The world is full of myth, magic, and lore. Take it from me, I’ve spent my entire career looking for it. But, of all the places I’ve been to, of all the ruins, caves, woods and castles, there’s no place which quite compares to Ireland. I’ve spent the better part of four years exploring it, and every time it feels like a fairy tale. So, in 2016, when Ireland announced its latest tourism route which focuses on ancient Irish history, it was only natural for me to head to the Emerald Isle. I was delighted to spend a week with my dear friend and colleague Ed Hannon of Visions of the Past Blog where we explored the Land of the 5,000 Dawns, the Celtic Coast and the Historic Heartlands which make up Ireland’s Ancient East. And it was as every bit of magical as it sounds.
If you prefer to trek about with help or want to get more tourist secrets, check these out.
Exploring Ireland’s Ancient East
Understanding the History Behind the Lore
It’s no secret that Ireland is rich with magic and lore. From fairy sites to enchanted hilltops, its legends are many. Known for its pristine preservation of stories, the footprint of Ireland’s ancient past is captivating —and exploring it, alluring. However, before you dive into the magic, you must understand the history behind the lore. And with a destination like Ireland, which cradles hundreds, even thousands of places teeming with age, we must learn why they are so important to Irish legends. To simplify this, it comes down to converting to Christianity.