Next, we are off to Athlone Castle situated on the mighty Shannon River, gateway between east and west.​  

After a pint in Sean's Bar, literally the oldest pub in Europe let alone Ireland, we start working our way back to Mullingar but not before stopping to tour The Kilbeggan Distillery ​and the famous Jealous Wall at Belvedere House and Gardens.

Loughcrew lies along three ridges known as the "Witches Hops."   We walk to the central summit to explore Cairn T, the largest of the passage tombs. As seen from Uisneach, Cairn T will align with the midsummer sunrise.

Extending the same radial line from Uisneach another 65 kilometres, we would be inline with Slieve Gullion in County Armagh which connects sacred Uisneach with both Leinster and Ulster.

The midwinter sunset also aligns, reversed back through Uisneach completing the 180 degree cycle from midsummer sunrise to midwinter sunset.

The megalithic structures at Newgrange are older than the pyramids of Egypt and older than Stonehenge, having been built over 5000 years ago.  Marvel at such an engineering feat accomplished by the inhabitants of Ireland even before the time of the Celts.  On the winter solstice after the longest night of the year, the sun will rise and shine through an engineered portal to the deepest recess of the chamber. Some say of this feat it is reminding us that despite the darkness, hope and rebirth always begin anew in the endless cycle of time.

The visitor center at The Battle of The Boyne heritage site is a fantastic venue to learn about so much of today's Irish history. See the how William of Orange took on The English King Charles II and how decisive the battle became. The impact of the Battle of the Boyne is still with us today as Ireland is still divided between the 26 counties of the Republic of Ireland and her 6 northern counties which are still part of the UK.

If we stop here, woe could say we've had a busy day but it is not over yet!  On our way back to our base in Mullingar we pause to visit the Hill of Tara and Trim Castle.

At the Hill of Tara we find the Destiny Stone.  It was here that the ancient High Kings of Ireland were crowned.  As we learned earlier Tara and Uisneach ​are closely related with Tara being the ceremonial location for crowning of the high kings and Uisneach being where they resided.  Do you remember the remains of the ancient road we pointed out at Uisneach?

We have become accustomed to not packing and unpacking everyday but some good things must at times come to an end as today we pack up and leave Mullingar as we venture into the Heartland of Ireland's Ancient East.  After (you guessed it), a hearty breakfast, we break camp and are off to see the Rock of Cashel.  The Rock of Cashel is the ancient seat of the Kings of Munster and the legend goes  goes much farther back into mythology having been created when St. Patrick banished the devil from a cave.

We are not finished with Mythology for today, as next up is the mystical Lough Gur where we view the hollow mountain, home of the Fairy King and learn about the legend of the Earl of Desmond and the Castle at the bottom of the lake.​  We even make a stop at the largest stone circle in all of Ireland before we depart to kiss the Blarney Stone!

Next we are off to Ardmore and Dunbrody.  The village of Ardmore boasts a sweeping beach along with one of the oldest Christian settlements found in Ireland.  At the ruins of St. Declan's monastic site, visitors see a well preserved round tower and cathedral dating from the 12th century.

 We continue on to Dunbrody Abbey, one of the most impressive ruins of a Cistercian monastery to be found in Ireland.  The Abbey, along with Dunbrody Castle are located in a scenic stretch of County Wexford.

We have a full day ahead of us so as we have done all week, we recharge with a full Irish  after a good night's sleep and set our sights on Hook Lighthouse which has guided ships for over 800 years.   For those who feel up to it, climb the 115 steps to the balcony and take in the spectacular views of the coastline.

We continue up the coast to Wicklow Gaol a really haunting experience and the monastic ruins of Glendalough in the Wicklow Mountains.

After a very busy day, we find ourselves off to Dublin where we check into our hotel and enjoy our dinner.

How could we let you leave Ireland without a full day in Dublin. After breakfast and a 2-hour walking tour of the city center, today is yours to explore Dublin.  Will you pub hop in Temple Bar?  Or perhaps take the Guinness Storehouse tour?  For outdoor activities you might take in St. Stephen's Green or even The Phoenix Park.  If shopping is your thing then you will certainly enjoy Grafton Street.  The choice is all yours.

At the end of the day, we provide a farewell dinner, or if you choose, you may continue to explore the city on your own.​