Day 8 - Dublin to Belfast.

We began our "Backroads or Ireland" tour today.  Visited the prehistoric tomb site at Newgrange.  Inside is a narrow passageway leading to the site where cremated bodies were interred in ancient times.  Amazingly, the large domed structure was designed to allow the early morning sunlight to shine into the passageway for exactly 17 mins for only 5 days at the Winter solstice (Dec 21).

The tour of the site where the Battle of the Boyne occurred was extremely informative.  The armies of King William III and his father-in-law King James II faced each other across the River Boyne on July 1 1690.  This was the largest battle ever fought on Irish soil.  Many European nationalities were involved in the fighting.  Since there was no uniform for either side, the Irish wore a green branch in their hats, and James' army wore a folded white paper in their hats.  The main issues were the throne of England, French dominance in Europe, and power and control in Ireland.

We walked to the Hill of Tara - an ancient burial site dating back before the Pyramids and Stonehenge (More than 3,000 years ago).  This is historically the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland.

The tomb site at Newgrange

Housing during these prehistoric times

The entrance to the Newgrange tomb. Note the top opening which lets the light in to the tomb for only 17 minutes on 5 days per year.

The direction each of the Kings took prior to the Battle of the Boyne.

Some of the weapons used in the battle.

The hill of Tara

The church at the Hill of Tara.