Before I say anything else, I have to tell you...Ireland is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been in my life. I was treated to a complimentary 4 day tour through the Ring of Kerry through Rabbies Tours during a recent trip to Ireland, and while there will be a few blog posts about this trip, I am going to start with this specific day, because it had such an amazing impact on me!
We began the day by visiting what is called Ladies View, which is one of the most beautiful, scenic spots for photo opps.
Ireland has been my favorite country to date. Counting 31 countries so far, and several states, that's saying a lot. My favorite "spot" to date has been Half Moon Cay, in the Bahamas. Crystal blue waters, white sand beaches - it's pure Caribbean paradise. Ireland? It effected me the same way, but in a different way - same impact, different scenery. And the people? The food? The drink? Ireland is a place that I know I will return to.
The Drombeg Stone Circle in Ireland had such an impact on me that as soon as we got back on our tour bus, I wrote this...
I've just left the Drombeg stone circle. All day, I've been moody, emotional and depressed. I woke up crying. My chest ached. Maybe something was in the air that day, but as we approached the circle, my spirits began to lift. The countryside was so serene...even on a cloudy day, the entire area was just lovely!
My personal traveling style is to do as little research as possible when visiting a site. I don't want to set unrealistic expectations, I never want to set my self up for disappointment. As we approached the Drombeg Stone Circle, our tour guide Dee began to explain what it was all about: ancient Ireland. A time when things were different, there were kinds and queens, Druids, and magic...
My ears perked up at the word magic.
As we approached the entrance, our tour guide explained that most places like this in Ireland are free to the public, but many of them are located on private property, and the landowners don't allow visitors.
Fortunately, the Drombeg Stone Circle isn't one of those places, and we were welcome to come visit.
Do you see that little stone in the center of the circle? It's believed that in the olden days, people would place offerings there. I picked a few flowers and left them...and I left a coin on my favorite stone, which our Rabbies Tour guide said was a way to leave all of your worries behind.
Have something weighing heavily on your heart? Leave an offering and ask to leave that worry behind with the offering. I'll probably tell you about the worry I left behind on another day, in another post.
I will say, touching the stones with my bare fingers? It sent a surge of happiness through my heart in a way no other ancient ruin has. My tour guide caught this candid photo of me as I walked away, and I think it's my favorite photo of the day!
I spent a total of 6 days in Ireland, and will be sharing the rest of my adventures and favorite points of interest over the coming weeks. The majority of my time was spent on the Rabbies Tour, which was the Ring of Kerry, Killarney and Cork. WHAT A TRIP! We had a small tour - they're all small tours - and our tour guide was just delightful. We all felt like best friends towards the end of the trip, and I can't wait to get back to the U.K. and try one of Rabbies Tours many other offerings.
You can find out more the tours offered throughout England, Ireland and Scotland through Rabbies.com.
Bill Sweeney says
I love Ireland. My wife took me for my birthday this year, and it was absolutely amazing. There's a real feel of magic in the air there.
Vera Sweeney says
I recently took my husband to Ireland for his birthday. I wish I'd found Rabbies Tours when I was researching the trip. We'll have to do that next time.
Duane E Estep says
We recently spent a week in Ireland! I have stage 4 cancer and I wrote a letter to my children, grandchildren and descendants and hid it at the Drombeg Stone Circle site! Only my children know the directions on how to find the letter! My son, Shane left one of my cancer #EstepStrong bracelets on the middle stone in the circle with all the other items others had left!
Jenn says
I am so sorry for your illness but WOW, that is so amazing what you've done. I can't wait for them to find your letter!