Right, time just keeps speeding past me so I need to get a move on and get caught up, so expect a bit of a flurry over the next week!
Getting back to Ireland...
The whole point of going to Kildare, was for me to complete some of the Bridget work I had been doing all year with a pilgrimage to her sacred well and to the eternal flame.
This was at the 'new' well which is a beautiful and peaceful place, and I just happened to arrive in time for the rain to stop and me to join with the Moon Mothers worldwide and send the midday blessing on the August full moon.
This is the original 'old' well which is hidden away behind a gate in the car park of the Japanese Gardens! It is still obviously tended and felt much more sacred and authentic.
This is the site of the original fire which is in the grounds of the churchyard, and is also still used by her followers.
Our very sweet Airbnb hosts told us that a short drive away we could walk the hill of Culaan, of the legend of Cu Chulainn. It just so happened that it was heritage week and thank to that the hill was open to the public. Trying to explain how to find it wasn't getting us anywhere, so she drove and had us follow her to a tiny 'gap in the ditch' which led to a min car parking area which I would never have found alone. The hill itself was a lovely wild forested area.
At the top was this tower which stood open and unattended so of course up they went with Tom while the sleeping Ayla and I waited outside.
I haven't confirmed or denied the hill as Culaan's, however, true or not it was a lovely way to bring the old myth's into the present day in a memorable way for the kids.
This is the hill from just outside our Airbnb....
and the tower on top.
For a complete change and a jump into the modern world, they got to have a go on this virtual reality simulator which was huge fun at the Maynooth shopping centre.
Before heading to Maynooth castle...
Maynooth is also the home of the best Japanese restaurant we have ever found, and definitely the best meal all 6 of us have managed to eat out so far... not an easy task!
Our last trip for that area was over to Lullymore Heritage and Discovery Park. It's a great destination for a day out with everything from fairy villages, indoor play, a trail of miniature landmarks of Ireland including Newgrange, and a history and biodiversity walk of the peatlands.
And a road train for when little legs get tired.
Just to round it off... the three pokemon crazy triplets
and this little lady with her baby.
