2024 Ireland Adventures - Northern Island Tour Part 5

 Here it is: The last day. I woke up feeling a little sad because it was my last day in Ireland, but then I pushed it aside and tried not to think about it. Besides, we had another full slate of activities.

I was looking forward to seeing Down Cathedral since it is the burial place of St. Patrick. And it just so happens that Sts. Columba and Brigid are also said to be buried here, fulfilling a prophecy by St. Columba that all 3 of the Patron Saints of Ireland would be buried together. And they were, but then the cemetery was desecrated with bones being strewn all over the cemetery. So, with that interesting tidbit, there is a stone to commemorate their burial in the graveyard...somewhere.

The baptismal font was the base of a cross from the 10th or 11th century
St. Patrick Window
Tile mosaics in the floor were designed after the Book of Kells
18th Century Organ
Close up of the stained glass behind the altar
We were treated to a presentation; I wish I had taken notes!
A replica of the Town Cross. The original is in the museum in Down.
The stone commemorating the burial place of Saints Patrick, Brigid, and Columba
Down Cathedral is now in the hands of the Church of Ireland. 
A replica of St. Patrick's Cross
The plan after Down Cathedral was to take a ferry across Carlingford Lough, except when we got there we discovered the ferry wasn't running. So, Tomás went to Plan B. He said it added a little bit of time, but it ended up being quite a find. Warrenpoint was a really charming town where we had lunch and then some time to wander around town. 

This is a great name for an inn right on the water. It's pronounced "Lock and Key"
Monument to the people who travelled from this point to New Brunswick, Canada during the famine. 
We met a couple more friends! This little one's owner was Australian; she was living in Warrenpoint.
We found a church! This is a St. Peter's Catholic Church. It was stunning.
I always like to look at the Stations of the Cross on the wall. Every Catholic Church has them.
Beautiful Celtic Cross in the floor.
The side of the altar was stunning.
A side altar
Looking back to the choir loft. I've never seen a ceiling in a church like this one.
The stained glass in the door was gorgeous.
St. Peter took 6 years to build; it was finished in 1840.
Our next stop was a detour. Tomás said this was a place he always wanted to go to so it was quite a treat to be able to walk up the hill at Flagstaff Point and reflect on this trip while taking in the beautiful Irish scenery for the last time.
The whole group
M, Tomás, and me with Warrenpoint in the background
A view of Warrenpoint
Slieve Foy
A view of sheep in a field as I looked through a hole in the stone fence
Our last stop was Monasterboice which was a monastery named for St. Buite. He died in 521 AD but the buildings that were there when he was alive are no longer here. The round tower is said to be the oldest building as well as the high crosses, dating back to the 10th century.
First View
Muiredach's Cross: the finest High Cross in Ireland
The attention to detail is incredible
View of the Round Tower
I believe this is the West Cross, the tallest High Cross
The North Cross is the oldest and plainest of the 3 High Crosses. Part of the shaft was replaced but the original is inside the gate along with a sundial.
We thought that was a perfect way to end our time in Ireland. Tomás dropped us off at our hotel where we said our goodbyes and I tried not to cry. (I hate goodbyes!) Our plan was to share the shuttle to the airport since our flights were supposed to leave around the same time. But, M's flight ended up leaving a couple of hours later than the original time, so I navigated the airport and customs by myself. I love that when you leave Dublin, you clear customs before you get on the plane so when you land in the USA, it's like it's a domestic flight. It was sad to say goodbye to Ireland once again.


Hodgepodge Fit For a Prez

 
Joyce asks the questions, and we provide the answers. See how others answered at From This Side of the Pond.

1. Many of our earliest presidents created words or expressions widely used today. Teddy Roosevelt is credited with mollycoddle, pack rat, frazzle, and loose cannon...which of those words/phrases currently relates to your life in some way?

 None of them. Well, maybe mollycoddle but it would be with my dogs.

2. Have you visited many (or any) of the US Presidents homes, monuments, libraries or related sites? If so what's been your favorite? Are there any you particularly want to see? Here's a link to presidential sites listed by state which is kind of fun to read-Presidential Places by State. And since several bloggers who participate in the HP each week live outside the US, here's a link to Presidential Places Outside the US. Have you seen any of those?

 I've visited some. I really enjoyed Mt. Vernon but my favorite is the Little White House in Warm Springs, GA. FDR State Park in GA was the last time CH & I camped in a tent. It was fascinating and well worth the visit if you're down that way.
In front of The Little White House
FDR's car
Even though this isn't on the list, I went to New Ross, County Wexford, Ireland last April & shook hands with JFK.
The Eternal Flame that was taken from the flame at JFK's grave

3. February 20th is National Cherry Pie Day...will you celebrate? Given your choice of cherry pie, cherry cobbler, cheesecake with a cherry topping, or black forest cake which would you choose? 

Well, I will now! Black Forest Cake would be my choice. There is a chocolate cake that uses cherry pie filling that is delicious. And easy. 


4. Last time you worked a puzzle of some kind? Something that had you puzzled recently? 

I work a jigsaw puzzle on my tablet every day. There are so many things that have had me puzzled...too many to name!


5. Of the early blooming flowers (January-early March depending on your zone) which one's your favorite? 
snowdrops, lenten roses, pansies, violets, snapdragons, reticulated iris, crocus, winter jasmine
Do you have any of these in your own yard/garden? 

I don't have a favorite, but the lenten roses are pretty. I don't have any in my yard but there are some in the park next to my house. This picture was taken during our recent warm weather:

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I've got nothing right now. I just posted my last Ireland post on Flyin' the Coop so look for a version of it here soon. Then I can move on to the next adventure!

Popular Posts