Where has this year gone? And we are told next year will be even faster with all planets in new signs! So hold on to your horses (more later). Which brings me to my latest blog “Discovering Ireland”. I had never ventured around Ireland before, my visits being on business to Belfast and Dublin.
We are fortunate to be able to fly from Newquay to Dublin and from Dublin to collect a hire car. First stop, was Banagher, where we stayed for 2 nights sampling fine food and “the best Irish coffee in Ireland” at Flynn’s.
Followed by traditional Irish craik at JJ Houghs, which fortunately, was across the road. And of course, to listen to traditional Irish music.
Then on to Dingle via Birr. What a beautiful peninsula with breath taking views. I knew there were prehistoric beehive huts on Skellig Island, but didn’t know there were some not far from Dingle.
Then on to Galway
and stunning views over Galway Bay
It was here that I was prompted to find and play Galway Bay on my phone. It seemed fitting somehow, as Den heard his Irish Grandmother singing the song shortly before he passed.
And then the connections with my Morgen Le Fay training started to re-emerge. (more later)
Moving on to Enniskillen Castle, was a pilgrimage to the origin of Den’s regiment, the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards.
And then, at the castle, who would have expected to see copies of the stone figures found on White Island, on the lough near Enniskillen. I had an amazing conversation with one of the curators at the castle, who was passionate about all things Celtic, and has given me information on sacred places in Ireland (for another trip when the ferry to White Island is operational?). Can you spot the Sheela na gig?
Then on to Dublin, via Newgrange. This had been on my bucket list for ages, since learning about dowsing and ley lines. Fabulous to actually be there, but saddened that it is a tour, similar to what I believe now happens at Stonehenge?
Because we had a tight schedule to accommodate our visit to Dublin, I was mortified to find that you had to book a slot on the bus to get to the Sacred Site. We were just about to leave, when the receptionist called over to me and said that one person had cancelled, and I could get on the next bus. Meant to be? To catch the bus you have to cross over the River Boyne, and then memories came back again regarding the warrior aspect of the Morrigen and how she washes the blood stained clothes of the warriors (who will perish in battle) in the river.
When you get to Newgrange it is such a special place. For those of you who are unaware, the sacred place is built in such a way that it is in precise alignment with the Winter Solstice. The rising sun rays hit the plate on the entrance, which in turn hits the back wall of the passage tomb and illuminates the inner chamber. Our tour guide tried to emulate the experience, by turning off the lights inside and then getting a light to hit the back wall. Unfortunately, no photography was allowed and we were told that you would have more chance of winning the lottery than getting a ticket for the real experience. Some believe that it was some sort of ritual to honour the remains of past “kings and queens” whose bones would have been placed there and others who believe it is symbolic of the belief of life, death and rebirth; the cycles of nature. Maybe the two?
For me personally, it was remembering. Remembering my visit to Locmariaquer in Brittany. Where, not far from the Municipal campsite where we stayed, was a passage tomb (which was totally free and where we could take photos!) and where the carvings I had seen there were exactly the same as the carvings at Newgrange. (see my post below)
I was hoping to visit The Hill Of Tara, but didn’t realise it is not next door to Newgrange! Some things are meant for another visit!
Our last port of call before catching the plane back to Newquay was a visit to Dublin. I had visited the Guinness brewery before with Den, but we had never had to pre-book tickets (which you do now). So that meant we couldn’t gain entry. Never mind, we took photos outside St James Gate and had a couple of pints and a meal in Arthur’s.
So, to summarise. Places that were free and accessible you either have to pay for or pre-book. I don’t think either options are what was intended. To re-read the Dark Goddess by Stephanie Woodfield. How I have to trust that I am guided to where I need to go and to re-connect.
I mentioned horses in my first paragraph. The horse totem is an aspect of the Morrigen. Then at Galway, the Morgens were Breton sea nymphs. The river Boyne, the carvings at Newgrange, I could go on and on.
Ireland is a truly magickal place and needs to be re-visited.
Blessings
“Find what you love and love what you find”