Stones and bricks

Newgrange

Today we said goodbye to Dublin (and the Republic of Ireland) and headed north. Before crossing the border, we visited Brú na Boinne (Palace of the Boyne) – prehistoric burial ground older than the pyramids. We went to a site known as Newgrange – a burial chamber buried in the ground with a face of brilliant white quartz.

After a walk around the outside, we were allowed inside the chamber where we saw ancient engravings including a fern. Despite Ireland’s weather, rain has not touched the inside of this chamber in over 5,000 years. Once a year, at the winter solstice, the sun hits the entrance at the right angle to flood the chamber with light for 17 minutes – every other day it is naturally completely dark. Fortunately we got to experience it using artificial light which was amazing.

Giants Causeway

Next we drove back to the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) so had to change the car display back to miles per hour – otherwise you’d hardly know we’ve changed countries. No border, no sign, just a change in speed limit.

We drove past Belfast to the Northern Coast to see the Giants Causeway – after 126 steps down the cliff, we found ourselves walking on the famous rock formations. The waves crashing against the rocks were a brilliant backdrop; the colours of the stone ranging from black and grey to lichen covered orange. 

We drove back to Belfast for the night - brick is definitely the material of choice in Belfast.