The other day we went on a days' tour to some ancient sites.
About 3 miles outside of Tullow, Co.Carlow on the N81, we made our first stop to view the stone that ultimately led to the death of Niall of the Nine Hostages, according to Irish mythology. For it was here that he chained Eochaid, son of Énnae Cennsalach,a king of Leinster. However, all did not bode well as Eochaid broke free and killed his captors - the nine warriors who Niall had sent to kill him. Some years later Eochaid executed further retribution by killing Niall in Scotland with an arrow.
More recently this ancient stone was used in the healing of children suffering from rickets by passing them through the hole.
photo by courtesy of Voices of the Dawn
Our second stop was to introduce our friends to The Chocolate Garden ref:http://aheronsview.blogspot.ie/2014/05/chocolate-ice-cream.html
You can see from the photo what effect a surfeit of chocolate cake did to these two lads. Mrs H and I are of course immune from such antics, due to making regular visits to such establishments.
The High and Dry Sailors
The highlight of our tour and the jewel in the crown of the area was found about ten minutes drive away from the Chocolate Garden. An ancient site which the locals refer to as The Ring of the Rath or more formally Rathgall, sign-posted as Rath Geal - it matters not for this was the seat of The Kings of Leinster.
An ariel shot of Rathgall
Of all of the old places that I have visited this one has the most amazingly powerful earth energies flowing around and through the hill fort. We were all very aware of what we were experiencing as walked towards the rath. We didn't need dowsing rods or pendulums for each of us could sense the vibrant energies flowing through our bodies.
Up the pole & happy...
Entrance to the inner ring
Rathgall is a multivate hill fort, with four concentric stone walls encompassing an area of 18 acres (7.5 hectares) and encircled by mountains. The inner stone wall is roughly 1.3 metres high and the ring it encloses measures fifteen metres in diameter.
We explored the immediate area around the rath and found evidence of other stones, possible sites and a small copse.
Three 'wise' men
An inner trench
The outer perimeter wall
A blackthorn copse the home of rabbits and faeries
I do encourage all residents and visitors to Ireland to experience both of these ancient sites for am sure you will be delighted.
Parking to both places is limited to about three cars so you won't be crowded out by sightseers, plus access is an easy walk.
