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Day 16 Shannon Bridge to Dublin via Clonmacnoise There was an almost direct road from Shannon Bridge to Clonmacnoise, but it was too small for the motor home. If you are travelling by motorhome, you might consider staying at a camp ground near Athlone.
When Clonmacnoise was establised, the water levels were about 2 metres higher than they are now. This gave the area protection but also accessibility by boat. Here we are looking down on the Shannon from near the entrance to Clonmacnoise
Even with the diversion, we were still early at the entrance and had to wait for it to open.
The following photos were taken in the visitor's information centre.
As it is today.
Taken through a window of the visitor's centre.
One of the original crosses brought into the exhibition for protection from the weather.
Now we are outside exploring the site.
Most of the crosses outside are copies of the originals which are now inside.
Now we are back inside the exhibition.
We were on the road heading to Dublin and noticed this peat bog being processed.
Peat stacked for drying.
Already in Dublin, we are on the bus into town from the only camp ground.
We are on the top floor of a double decker bus.
The Guinness brewery.
Self explanatory
The entrance to the Trinity College
The Library
and so on.
Aran Sweater Market
We bought a couple of Cassidy Clan knits.
We decided to take a bus tour of the city. The following photos were taken from the bus.
Benjamin Guinness
The brewery again
I think this is the stadium.
Entering a Phoenix park.
Ireland like England is Right Hand Drive.
Residence of the President of Ireland
This was our bus, with a very talkative lady driver
Unfortunately closed.
It took a while to find Molly Malone,
but we were successful in the end.
Day 17
Day 17 Dublin to Chestnutt Holiday Park via the Boyne Valley
Waiting for the visitor's centre Bru na Boinne to open.
The Boyne Valley
Walking to board the bus to go to Knowth. You cannot drive to teh sites yourself.
The River Boyne
This is really fantastic
The smaller mounds are satellite tombs surrouinding the main passage tomb mound,
Our guide was very informatve, but I also had to take photos.
Looking towards New Grange
One of the satellite tombs.
Back to the bus to go to New Grange
This is the side facing the sun. The sun shines through the opening above the entrance on the equinox.
Small groups were allowed to enter to view the central chamber.
What clouds?
We are no at the Hill of Tara. Most likely the most sacred place in Ireland.
The Mound of the hostages.
Parking was a bit of a problem.
These are all models of arial photos with the sun low, so the contours show up.
This shows most of the things that will be mentioned.
Saint Patrick
The banquet hall. More later
We are now at old Mellifont Abbey ruins.
The whole area is full of interesting sites.
We are now at Monasterboice which has some impressive monuments.
This cross is most likely the most impressive in Ireland
An explanation of the carvings.
We then continued on to overnight at Chestnutt Holiday Park. There were a few campgrounds in the area.
Day 18 Continue via Murlough Nat Reserve and Belfast to Carfunnock Country Park near Lorne
Murlough National Nature Reserve, board walk to the beach.
and quite a beach!
Military Firing Range!
We walked right around the beach and back to the parking.
We were not tempted to try bungee jumping, but it was interesting to watch.
We found parking across the river in Belfast and walked the town.
This is impressive. One cross for each life lost on the Titanic.
Sadly didn't work!
This part of town is renowned for it's murals or grafitti.
Belfast City Hall
St. Malachy's Church, unfortunately closed for renovations
but they did yhow what it is like.
Just by chance a march.
We had heard about the Crown so decided to check it out.
This is the footpath in front of the entrance.
Elisabeth is happy, but she doesn't have to drive.
This is the traditional Guinness glass
This was also recommended, but there is a linit.
Now that is some fish!
The control gates.
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