Morts Musings

So, time for another of my short pieces highlighting some foreign sites which are worth visiting, if you’re lucky enough to be going abroad this summer.
For this one I thought I’d look at Ireland, “The Emerald Isle”; Apart from having some beautiful countryside and a reputation as a hospitable, party loving nation, Ireland also has a wealth of history, and historic sites, to explore if you’re interested in such things. Here are a few of my favourites:

The Hill of Tara

The legendary seat of the ancient Kings of Ireland; The hill at Tara’s history actually dates back to pre-Celtic times, and archaeological remains at the site have been dated as far back as 5000 years ago. Indeed, in Celtic Myth the hill was the capital of the Tuatha de Danann, the magical race who inhabited Ireland before the Celts arrived. During the Celtic period it remained an important sacred site, & rituals, relating to the Island’s High Kingship, were carried out there. It retained this role until the 12th century, when the Normans invaded Ireland, although it’s spiritual significance started to wain, much earlier, with the introduction of Christianity into Ireland. Despite this it has remained an important national & historical icon in the minds of many Irish, and more than once was a focal point for protests against British rule.

Newgrange

Newgrange is an ancient burial mound, reckoned, from carbon dating carried out on the site, to be over 5,000 years old; Some 500 years older than the Pyramid of Giza, and 1,000 years older than Stonehenge. Newgrange certainly seems to have been a tomb of some kind, but much speculation, & debate, continues as to it’s other possible roles in the spiritual traditions of Ireland’s Neolithic inhabitants. One thing which is indisputable is the skill of this enigmatic monument’s builders; For a start it’s scale is impressive, it measures some 250 feet across and rises 40 feet above the surrounding terrain, & has survived the passage of time remarkably well. Perhaps most notable though is the fact that it was constructed with such skill, and precision, that once a year, on the day of the winter solstice, the sun shines through a special aperture, constructed above the tomb’s entrance, and lights up the chamber at the end of the tomb’s entrance corridor. In Irish legend the site was connected with the Tuatha De Danann, the mythical race who inhabited Ireland before the arrival of the Celts, and it certainly pre-dates the Celtic migration; Although the Celts also left their mark on the site, and it featured in many of their myths.

Trim Castle

Trim Castle is Ireland’s largest castle, and is the largest Norman castle in Europe. It was originally constructed in the 12th century, although, like many medieval castles, it was expanded & improved throughout it’s lifespan, and, indeed, had to be re-constructed on at least one occasion. The castle stood on the edge of “The Pale”, the small, Norman controlled region on Ireland’s east coast, and it very much guarded the border between the Norman world and the untamed wilds of Gaelic Ireland. Standing on high ground, overlooking the River Boyne it acted as an administrative and ecclesiatical centre, as well as fulfilling it’s military role, for several centuries.


Despite the Irish reputation for hospitality, many people are looking at camping holidays this year to save a few pennies & beat the credit crunch, and if you’re one of the people who are planning on camping in Ireland this summer it’s worth remembering that it pays to be prepared! With the right camping equipment an holiday under canvass doesn’t have to feel like roughing it, &, if you shop around and buy the essentials before you travel, it can feel like a home away from home, without costing the Earth!
Another important consideration when planning a holiday is getting about. Although it’s an expense which some may be tempted to try and avoid I’d say that going for car hire in Ireland is probably the best way forward; There are too many remote and out of the way beautiful places, which might be difficult, or impossible, to reach when you want to, if you’re relient on public transport; Personally, where possible, I always prefer to be able to set my own itinery! There are many different car rental firms in Ireland, and as with most other things it’s worth shopping around to find the deal, and the price, which suits you best; One good tactic can be checking out the big name brokers, such as easyCar, as these often use multiple suppliers themselves, and so could take some of the hassle out of your search for the cheapest possible car hire deal.

Whatever you decide though, have a great holiday!