In the Kingdom

     It was the Kingdom of Meath. From the 1st to 12 century Kings ruled what is now County Meath in Ireland. The high land, the hills, were the place of power. The hills in these frames were especially so.

   Of more recent history, the early 1700's, Slane Castle has dotted County Meath. In the 21st century, Slane Castle is a venue for special concerts. You can seen classic U-2 performances at Slane. 

 5 Thousand years ago a civilization used the high land to build a what is thought to be a transit tomb, Bru n Boinne.

   The fascinating story of Newgrange or Bru n Boinne  
can be linked here from a September post.  

   The guide specialist noted the origins of the people and the exact nature of the ancient site of an astronomical observance and a ritual are still a mystery lost to the centuries.  

   Willie and Kay noted the ancient cultures selected their sites well, in the Boyne River Valley.
    The site below is Tara, the ancient capitol. In Druidic ritual "it was regarded as an entry place to the other world."
     The Gaelic term for Tara means "a place of great prospect."
     Once the five roads in Ireland met here, on the Hill of Tara where one can observe half of the island. 
     The two high mounds were the seats of the Kings. In the age of the Kingdom they were the High Kings.

    Historically, Tara has been a place of mystical importance.
Rituals, burials and observances occurred here. The High Kings ruled here. The hill holds power and is prominent in folklore and myth.
    Both serious scholars and those who believe come to Tara to study the fairies and/or read the legends. Several Sheela Na Gigs have been unearthed on Tara. (What are Sheela na gigs? Link here)

   As long as there has been a record, there is evidence of a spirituality and super nature in this part of the Boyne Valley.

    Tara is a mere 26 miles from the hill transit tomb Bru Na Boinne. History, mystery, myth and folklore transect County Meath.  

      County Meath is also simply beautiful and verdant.

   That our journey to this enchanting part of Ireland was curated by friends, who, like the ancients, chose their place well, 

  made it all more precious. 

   Before we headed to Dublin, Kay introduced us to friends who have converted an old church into The House of Art

    Enchanting hospitality; a special and ancient tea, marvelous treats, accomplished and skilled art and captivating people.

    The "Kingdom of Meath" is place to wander and wonder.

   The through story of Belfast coming in a future post and later we go southwest. 

    To all readers, especially those on the US side of the Atlantic, Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for those of you who visit these posts. 

    See you down the trail.

Familiarity

     The fun of being in Trim Ireland in County Meath was seeing it with Willie and Kay who live in the historic village on the river Boyne. 

    Trim is also the largest Norman castle in Ireland.

    And it was in County Meath where Patrick came and met the pagan kings. There is a St. Patricks Cathedral in Trim.

   Trim, with some 9 thousand residents, is picturesque

      and hospitable. 

   When settling in for a Guiness in this pub I found a copy of runners and riders, the daily form chart for horse racing. 

   I urged my pal Griff to get to Ireland to meet his kin, some of whom have great pubs!

   This 12th century Norman castle may look familiar. 

    The castle was featured in the 1995 Academy Award Winning BRAVEHEART, the story of the Guardian of  Scotland, hero William Wallace. The film employed hundreds of Trim residents. Scenes were also shot at nearby Irish locations. 

  History is in the land around Trim in County Meath. A subsequent post explores how and why it is so prominent in Irish history, folklore and myth. 

    About a third larger than our Cambria on the California central coast, it has a familiarity. About the partial self portrait below, the scene in the window looked so homey, it needed to be shared. 

   It's a great spot for a hike or stroll, enhanced by history
and the wonderful green beauty.

  "An entry place to the other world" and "a place of great prospect" as we wonder County Meath and a mystical capitol in an upcoming post.  

   See you down the trail.