Ireland

Ireland is a large European country directly located off the coast of the United Kingdom. It sits a peninsula in the Atlantic Ocean.

During the Celtic times there were four different provinces of Ireland, Munster, Leinster, Connacht, and Ulster.

The Rock of Cashel

Some legends associate the landmark with St. Patrick, but the actual name comes from Caiseal, which means “stone fort.”

The hill was originally the residence of the King of Munster, Muirchertach O Briain.

In 1101, the King of Munster gave the rock to the church, and a round tower was later built (this still stands today).

A decade later in 1111, The Rock of Cashel became the seat of an archbishop.

The chapel of King Cormac, also known as Corma’cchapel, was consecrated in 1134 and is the most important building in the monument.

Built between 1235 and 1270, the cathedral is an aisle less as well as roofless building of cruciform plan with a central tower.

Rock of Cashel Photos

Newgrange, Ireland

One of the most famous Irish prehistoric stones, the

Newgrange passage-tomb was discovered in

1699, and later restored between 1962 and 1975.

Located nearby are the tombs of Knowth and Dowth.

It was built originally around 3100 BCE.

The monument consists of an immense stone and

ground turf mound at around 85 meters (280 feet) in

diameter, 13.5 (44 feet) high.

Inside you find a passage leading into a burial

chamber.

Newgrange Photos

The entrance into the

tomb.

The Hill of Tara

The Hill of Tara, also known as Temair in Gaeilge, was once the most significant seat of power in Ireland.

142 kings are said to have reigned there all throughout prehistoric and historic times.

In ancient Irish religion and mythology, Temair was a very sacred place of dwelling for the gods. It was supposedly the entrance into the “otherworld.”

There are numerous other monuments within the limits of The Hill of Tara, and over thirty are visible.

The most famous of the monuments is the Stone of Destiny. According to Irish mythology, it was brought by the group of

elite warrior-gods known as, The Tuathe De Daanan, as one of their sacred objects. Supposedly the stone would roar when touched by the high king of Tara.

Hill of Tara Photos

The Stone of Destiny

Sources.

Map of Europe—http://www.flickr.com/photos/marcbel/2109452864/

Rock of Cashel information— http://www.sacred-destinations.com/ireland/rock-of-cashel

Rock of Cashel photos—http://www.flickr.com/photos/shadowgate/2812956301/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/24379149@N02/2315151480/ ;

Newgrange, Ireland information—http://www.stonepages.com/ireland/newgrange.html

Newgrange photos—http://www.flickr.com/photos/jooliree/2097474963/ ; http://www.flickr.com/photos/32012310@N08/3010940443/ ;

Hill of Tara information—http://www.mythicalireland.com/ancientsites/tara/

Hill of Tara photos—http://www.flickr.com/photos/40225600@N05/3703177522/ ; http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Stone_of_Destiny,_Hill_of_Tara.png