Newgrange is a 5,200 year old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Newgrange was built by Stone Age farmers, the mound is 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high, an area of about 1 acre.

A passage measuring 19m (62ft) leads into a chamber with 3 alcoves. The passage and chamber are aligned with the rising sun on the mornings around the Winter Solstice.

Newgrange is surrounded by 97 large stones called kerbstones some of which are engraved with megalithic art; the most striking is the entrance stone.

Access to the Newgrange monument is via the Brú na Bóinne Visitors Centre.

Newgrange is a Stone Age (Neolithic) monument in the Boyne Valley, County Meath, it is the jewel in the crown of Ireland’s Ancient East. Newgrange was constructed about 5,200 years ago (3,200 B.C.) which makes it older than Stonehenge and the Great Pyramids of Giza. Newgrange is a large circular mound 85m (279ft) in diameter and 13m (43ft) high with a 19m (63ft) stone passageway and chambers inside. The mound is ringed by 97 large kerbstones, some of which are engraved with symbols called megalithic art.

Newgrange is a 5,200 year old passage tomb located in the Boyne Valley in Ireland’s Ancient East.

Newgrange was built by a farming community that prospered on the rich lands of the Boyne Valley. Knowth and Dowth are similar mounds that together with Newgrange have been designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Archaeologists classified Newgrange as a passage tomb, however Newgrange is now recognised to be much more than a passage tomb. Ancient Temple is a more fitting classification, a place of astrological, spiritual, religious and ceremonial importance, much as present day cathedrals are places of prestige and worship where dignitaries may be laid to rest.

Newgrange is a large kidney shaped mound covering an area of over one acre, retained at the base by 97 kerbstones, some of which are richly decorated with megalithic art. The 19m long inner passage leads to a cruciform chamber with a corbelled roof. The amount of time and labour invested in construction of Newgrange suggests a well-organized society with specialised groups responsible for different aspects of construction.

Newgrange is part of a complex of monuments built along a bend of the River Boyne known collectively as Brú na Bóinne. The other two principal monuments are Knowth (the largest) and Dowth, but throughout the area there are as many as 35 smaller mounds.

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source https://ireland-dublin.com/newgrange-is-a-5200-year-old-passage-tomb-located-in-the-boyne-valley-in-irelands-ancient-east/

Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher are entirely vertical and the cliff edge is abrupt. On a clear day, the views are tremendous, with the Aran Islands etched on the waters of Galway Bay. From the cliff edge, you can just hear the booming far below as the waves crash and gnaw at the soft shale and sandstone.

We are having the most extraordinary winter weather, perfect for a soothing walk and a cafe treat afterwards, open 9am – 5pm everyday

We are having the most extraordinary winter weather, perfect for a soothing walk and a cafe treat afterwards, open 9am – 5pm everyday

The Cliffs of Moher are entirely vertical and the cliff edge is abrupt.

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source https://ireland-dublin.com/cliffs-of-moher/

Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

Ring of Kerry, County Kerry

The always enchanting view looking out towards Scariff and Deenish Island off the southern reaches of the Ring of Kerry

The Ring of Kerry driving route is undoubtedly popular and it has been for a long time. In fact, it’s not too much of a stretch to say that it’s the original star of Irish tourism – something that can be both a blessing and a curse.

Given the usual ebb and flow of popularity, the Ring of Kerry is sometimes criticised for being too popular and over-visited with plenty of other suggestions forthcoming for similar driving routes that are ‘less crowded with tour buses’
It’s simply not true – the Ring of Kerry is home to some of the best scenery in Ireland and it’s absolutely possible to get off the beaten track and experience some wonderful views.

Granted, plenty of visitors want to experience the Ring and that can lead to some popular spots – particularly in the areas around Killarney but it’s a roughly 5 hour driving route and that means there are so many places that you can depart the main route and explore to your heart’s content

Magical memories made on the stunning west coast of the Magical Emerald Isle.

Magical memories made on the stunning west coast of the Magical Emerald Isle

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source https://ireland-dublin.com/ring-of-kerry-county-kerry/

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre

Blanchardstown is a large outer suburb of Dublin in the modern county of Fingal

Located ten km north-west of the Dublin city centre, it has developed since the 1960s from a small village to a point where Greater Blanchardstown is the largest urban area in Fingal.

It is within the historical barony of Castleknock in the traditional County Dublin, as well as the Dublin 15 postal area and the Dublin West electoral constituency.

One of Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure complexes — the Blanchardstown Centre and adjacent facilities — is located in the area.

Blanchardstown, Dublin 15

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre offers a unique shopping & leisure experience

Home to over 180 stores, 3 Retail Parks and 25 Restaurants, it is located just outside Dublin City on the N3, (M50 exit 6) linked to all major motorways making it Ireland’s most accessible and largest destination shopping centre.

Parking is completely free. Shopping is a pleasure and there are plenty to choose from including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, BT2, Superdry, H&M, Topshop, River Island, Oasis, Warehouse, Zara, Dunnes Stores & Penneys. 

Here you will find everything you need for your home

3 destination Retail Parks surround Blanchardstown Centre.  Here you will find everything you need for your home from DFS, Harvey Norman, Currys/PC World, Woodies DIY, and Home Store & More. You will also find many more stores including Smyths Toystore, TKMaxx, Lifestyle Sports & 53 Degrees North.  The Draiocht Arts Theatre, Leisure Plex Entertainment Centre, Ireland’s largest purpose-built public library and The 4 Star Crowne Plaza Hotel can also be found in our retail parks.

25 restaurants

There are over 25 restaurants and coffee shops including Nando’s, Captain America’s, Milano, Wagamama, Eddie Rockets, McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King and a 9 Screen Odeon cinema complex with its very own ISense theatre.

Excellent facilities for family

Blanchardstown Centre offers excellent facilities and disability services including designated parking spaces, disabled toilet facilities, braille lifts and electronic equipment from Shop Mobility, located at the Red entrance on level 1. 

For families, there is a private Mothering Room, a Baby Changing Room, Parent & Child designated parking and Easy Stroller units for hire. Check out our Kids Club too, it’s completely free.

Frequently asked question

Is Blanchardstown rough?

Blanchardstown has endured some bad press in recent years thanks to organised crime activity (Dublin west, which includes Blanchardstown, recorded the third highest crime rate in the country last year, with 539 offences per 10,000 population).

What shops are in Blanchardstown?

Shopping is a pleasure at Blanchardstown Centre with over 180 stores to choose from including Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, BT2, Superdry, H&M, Topshop, River Island, Oasis, Warehouse, Zara, Dunnes Stores & Penneys. 3 destination Retail Parks surround Blanchardstown Centre.

How did Blanchardstown get its name?

The name Blanchardstown comes from the Blanchard family, who were granted their estate some time between 1250 and 1260. The name ‘Blanchard’ is thought to come from the French word blanch, meaning white, and could refer to white or fair hair.

When was Blanchardstown Centre built?

It opened in October 1996 and was extended in 2004 to create extra retail space. It lies in the administration of Fingal County Council. The Blanchardstown Centre is served by over 600 bus movements per day, and is close to Dublin’s M50 radial motorway, and adjacent to the M3 motorway.

Get to know more about other places in Dublin

• Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22
• Herbert Park (Ballsbridge, Dublin 4)

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source https://ireland-dublin.com/blanchardstown-dublin-15/

Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22

• Clondalkin is a suburb in south west Dublin situated approximately 4.6km north of Tallaght, 12km south of Lucan and 14km west of Dublin city centre.
• Local amenities include Liffey Valley Shopping Centre, Clarion Hotel Dublin, Newlands Golf Club, The Mill Centre and Corkagh Park together with a range of local shops, bars and restaurants.
• Transport connections are provided by the M50 Motorway, the Luas red line, together with Dublin Bus routes (13,68 & 69)

Table of Contents

1. Clondalkin history
   1. 1933 photo of Clondalkin Paper Mills
   2. 1970s
2. Affordable neighborhood
   1. House prices
3. Places to eat
4. Directions to Clondalkin Village

Clondalkin history

Situated on the heights over the estuary of the River Liffey, historically it guarded the inland pass between the mountains and the river. This advantageous location first attracted Neolithic settlers around 7,600 years ago. It was an early monastic settlement (hence the famous round tower) before being sacked by the Vikings and playing host to a major battle during the Norman invasion. By 1547 it was described as a “walled and good town”.

1933 photo of Clondalkin Paper Mills

Clondalkin Village, Dublin 22

A 1933 photo of Clondalkin Paper Mills facing north. Taken by the British on a survey mission, it shows the vast workings of the site in contrast to the sparse fields that surrounded it back then. Hard to believe Clondalkin ever even looked like that! It would only be a couple more decades before things changed very fast.

The buildings which house and the heritage centre are standing as they had done for the previous 70 years. The camac you can see as it comes pass the Mill tower stack, now of course covered under the car park. The OMAC business centre building stands on the corner where it was originally a grocers by the name of Furlongs.

1970s

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the current neighbourhood as we know it began to take shape with large-scale house building. Clondalkin was one of Dublin’s “new towns” proposed in 1967, and the Corporation and County Council built most of the homes initially.

Affordable neighborhood

Clondalkin is one of a shrinking number of neighborhoods left in Dublin that could reasonably be described as ‘affordable’. It’s got great transport links and is handy for the Square and Liffey Valley shopping centres with strong communities in the estates and an absolute abundance of schools.

The area is centred around the old Clondalkin village just west of the M50, with substantial hinterlands stretching north to Lucan and south to Tallaght. Among other things, it’s regarded as an unusual urban centre for the Irish language and culture, and is also home to Dublin’s first outlet of the clean-eating, houmous-making, naked-swimming phenomenon that is the Happy Pear.

House prices

Clondalkin is one of the least expensive areas in Dublin – in fact, just eight neighborhoods of the 118 tracked by Daft.ie are cheaper overall. The average asking price for a property here is currently €234,143 – well below the city average of roughly €395,000.

Places to eat

East Village Coffee is a fine neighbourhood coffee place on Monastery Road, opened at the end of 2016. They do breakfast, lunch and a good cuppa.

Alternatives: There’s the aforementioned Happy Pear café at the round tower, serving the brothers’ trademark selection of natural treats. Or on the other side of Clondalkin try the Honeycomb Bakery, in the ACE Enterprise Park on the Bawnogue Road.

Directions to Clondalkin Village

Visible from all directions, the dominant feature of Clondalkin village is its round tower. The Annals of Ulster record that the relics of St Kevin and St Mochua were taken on tour in 790 AD.

It is thought that the Clondalkin Round Tower was built around this period. A visitor centre and gardens opened at the tower in June 2017, telling its 1,200-year story.

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source https://ireland-dublin.com/clondalkin-village-dublin-22/