From Dublin, explore the Boyne Valley to view the Megalithic Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth. They were built around 3200 B.C. which makes them older than Stonehenge in England and the pyramids at Giza in Egypt. Some scientists believe that these are remnants of the lost civilization of Atlantis with the Hill of Tara being its ancient capital. According to Celtic mythology, Tara was the sacred place of dwelling for the gods and was the entrance to the other world. St. Patrick is believed to have come to this seat of the ancient Celtic religion to confront the Celts with Christianity.
In Kildaire, visit the Flame of St. Brigid, a place of healing and inspiration. The Druidic priestess converted to Christianity and became one of Ireland*s most important saints along with St. Patrick and St. Columba.
From Killarney, visit the Muckross House and Gardens restored to its original Victorian splendor and Lough Gur, a small and beautiful horse-shoe shaped lake nestled among limestone hills around Limerick. Over 30 ancient sites and monuments can be found around its shores today, ranging in date from Neolithic to Medieval times. Lough Gur's monuments include stone circles, dwelling-places, field systems, standing stones, ringforts, crannogs, castles, and a megalithic tomb.
The density and variety of archaeological monuments on the Dingle Peninsula are unsurpassed This mountainous fingerof land which juts into the Atlantic Ocean has supported various tribes and populations for almost 6,000 years. Its heritage is impressive dating from the Neolithic through to the early Christian period and major sites include the Ogham Stone, Alphabet Stone, Sundial and St. Brendan's house. Folklore and mythology on this peninsula have been passed orally from generation to generation through the Irish language.
Glandore is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Ireland. with its norman heritage and Drombeg stone circle (also known as *The Druid's Altar*).
Blarney Castle, built nearly six hundred years ago by one of Ireland*s greatest chieftains, Cormac MacCarthy, has been attracting attention ever since. That might have something to do with the Blarney Stone, the legendary Stone of Eloquence, found at the top of the tower. Kiss it and you'll never again be lost for words.
The journey ends in Dublin.
