Day Two in wet, beautiful Ireland

What a day we've had today. It started with a wonderful breakfast at our B & B, Tigh Cathain Country House in Trim, County Meath. We were chatting with some other guests and it turned out that one of them used to live in Sarasota. Yes, it is a small world. Then we set out to find the Hill of Tarra and this time we were successful. It's amazing how much easier things seem when you are well rested. Tara was an important religious site 2000 years ago. There are mysterious circles there and apparently there is a "passage tomb" but we didn't see that.

Next, we headed to the site of the Battle of the Boyne, a fierce battle between King William III and his father-in-law, King James II in 1690. I must admit that I'm not the biggest history buff in the world, but I found this very interesting.

Then we went to Bru na Boinne, also called Newgrange. There we were allowed to enter the chamber at Newgrange that is thought to be 5000 years old, older than the pyramids at Giza. There are some different theories about this structure, but it is thought that it was some type of passage tomb, lit only during the summer and winter solstice (if I am remembering this correctly -- I was kind of on history overload at that point). I think I would have enjoyed the whole experience more if the weather had not been so horrendous -- cold and very rainy. This might be remnants of Hurricane Laura -- how ironic that I came to Ireland from Florida and now I'm experiencing hurricane type weather. O.K. I'm exaggerating a bit -- but it is windy and rainy.

We are now in Carlingford, which is probably a charming seaside town (right on the Irish Sea), but because of the weather, it's hard to tell. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day and then I'll know for sure. We are going to try to go to the horse races in nearby Dundolk.

The people here are very cordial. They have been helpful with directions, of which we've needed many. Driving has been a challenge, the roads are narrow, everything is opposite of what we're used to and the rain isn't helping. But Tom is doing a great job and I am trying really hard to be a good navigator. I have to admit that I've looked down at just the wrong moment a couple of times and we're missed a few crucial turn. Oh well, at least I'm not behind the wheel.

I think we are going to go have a pint or two and listen to some Irish music, so I better get going. I will write again the next time I have access to the internet.