Helen

I am hoping that someone can give me some information on tours to the passage graves from Dublin. We have a very short stay in Dublin--no car. We would appreciate any suggestions!

Cathy

Helen, <BR>Check out www.cie.ie for tours of the Boyne Valley area (passage graves etc) but do remember Newgrange is extremely busy this year with no more group tours etc taken until this time next year - ie they are booked out until then for tour groups, individuals may have to q. and spend some time waiting to get into the graves (that is if you are lucky) otherwise the tour itself is very good. So apart from CIE (national transport company) the only other option is to hire a car (or taxi) . Ask your hotel porter to help - they may have arranged small trips to Newgrange before and might be able to assist but half a day is not a good idea I think - allow a day and take the full tour if the region, <BR> <BR>Regards <BR> <BR>Cathy

Dave

There is a frequent bus service from Dublin to Drogheda (about 6km from the Brugh na Boyne/Newgrange visitor's center). I believe there MAY be a bus from Drogheda to the visitor's center in the summer, but I was there in April when service was still limited (so I rented a bike in Drogheda). A taxi from Drogheda would probably not be too expensive, if that's your only option. <BR> <BR>Although the Bus Eireann website only lists Express routes, you should be able to get a response via e-mail. Their website is at "www.buseireann.ie". <BR>(e-mail address is "[email protected]") <BR> <BR>If you can't make Newgrange, consider the CIE day tour from Dublin to Glendalough. This is one of the most famous of Irish monastic settlements, in a very pretty location in the Wicklow Mountains.

Helen

Thank you Cathy and Dave for your information! I really appreciate it. I will be going to Ireland Sept. 2 for two weeks. One of the great "must see" in my life is at Trinity College old library--The Book of Kells. I did my thesis on it a number of years ago. I was also hoping that while in Ireland, I could also see the passage tombs on my own. Your information will help me!

Cathy

Helen, <BR>If you completed your thesis on the Book of Kells why not visit the town of Kells (take a bus from Dublin) and while in Kells visit the passage graves between Kells and Oldcastle (a smaller town) - Lough Crew - get a taxi out to the graves and get him to pick you up later. Laternatively visit the town of Kells, take a bus or taxi to Oldcastle book into a b&B there and walk out to the graves (or cycle). The graves are not as well developed as Newgrange but are just as interesting and have a guided tour but not one tenth of the tourists. However they are a steep climb so be prepared. Have a good time <BR> <BR>Cathy

Helen

Cathy, <BR>Unfortunately, no trace of the famous Monastery of Cenannus, or Kells remains--either of wall or foundation. Only a persistent tradition with a strength that has outlast both stone and mortar and has been ascribed to the founding of the vanished monastic institution to St. Columba. I would very much like to visit the three very ancient Irish stone crosses, the old church--the rebuilt remains which date from 1578, the round tower and a building which has been described as the House of St. Columb. I can't get there on this visit but hope to when we come back next year. I do appreciate the advise.