Scotch-Irish-L Archives

Archiver > Scotch-Irish > 1997-09 > 0873952352


From: linda Merle <>
Subject: Re: Bru na Boinne
Date: Wed, 10 Sep 1997 21:32:32 -0700


Hi Jill,

> When you went was it cold?

It is frequently damp and cold in Ireland. I went in Sept and wore
a sweater the entire time. Everyone else did too. ON the other hand,
Newgrange wasn't cold or damp.

> Can you tell me about
> the roads

Head north out of Dublin on N1. This is the major route N/S. It is
a four lane divided highway. Then at Drogheda you go inland on N51
past King William's Glen. You follow the sign to Downth, Newgrange,
and Knowth. These roads are two lane, and kinda typical narrow
Irish roads. N51 goes up the Boyne.

You can also go to the tourist center in Dublin and book a
day tour to the Boyne Valley. Runs daily except Friday May
to September, April on Sat/Sun and Oct Thurs and Sunday.
Leaves at 10 AM, costs 15 punt, admission to Newgrange
included. Also a two day tour special for 25 punt.

Ireland is very easy to stay in except Dublin. Always book
a place for the first night. You can find them on the internet
and I also have a zillion brocures. If you need suggestions,
let me know. (I stayed with girlfriend, though). You can book
rental car/B&B deals through British Airways or Aer Lingus.
hey are both on the internet, btw. These are great --
you can travel around and phone from anywhere and get at B&B.

British Airways from Hawaii to London might be
good -- I donno from Hawaii, but they and maybe Virgin Atlantic
fly red eye out of LA. Otherwise you pick up Aer Lingus in
Chicago, Boston, or NY (one day) and then fly to Dublin. Takes
a lot longer, BUT you can listen to Irish music and watch
Irish movies all the way over. Any way, you feel like H*** when
you arrive -- so have a room ready to crash into. If you
want suggestions for Dublin area, lemme know. I also know a
couple people who might take you out for a Guinness.

If you drive to the Boyne Valley a great place to stay is Netterville
Manor. It is right AT Dowth. Like you walk through a field and
scamper up a path to the topic. You go past the old ruined Norman
tower and the ruined church with yard full of Celtic crosses.
Netterville is one of the finest examples of Victorian Country
manors. Hugh de Lacy granted the lands for Dowth Castle (the ruins)
to the Netterville family in the 13th century. It was the home of
John Boyle O'Reilly. When I was there last summer, Cormac McIvor
and his wife had just bought it and opened it. I have directions
to it. Call 088-635019. I'm staying there next time. We had lunch
and it was great -- like going home to my grammies (only better
looking house: my grammie decorated like Father Ted's living
room minus the Catholic kitsch).

> good prices is what I like.
> I would also like to buy some books about these ancient sites, if > anyone> has suggestions.

I bought a lot of things in Ireland. New Grange has a great giftshop,
so does Tara. Bring empty suitcase, you'll need it for the books.

If going to Dublin go to St. Patricks Cathedral. GREAT energy. It
was built over the Liffey so it must be the ley lines or something,
I donno, but it is another popular New Age spot and well deserved.
Also some great things for sell there too. Also go to Dublin
Castle and take the tour. They show you the old Viking moat. Also
check in at the tourist center and get a pass for their tourist
buses. Otherwise you get very very tired. Or I did.

I did collect brochures -- there are a lot of things we don't hear
about to do, like boat tours on Erne the Shannon, and Lough Neagh.
So if you are interested in any particular types of thing, let me
know, I might have a brochure on it.

Linda Merle

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