Vacations to Go



Home

 Easter Anime and Puget Sound-2011

Rockin' 4th of July-2011

 Glacier and Beyond-2011


 Future Trips:

 Ireland and the U.K. with a Spot of France-2013

 Europe's Choices

 "Europe's Choices Votes"

 Friends:

 Fun in the Sun-2011

 Twilight in Forks-2011
Barb's Puget Sound Adventure-2011

 Optional Trips:
 Long Trips:

Big Mountain/ Glacier National Park

 Ireland

Maui and Kauai

 Oregon
Coast-a-Thon

 Oregon Coast Websites for Vacation Rentals

 Yellowstone National Park-Long Trip

 Yellowstone-Teton Adventure-2011

Short Trips:

 Glacier in a Weekend

 Yellowstone National
Park-
Short Trip

 Puget Sound Adventure




Ireland


 

Day 1      
  Do: Fly to Dublin  
  Lodge:    
       
Day 2      
 

Do:

 Purchase Heritage Card €21 and Heritage Island Explorer Touring Guide €6 for buy one, get one  

10:15 a.m.

See:
Trinity College Tour €10.00/HIE €1 off admission (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- €6.00 (10-5 Tue-Sat, 12-5 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   		 
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 3      

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 - €15 (daily 9:30-7) 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.  		 
    Black Gold (It's Good For You!) Letterbox  
    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€6.00 ( daily 9:30-6)
Inchicore Road
Kilmainham, Dublin 8.
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 Trasnport 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 4      
    (Take the N3 north towards Navan.  Watch for the signs.)  
   
Hill of Tara - Free HC/€3.00 (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.     		 
    Ducks in Dublin Series#4 The Hill of Tara  
    Celtic Gryffin 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 - (9-7) 30 minute tours.  Newgrange, Knowth Megalithic Tombs (Free HC/€11.00, which dates to 3200 BC.  At Newgrange 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  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.  		 
    Travelers Among You Letterbox  
    (Go back to the N2.  Go north crossing the N51.  Exit onto the Kellystown/Mellifont Rd.)  
   
Old Mellifont Abbey - Free HC/€3.00 (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 - (Sunrise-Sunset) Free
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 5      

8:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Dublin  
    (Take M7 west out of town.  Take exit 9 left/south onto M9.  It will become N9.)       

10:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Waterford

92
   
Reginald's Tower - Free HC/Adult: €3.00 (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.   		 

11:00 p.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.)  

11:45 p.m.

  
Hook Head Lighthouse- €6.00 (10-5:30) 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
    (Go back north on Churchtown, then left on Slade.)    

1:00 p.m.

Arrive:

 Waterford

26
    (Take N25 west out of town.  Past Middleton take R624 south to Cobh.)  

2:30 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  
    Lunch  

5:00 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.)   

5:30 p.m.

See:
Blarney Castle- 2 for 1 HIE/€10 (9-7 castle, 9-5:30 Sun.,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.

20
    The Gift of Gab Letterbox  

7:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Blarney  
    (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.)     

8:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Kenmare

58
 

Lodge:

  

150
       
Day 6      
 

Depart:

 Kenmare  
 

Do:

 Ring of Kerry

km
    Glacier Lake-

17.6
   
Parknasilla 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 at Castlecove.)

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 and turn right.)

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 inside 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 House- Free HC/€3.00 (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.) 

5.4
    St. Finan's Bay-pleasant little picnic-friendly beach, but no WC.  Just before the bay is the small Skelligs Chocolate 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.  Also a 10 minute walk to see the cliffs.

8
    (Across the bridge to Valencia Island.)  
    Lunch Only

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
    (Return to the main road and go through Knightstown to the tiny ferry.)  
 

Do:

 Ferry €5 per car for a 2 km trip.

9.8
    (Leave the ferry, rejoin N-70 turning left for Cahersiveen.)  
    Cahersiveen

5
    (Just beyond 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
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 7      
 

See:

 Town  
  Depart: Killarney  
    (Follow signs to Kenmare/N71.  Do not stop at small parking lot as this is a pay area.  Continue to free lot.)   
 

See:

 Muckross Manor (9-7) Free HC/€7.00 Gardens (8-8) - best 1843 Victorian house in Ireland.  45 minute free tour.  Will exit through Killarney NP information centre for a 15 min. video of park.

3
    Muckross Traditional Farms  (10-6) Free HC/€7.50 Shows six different farmhouses showing off life in the 1930's.  Strung over a mile long.  Kerry farmers staff them telling tales of life on the farm.  
   
Torc Falls - 10 minute walk from parking lot through oldest oak forest in Ireland. 

2
 

Depart:

 Falls  
    (Go back north on N71.)  
    Kilarney Wolfmoon Letterbox  
    Globe Trotter II Letterbox  
 

Arrive:

 Killarney 5
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 8      
 

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
    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
    Lunch

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.  Leave the Slea Head Road left for the Great Blasket Centre, good cafeteria.) .1/19.4
      2.9/22.3
 

See:
Ionad an Bhlascaoid Mhóir - The Blascaod Centre-
Free HC/€4.00 (10-6) 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
    Stone-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.  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. )  1.4/31.4
   
Mainistir Riaise (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 9      
 

Depart:

 Dingle  
    (Go east on N86.  At the roundabout continue on N86 northeast. Just outside of Tralee look for the Blennerville Windmill.)  
   
Blennerville Windmill was built in 1800 and is restored.   		 
    (At Tralee roundabout take the 1st left on Princes Quay.  Go through the next large roundabout on Rock St.  Go right/east on Circular Rd.  Continue through the roundabouts until you reach Leeside/N69, then go left/north.  It will go left, then right at Listowel, but stay on N69.  Look for the Tarbert-Killimer Ferry sign in Tarbert.)  
 

Do:

 Tarbert-Killimer Ferry € 18.00/car Runs every l/2 hour 60
    (Continue on N67 to the left/west.  In Lahinch take R478 going west/left.) 35
    Holy well of St. Bridget- 1 km south of Cliffs of Moher.  Located beside the tall column.  In the short hall leading into the hillside spring, you'll find a treasure of personal and religious memorabilia left behind by devoted seekers.  The simple gray column outside was a folly erected 150 years ago by a local landlord with money and ego to burn.   
 

See:
Cliffs of Moher - Visitor center charges a €8/25% HIE parking fee.  Long Dock Restaurant upstairs with cafeteria meals until 7 p.m., a photo diorama showing aerial views of the cliffs and underwater photos of local marine life, toilets with huge panoramic photo of the cliffs on the stall doors to enjoy as you wait, small cafe downstairs, gift shop and new Atlantic Edge exhibit.  A €4 exhibit focuses mainly on natural and geological history, native bird and marine life and interactive exhibits.  IMAX film shows "The Ledge", which films someone as he flies and dives in the waters near the cliffs. 
After leaving the center walk 200 yds to the cliff edge.  Look at the Liscannor slate with its worm, eels and snail marks.  O'Brien's Tower, built in 1853, marks the highest point on the cliffs.  Rangers lead tours of the cliff area. 		6
    (At Lisdoonvarna R478 becomes R476.)  
 

Arrive:

 Kilfenora 13
 

See:

 Burren Centre-20% HIE/€6 (9:30-5:30) 12 minute video explaining the geology and botany of the region and museum exhibits.  12th century church next door with 12th century crosses.   
 

Do:

 Lunch- Burren Centre Tea Room or Vaughan's Pub  
    (Go east on R476 to the junction where you go north/left on R480.  You will see Leamaneh Castle ruins nearby the junction.  It was built in the 15th century, but is not open to the public.) 3.5
   
Caherconnell Ring Fort - €5/10% HIE (9:30-6) To the left on the crest of a hill just off the road.  Park in gravel lot.  Visitor center has 15 minute film followed by a quick wonder through the fort. Caherconnell Stone Fort Coffee Shop and a Craft Shop		 5
   
Poulnabrone Dolmen- 100 yds off the road by an ugly gray barn.  4,000 year old grave chamber on a cairn of stacked stones.		  
    Look for a 30 ft. deep sinkhole beside the road as you drive away.  This is a collapsed cave.  
    Restaurant

Aillwee Caves- €17/2 for 1 (10-6:30) Guide walks you 300 yds into the plain, but impressive cave giving a 40 min. geology lesson.  		 
    (Continue north on R480.  At the junction go northeast on N67.  At Ballyvaughan the road will go east/right.)   
 

Do:

 Corcomore Abbey Letterbox  
    (Continue on N67.  Enter N18 going north.  At the roundabout in Oranmore take a left on N6.  It will circle the north side of town and finally go south after a large roundabout.  At the next roundabout take a left at the 1st exit onto R338.  On the next roundabout take the last exit onto R336 southwest.  Park near Eyre Sq.)  
 

Arrive:

 Galway 36
 

Do:

 Walking Tour, if time  
    Eyre Square- Named John F. Kennedy Park just before he was assassinated.  Quincentennial Fountain celebrates the cities 500 yrs.  Sails stand for Galway's square-rigged fishing ships and the vessels that made Galway a trading center, Browne Doorway is from a 1627 fortified townhouse, a reminder of the 14 family tribes that once ruled the town.  
    (Go south on Eyre and left/east on Square.)  
    Eyre Square Shopping Centre-the arcaded entry front he square leads to a piece of the old town wall that includes two reconstructed towers.  
    (Go south on Eyre/William to the corner of Abbey/Gate.)  
    Lynch's Castle is now the Allied Irish Bank built in the late 15th century as a townhouse for the Lynch family.   
    (Continue south on Shop and turn right on Church.)  
   
Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas- €3 donation - Built in 1320.  An open air market surrounds the church on Sat and Sun. 		 
    (Continue walking south on Shop/High.  Turn left/east on Court, then south/right on Merchant's Rd. to Long Walk.)  
   
Spanish Arch -Overlooking the Corrib River, these structures make up the best remaining chunk of the old city wall.  The Spanish Arch (1584) is where Spanish ships would unload their cargo.  		 
    Corrib River- a riverside park perfect for a picnic.  Just before the bridge is a monument given to Galway by the people of Genoa celebrating Columbus' visit.  From the middle of the bridge you can see the green copper dome of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas.  Down the river are a few of Galway's famous square-rigged "hooker" fishing ships tied up and on display.   
    Quays Pub-traditional music (Mon-Thu to 9:30, Fri & Sat to 5) On Court and Quay St.  
    Taaffe's (music sessions at 5 and 9:30) On Shop St across from St. Nicholas Church  
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 10      
 

Depart:

 Galway  
    (Take N84 north.  At Headford take R334.  Turn west on Dowagh.  Cross the small bridge and park in front of the abbey.)  
 

Arrive:

 Cong 25
 

Do:

 T1-across from the abbey entrance pick up a map.  WC is 50 yds down the street across from the Quiet Man Cottage.  
 

View:
Quiet Man Cottage-€4 (10-5) Historical exhibits and props from The Quiet Man movie.  		 
 

Do:

 Hungry Monk Cafe (10-4) Homemade dessert and coffee  
 

See:

 Cong Abbey- Free- Built in 1100's in Romanesque and Gothic style.  Walk through the cloister and down the gravel path behind the abbey.   
   
Ashford Castle- Face the Romanesque/Gothic main entrance and go left around the corner of the abbey, walking 15 minutes down the pleasant forested lane, which is hidden behind the trees. Take a peek at the castle.  There is a fee for the gardens.  Castle is not open.		  
    Canals- Depart over the same bridge you came on.  Look down through the thick vegetation to see a dry canal.  Built between 1848 and 1854, this canal was a famine work project that stoked only appetites.  The canal, complete with locks, would have linked Lough Mask to the north with Lough Corrib to the south.  The limestone bedrock was too porous and would not hold water.  
    (Go back the way you came and turn north on R345.  It will enter R334 also going north.  At Ballinrobe enter N84 going north.  At Partry turn left onto R330.  At Westport park along the mall under the trees that line the canal-like-river.)  
 

Arrive:

 Westport 28
 

See:

 Westport-This is a planned town built in the Georgian style of the 1700s to support the adjacent estate of Westport House.  
 

Do:

 Lunch-
O'Cee's Coffeeshop (12-10)
Stuffed Sandwich Co. (M-S 8-6:30, Sun 11-6)
Matt Molloy's Pub-Flutist for the Chieftains, credited with resurgence of Irish music worldwide		  
    (Go out of Westport on R335.  Stop outside Murrisk.)  
 

See:
Coffin Ship-At the wide spot in the road called Murrisk stop here.  In the field on your right, opposite Campbell's Pub.  Bronze ship sculpture memorial to the coffin ships of 1840s that carried the sick and starving famine survivors across the ocean in hope of a new life.  		5
    Croagh Patrick- Across the road from ship.  The mountain rises 2,500 ft above the bay.  In the 5th century Patrick is said to have fasted 40 days here for Lent.   
    (Continue on R335.  8 miles from Louisburgh stop at the simple gray stone cross on the left.)  16
    Stone Cross- This is the site of one of the saddest famine tales.   In the early 1800s, the rural folk were almost exclusively dependent on potato for food and were hardest hit during the Potato Famine of 1845.  In the winter of 1849, about 600 starving Irish walked 12 miles from Louisburgh to Delphi Lodge, hoping to get food from their landlord, but were turned away.  On the walk back 200 died along the side of the road.  Today the road echoes with despair of the hungry souls.  Annual walks commemorate the tragedy.  
   



(Continue south on N335.  See Aasleagh Falls on the left.  Cross the bridge after the falls and turn right onto N59 towards Leenane.  Go through the town and continue on N59 for 5 miles.)		 9.5
    Peat Bogs- Walk a few yds onto the spongy green carpet.  Be careful on wet days to not get your feet wet.  Find a dry spot and jump up and down to get a feel for it.  Have your companion jump elsewhere.  You will fee the vibration 15 ft away.  When plants die, they don't have enough oxygen to decompose in the wet climate.  Layers build up and slowly fill up the lakes.  It was used as bandages to soak up blood in WWI.  Ancient artifacts were also preserved. People cut it, dry and burn it.  It is surprisingly light. 7
    (Continue west on N59.  Pass the junction with R344 on your left.  You will come back to it later.  The road soon crosses a shallow lake.  Don't stop yet.  Enter the Kylemore Abbey parking lot a few hundred yds ahead.  Pull into the lot and take pictures.)  5
 

Do:
Kylemore Abbey - Take pictures from parking lot.  Too expensive to go in and a disappointment.  Neo-gothic country house was built by wealthy English businessman Mitchell Henry in the 1860s.  They are both buried on the grounds.  		 
    (Continue on N59.  Look for park just after passing Letterfrack.)  
 

See:
Connemara National Park- Free (9-5:30)
Letterfrack,
Co. Galway
VC displays worthwhile exhibits of local flora and fauna, which are well explained in the 15 min. talk.  		4.8
 

Do:

 Take the 2 hour guided walk with a naturalist through the park.  Bring rain gear and hiking boots.  
    (Drive back the way you came.  Turn right/south on R344.  To the right is Connemara's Twelve Bens mountains.  At the junction turn left on N59 and follow signs to Galway.)  
    One aspect of the cottage remains definitely in place, the stone bridge over the Failmore River.  Early in the movie the Barry Fitzgerald character brings John Wayne to White O'Morn on a blustery night.   As they approach the cottage they cross a bridge with waist-high concrete railings.  On a run down patch of land with an abandoned house and a ruined cottage, the concrete bridge stands out to the careful observer as an unmistakable landmark from the movie.   
 

Arrive:

 Galway 53
 

Lodge:

    
   

 

  
Day 11      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Galway  
    (Enter N6 going east.  It will enter M4 going east.)  
    Ducks in Dublin Series#3 The Bective Abbey Letterbox  

11:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Dublin 98
 

Do:

 Ferry to Holyhead, Wales  
    Practical Car and Van Rental
Telephone: 01407 741852		  
  Depart: Holyhead  
 

See:
South Stack Lighthouse (10:30-5:30) £4
The historic 1809 South Stack lighthouse is located on a small island reached via a descent of 400 steps down the steep mainland cliffs. Visitors may tour the former lighthouse engine room and exhibition area before climbing to the top of the lighthouse. South Stack is a wonderful place to watch thousands of breeding seabirds including guillemots, razorbills and puffins. White flash every 10 seconds.		 5
    Laundry  
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 12      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Holyhead  
    (Take A55 east.  Take exit 8 onto A5025 going north. At the roundabout take the 3rd left onto B5420.  Continue on B5420 on the 1st left at the next roundabout.  Go left/north on A545.  In Beaumaris continue on Castle.)  

9:30 a.m.

Arrive:

 Beaumaris 25
 

See:
Beaumaris Castle (9:30-5) BHP/£3.60
Begun in 1295, this unfinished castle is the last and largest of King Edward I's Welsh fortifications. Designed by the king's mason-architect, Master James of St George, it is a perfect example of a concentrically planned castle. Formidable defences survive, surrounded by a partly restored moat.		  
    (Go back on Castle/A545.  Take the last left on the B5420 roundabout.  At the next roundabout take the 2nd left on A5.  Go left/south onto A55.  Take exit 17.  Turn right on A547.  Follow signs to the castle.)  
11:30 a.m.

Arrive:

 Conway 23
 

See:
Conway Castle (9:30-6) BHP/£4.60
Conwy, constructed by Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of the key fortresses in his 'iron ring' of castles to contain the Welsh, was built to prompt such a humbling reaction.		  
    (Continue on Conway Rd across the river.  At the roundabout take the last left on A546.  Enter A55.  Take exit 27 left/north on A525.  At the roundabout take the last left into Rhuddlan on Station/High.  Turn right on Castle.)  

3:00 p.m.

Arrive:

 Rhuddlan 15
 

See:
Rhuddlan Castle £3.00 (10-5)
Castle Street
Rhuddlan
Rhyl
Denbighshire
LL18 5AD
Begun in 1277, this was the second of King Edward I's great Welsh fortifications. A protected river dock forms one side of the defences of this concentrically planned castle, dominated by a distinctive diamond-shaped inner ward. Parking, toilets and toilet for disabled visitors, baby changing facilities, on-site gift shop.		  
    (Go back to High/Station St and turn right.  At the roundabout continue through it on A547.  At Bren Newydd turn right on A548.  In Flint turn left on Evans St.  It will turn right onto Castle Dyke St.)  

4:30 p.m.

Arrive:

 Flint 18
   
Flint Castle (Free)
Begun in 1277, one of the first castles to be built in Wales by King Edward I. Its most impressive feature is a solitary round tower, isolated from the rest of the inner ward. It features in Shakespeare's Richard II.		  
 

Depart:

 Flint  
    (Continue on Castle Dyke St.  Turn right on Castle Rd.  Turn right on Chester/A548.  Turn left on A5119.  Go left on the A55.)    
  Arrive: Chester 8
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 13      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Chester  
    (Take A51 east out of town.  Go left on A54.  At Kelsall Hill take a left on Chester Rd/A556.  Go right on A5033.  At Knutsford take a right/south on A50.  Take a left on Adams Hill/A537.  It will end and go left on A54.  It will end and go left on A53.  In Buxton enter A6 south.  In Ashford go left on A6020.  It will end and go left on A619.  It will end and go left on A6012/A619.)  

10:30 a.m.

Arrive:

 Chatsworth 70
 

See:
Chatsworth  (11-5:30) BHP/£15.50/£2 per car. Farmyard (10:30-5:30) Garden (11-6)
Chatsworth
Bakewell
Derbyshire
DE45 1PP
Gift shops  Whether you want a traditional three course meal or freshly made sandwich at the Carriage House restaurant; a sophisticated, contemporary menu at The Cavendish rooms; or tea and home baked cake in the garden		  

12:00 p.m.

Do:

 Lunch  

12:30 p.m.

Depart:

 Chatsworth  
    (Continue east on A619.  In Chesterfield at a roundabout take the last left on A617.  At the next roundabout continue on A617.  Enter the M1 going left.  Stay on the A1/M1.  At Harrogate take A61 left.  At the roundabout take the last left on A6108.   In Ripon at Somerset take a right on B6265.  Turn left at Studley Park/Church Walk.)  

2:30 p.m.

Arrive:

 Ripon 95
 

See:
Fountain's Abbey and Studley Royal (10-5) BHP/£8.50
Car Park £3, Visitor Center Restaurant, Studley Tearoom
Ripon Nr Harrogate
North Yorkshire, UK
HG4 3DY
Tel: +44 (0) 1765 608888
Discover the magnificent 12th-century abbey ruins and the only surviving Cistercian corn mill. Amble through the beautiful landscaped Georgian water garden of Studley Royal, complete with Neo-classical statues, follies and breathtaking views. Delight in the richly decorated Victorian St Mary's church and take time out to relax in the Reading Room in Elizabethan Fountains Hall.		  

5:00 p.m.

Depart:

 Ripon  
    (Go back right on Church Walk/Studley Park.  Turn right/east on B6265.  Turn left on A6108.   Go right and enter A61.  Go left on A1.  At Scotch Corner go left on A66.  Enter the M6 going north.  Take exit 42 or 43.)  

7:00 p.m.

 Arrive: Carlisle 92
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 14      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Carlisle  
    (Enter the M6.  It will become the M/A74.)    

11:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Glasgow 92
    (Go left on M73.  Go left on M8.  Take exit 30 onto M/A898.  Go left on A82.)    

1:00 p.m.

Arrive:

 Fort William 104
 

Do:

 Lunch  
 

Depart:

 Fort William  
    (Go north on A82.  On leaving Fort William in a northerly direction, take the left turn at the small roundabout opposite the Nevis Bank Hotel. Carry on over the traffic lights and past the Ben Nevis Hotel on the left. Shortly before the Esso petrol station on the right there is a left hand turning, Follow the road round for about 100 metres, and then turn right over the small bridge. There is a small amount of parking available there.)  
 

See:
Inverlochy Castle (Free)
Originally dating back to the 13th century, Inverlochy Castle last played a part in Scottish and English history during the Civil Wars of the 1640's. In 1645 the royalist Earl of Montrose routed the roundhead forces of the Campbell Chief Duke of Argyll at the second Battle of Inverlochy.		 1
    (Continue west on A830.)  
 

Arrive:

 Corpach  
 

See:
Neptune's Staircase		  
   
Ben Nevis-At 4406ft or 1344m, Ben Nevis is the highest mountain in the country. That's the good news. The bad news is that it's probably also the most popular. And simply in terms of people lifted or carried off, it is also probably the most dangerous. 		 
    (Continue on A830.)  
   
Glenfinnan Viaduct- Train bridge in Harry Potter movies		 14
 

Depart:

 Glenfinnian  
    (Go back east on A830.)  
 

Arrive:

 Fort Williams 14
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 15      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Fort Williams  
    (Continue east on A82  Follow signs to Glengarry Castle Hotel.  On the grounds of the hotel, 1 mile south of the A87 intersection in Invergarry.)  

9:30 a.m.

Arrive:

 Invergarry 24
   
Invergarry Castle (Free)
PH35 4HW
Built by the MacDonells (or MacDonalds) of Glengarry in the early 1600s, it was not long after burnt to the ground by Cromwellian forces in 1654. Later re-fortified, this L-plan tower of 5 or 6 storeys was visited twice by Bonnie Prince Charlie and subsequently blown up by his enemy, the Duke of Cumberland. 		 

10:00 a.m.

Arrive:

 Fort Augustus 8
 

Do:

 Great Glen Trading Center-The Trading Centre houses a petrol station, Londis shop, gift shop, hardware and two clothing outlets. Scottish foods, quality gifts, Nessie souvenir gifts, outdoor clothing and Calor gas seller.  
    The Laura Connection-If you want something different, we have it. Local art & craft, antiques, collectables, gifts, jewellery, exclusive products from Scottish and International artists and designers AND the only professional Magician in the Great Glen. We're sure to have something you want to take home, so come and see us soon!  
    The Mill Shop-In our converted church beside the Caledonian Canal we stock a selection of gifts, clothes, jewellery, shortbread and sweets. Our clothes range from childrens' kilts to ladies and gents t-shirts, knitwear and jackets. We also stock Cashmere scarves as well as tartan accessories and traditional Aran knitwear for all ages.  

11:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Fort Augustus  
    (Continue on A82.)  

11:30 a.m.

Arrive:

 Lewiston 20
   
Urquhart Castle BHP/£7.00 (9:30-6)  13th century, the Centre features an outstanding array of medieval artifacts found at the castle. Visitors can relax in the café and visit the shop with its local crafts. The visitor centre contains retail, interpretation area, audio-visual presentation and tearoom and toilets on one level. Stunning views of the loch can be obtained from visitor centre veranda.		  
    Nessie Letterbox  

12:30 p.m.

Arrive:

 Drumnadrochit 1
 

See:
Loch Ness Exhibition Centre- £6.50 (9-6:30)
Drumnadrochit
Loch Ness
Inverness-shire
IV63 6TU
Tel +44 (0) 1456 450573
A hi-tech multi-media presentation leads you through 7 themed areas and through 500 million years of history.  Using a highly effective mix of lasers, digital projection and special effects Loch Ness charts the history of the monster by exploring Scotland's geological past, its folklore and the various research projects carried out on the loch. It also reveals the discoveries of some of that research including the environmental fingerprints left in the loch's layers by both nature and mankind.		  
    (Across from the post office.)  
   
The Clansman Gift Company (9:30-4:30)
The Green
Drumnadrochit
Inverness
IV63 6TX
Tel: +44 (0)1456 450695
Fine quality gifts from the shores of Loch Ness in The Highlands of Scotland. We have sourced only the best suppliers from all over Scotland to enable us to offer you traditional Scottish and Nessie themed gifts and keepsakes or that special gift for any occasion.		  
    (At The Loch Ness Clansman Hotel is situated on the A82 9 miles south of Inverness, Inverness - Fort William road.)  
    Loch Ness Nessie Shop 7
 

Arrive:

 Inverness 9
    (Go across the bridge.  Continue on the A82.  At the roundabout go left/east on the A9.  Take a left on Culloden Rd.)  

4:00 p.m.

   Culloden Battlefield BHP/£10 (9-6)
Culloden Moor,
Inverness,
Highland
IV2 5EU
44 (0) 844 493 2159
Visitor Center with 16 min. film, wander through a furnished old cottage and the battlegrounds -The Battle of Culloden  (April 16, 1746) was the final clash between the French-supported Jacobites and the Hanoverian British Government in the 1745 Jacobite Rising. It was the last battle to be fought on mainland Britain. Culloden brought the Jacobite cause—to restore the House of Stuart to the throne of the Kingdom of Great Britain—to a decisive defeat.
The Jacobites — the majority of them Highland Scots, although containing significant numbers of Lowland forces — supported the claim of James Francis Edward Stuart (aka "The Old Pretender") to the throne; the government army, under the Duke of Cumberland, younger son of the Hanoverian sovereign, King George II, supported his father's cause. It too included significant numbers of Highland Scots, as well as Scottish Lowlanders and some English troops.
The aftermath of the battle was brutal and earned the victorious general the name "Butcher" Cumberland. Charles Edward Stuart eventually left Britain and went to Rome, never to attempt to take the throne again. Civil penalties were also severe. New laws attacked the Highlanders' clan system, and Highland dress was outlawed.		 3
    (300 yards East of Culloden Battlefield. Following the brown tourist signs to Clava Cairns takes you down some very minor roads and close to a spectacular railway viaduct en route to the car park for what are properly called the Prehistoric Burial Cairns of Balnuaran of Clava. You can see why the signposts stick with "Clava Cairns". )  
   
Clava Cairns
The cemetery was used in two periods. Around 2000 BC a row of large cairns was built, three of which can be seen today and there may once have been two more. A thousand years later the cemetery was reused. New burials were placed in some of the existing cairns and three smaller monuments were built including a 'kerb cairn'. Traces of a smaller cemetery can also be seen at Milton of Clava, a short distance up the valley to the west. The cairns at Balnuaran of Clava extended along a gravel terrace raised above the River Nairn. Excavations have found evidence for farming on the site before any of these monuments were built. The settlement was directly replaced by the cairns and it even seems possible that some of the material used to build them had been taken from demolished houses.		  
 

Arrive:

 Inverness 3
 

Lodge:

    
       
Day 16      

9:00 a.m.

Depart:

 Inverness  
    (Go south on A9.)  

10:00 a.m.

Arrive:
Ruthven Barracks (Free)
An infantry barracks erected in 1719 following the Jacobite rising of 1715, with two ranges of quarters and a stable block. Captured and burnt by Prince Charles Edward Stuart’s army in 1746.		 40
    (Continue on A9.  A Perth enter M90.)  

1:00 p.m.

 Arrive: Edinburgh 116
 

Do:

Military Tattoo -  €20 to €47 (Mon-Fri 9 p.m., Sat 7:30 and 10:30 w/fireworks) 		 
 

Lodge:

 St. Regis/Braveheart Guest House £100
57/26 Gilmore Place
Edinburgh EH3 9N
Tel.: (+44) (0) 131 229 4057
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Day 17      
 

Depart:

 Edinburgh  
 

Arrive:

 Spokane  

 

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.)




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: Auntie & Uncle Dud 
County: Other International Found date:  Jan 17 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, lies your prize. Because of the number of tourists around the area, please be discreet. Also, to preserve this hiding spot better, if someone could attach the stamp with a piece of double-sided velcro, this would be appreciated.

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



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.


 

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!




The Gift Of Gab   LbNA #: 35237

Placed by: celtuscan (Contact the Placer) Your status: (none)
Placement date: Jul 30 2007  
State: Other International  
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.


 

Killarney Wolfmoon   LbNA #: 13441

Placed by: Wolfmoon Your status: (none)
Placement date: Oct 16 2004  
State: Other International Found by: Sunnyc 
County: Other International Found date:  Mar 14 2006 
Nearest city: Killarney
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

Killarney/Wolfmoon Letterbox (County Kerry, Ireland)

Difficulty : Easy (small hill with laneway on it)
Time: About 10-15 minutes
Path: firm lane way, may be a little muddy in very wet weather(but only for 40 feet of path).

Search for this box in Killarney's National Park, north of Lough Leane (one of the three lakes of Killarney) in Ballydowney, in a peaceful spot, with a stunning great view of the lakes and mountains, you might even pass a Native Red Irish Deer or a Sika deer in your travels.
The park is a really beautiful place for hiking, walking and bicycling, as well as boat trips and horse riding !
Killarney Riding Stables: www.horsevacationireland.com

Directions
Get yourself to O'Sullivans, 'Killarney Riding Stables', ( see www.horsevacationireland.com) 1 miles west of Killarney Town on N72 'Ring of Kerry' Road to Killorglin (the next town).
Its a large red brick building located on your right hand side. You may park here to find the "Killarney/Wolfmoon Letterbox".

Clue
Get a map/pamphlet from the stables and follow their route into the National Park, along their horse trails. When in the initial woodland of Bellview woods, you will see a green hill ahead, with a golf course on your rignt hand side. Walk all the ways to the top to where you will reach a gate, on either side of the gateway there are big old trees, one on the left and two on the right. the oldest tree on the right hold the "Killarney/Wolfmoon Letterbox". Look for a hollow near the base, on the north side (When facing the lake it is on the back side of the tree! ) you will see three rocks placed across the hollow and inside you will find the prize! (You can always do this on Horseback, the 1 hour Trail will take you right by it.)



 

Globe Trotter II   LbNA #: 26071

Placed by: crackerjax Your status: (none)
Placement date: Oct 1 2006  
State: Other International  
County: Other International  
Nearest city: Killarney, Ireland
Number of boxes: 1

Clues

This letterbox is located at the site where Killarney Wolfmoon was supposed to be located. I just returned from a vacation to Ireland and had brought along a Hitchhiker letterbox to place at this location. However, the Killarney Wolfmoon letterbox was missing. Not wanting to tote my HH back home again, I decided to leave Globe Trotter there. I hope that someone will follow the clues to this box and then treat it as any hitchhiker and take it with you to a new location.
Directions: Get yourself to O'Sullivans, "Killarney Riding Stables", 1 mile west of Killarney Town on N72 (Ring of Kerry) road. It is a large red building on the right hand side. Park in their lot and procede to the stable for a trail map. The lady may inform you that the letterbox is missing. Tell her that you wish to check for yourself. Follow the route into the National Park, along the horse trail. This route initially take you across N72. Watch out for traffic, these people drive like maniacs. When in the initial woodlands of Bellview Woods, you will see a green hill ahead, (not much of a clue, all off Ireland is green, forty shades of green). There will be a golf course on your right. Walk to the top of the hill where you will encounter a gate. To the right of the gate is a large tree. The box you seek is in the base of the tree.
After acquiring the letterbox please send the enclosed post card to me, or e-mail so that I can delete these clues from the system.


 

Corcomore Abbey

Carver: Gallchobhair
Author: Leabhar 
Location: Burren, CLA (Ireland)
Hike Length: 0.0 miles
Elevation Gain: 0 feet
Clue Last Updated: July 24, 2007
 
Status: active (Last found: Dec 29, 2007)

This is one of several letterboxes planted in western Ireland that is associated with the poet William Butler Yeats (1865-1939). Corcomroe was used by Yeats as the setting for his play, The Dreaming of the Bones. The play begins:

Somewhere among the great rocks, on the scarce grass,
Birds cry, then cry their loneliness.
Even the sunlight can be lonely here,
Even the hot noon is lonely.

Corcomroe Abbey was built for the Cistercian monks at the end of the 12th century, and monks seem to have lived here into the 17th century. An 1857 drawing of the interior of the abbey ruins shows skulls sitting on a piece of the abbey wall. Post famine drawings of Irish abbey ruins often show skulls and skeletons lying on alters and propped up in corners because there were not enough survivors to bury the dead. The stamp in the letterbox is taken from the carving of a monk on the wall in the choir.

Directions:

From Kinvarra, take the N67 towards Lisdoonvarna. About 5 km from Kinvara you’ll come to a junction with lots of signs, “Welcome to County Clare” and “Burren Visitors Center” among them. There are two roads leading to the left. Take the right-most road, the one that appears to lead up the hill (not the one that is almost a U-turn).

Continue along this road. You may spot the Abbey in the distance on the right, but keep going until you see a signpost for it. Turn right as directed and you will shortly come to another signpost and right turn on the road that leads to the Abbey.

From the carpark, enter the churchyard. Follow the gravel path to the left. Near the far corner you will see an opening in the wall. Pass through here. To the left are two trees. The box is behind the second tree, on the right side, covered by several loose stones. Please replace the stones to keep the box hidden.

Here are alternate directions taken from a guidebook. We attempted to use them, but could not find Bellharbour on our map. We cannot swear to their accuracy, but perhaps they might help you...”The abbey is signed from Bellharbour on the road east of Ballyvaughan. It is about 1 mile from Bellharbour.”

 
NOTE: Before you set out you must read and agree to the Waiver of Responsibility and Disclaimer.

 

Ducks in Dublin Series#3 The Bective Abbey   LbNA #: 14028

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

Clues

STATUS: Confirmed but as of 07/24/05

DIFFICULTY: Easy/Moderate
DISTANCE TO LETTERBOX: 300 yards


Ducks in Dublin Series #3

I origionally posted this letterbox in early may but the clues seemed to have dissapeared and I dont have a copy so this will be from memory, should be relativly easy to find however.

Background Information

Bective Abbey was founded in 1150 by Murchadh O' Melaghin, King of Meath, for the Cistercians, and was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. It was an abbey of some importance as the Abbot was a spiritual lord and sat in the Parliament of the Pale. Hugh De Lacy, was buried there in 1195, but was eventually moved to Dublin. The abbey was suppressed in 1536 and the lands were rented to Thomas Asgarde, and eventually bought by Andrew Wyse in 1552. It passed into the hands of the Dillons and then the Boltons, before fallling into ruin. The chief features of the ruins are the combination of both Church and Defence. The Cloister is the best preserved of the buildings and there is a pillar of a figure carrying a crozier. There are also some beautiful arches which are still intact


Clues

You can park along the road anywhere near the gates to the abbey but be sure not to block any of the farm gates. There are plans in the works to add a parking area to make visiting easier but for now this interesting site is little visited and a great place to picnic.

Once you are inside the Abbey grounds head toward the old cloister garden area (there is a map at the entrance to the abbey)
and wall furthest from the road that runs parallel (approximately) to the road and looks out over a cow pasture and further to the river.

Facing this wall find a window on the left hand end that has a ledge large enough to stand on. It is where two walls intersect. Standing on the ledge look above you to the left and you will see a hole in the wall. If you need it there is a stone jutting out part of the way up that you can stand on to reach. The box is located inside the hole.


Enjoy beautiful County Meath and happy boxing
 

 

 

 

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