poulnabrone dolmen

ceide fields

This is probably the most beautiful view I experienced in Ireland.  Located at the northern shore of County Mayo, Ceide Fields is an archeological site where a civilization once thrived thousands of years ago.  Evidence of dwellings and stone walls enclosing what they think were fields for grazing animals were found by a farmer deep in the bog.  That tiny pyramid in the distance is the interpretative center.  Oddly, for a good twenty minutes I was the only person walking around on the boardwalk – everyone stayed in the building to watch a movie and look at the displays.  They were too lazy for this, the best part by far.  Just beyond view are high sea cliffs, and behind where I was standing rolling fields with sheep grazing.  It was absolutely spectacular.

newgrange

Being a bit claustrophobic, I was worried about going into this tomb or temple, they aren’t sure which.  So I made sure I was the last one on the tour in so I could hurry out if the panic started.  But I was fine, despite the very narrow entrance and low ceiling.  Inside is a chamber where, once per year on the winter solstice, the sun is positioned perfectly to bathe the dark interior in light.