUES:
Now, for the box. Go back to the entrance where a tall black and white sign stands bearing the name garden. Face the sign then turn to your left. Walk 4 and a half paces (about 9 feet) then turn left again. Directly in front of you is a low rock wall covered with ivy. The box is hidden in a crevice in the wall about midway up. You'll have to poke around behind the ivy a bit but it is there. Please be sure that you rehide it well when you leave. Happy hunting.

Opening Hours: Everyday

Please remember to replace it carefully and make sure it will not slip out.

Happy hunting and enjoy the beautiful Ranelagh Gardens

The Gift Of Gab LbNA #: 35237

Placed by: celtuscan (Contact the Placer)	Your status: (none)
Placement date: Jul 30 2007	Attempted
State: Other International	July 8, 2008
County: Other International
Nearest city: Cork, IRELAND
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Background: Blarney Castle was built nearly siz hundred years ago by one of Ireland's greatest Chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, and has been attracting attention beyond Munster ever since. Not all of that has been welcome, as Good Queen Bess and Oliver Cromwell could testify. But over the last few hundred years, millions have flocked to Blarney, making it a world landmark and one of Ireland's greatest treasures.
Now, that might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the Tower. Kiss it, and you'll never again be at a loss for words. Everyone from Sir Walter Scott, to a host of American presidents, world leaders, and international entertainers have been eager to take advantage.

If people come for the Stone, many stay for the mystical and beautiful Rock Close and gardens. Time has its own rules here, and this is where you'll find what you seek.

Clues:
After parking at Blarney Castle and paying the fee, walk up to the castle, and go to the right, looking in the caves for signs of leprechans. COntinue around the castle, and if desired, hike to the top of the castle, through narrow and steep stone circular stairways to kiss the famous stone. Upon leaving the castle, walk by the stables, and then take a left to go to the picnic area. Continue around the walk to the Rock Close. Pass the Dolmen, and make a wish as you walk up and back down the steps with your eyes closed. Continue by the witches kitchen, and visit the Fairy Glade. As you exit the Rock Close, keep your eye out for a strange double tree in the middle of a lawn, with a horizontal limb, connecting two large limbs, and looking amazingly like a harp. As you face the tree, walk to the right down a path, and over a bridge, about 8 pages, buried underneath on the left side of the bridge lies the goal.

Replace it and hide it well from visitors and carekeepers.

Vacations to Go....