In the early 1980s, when Marion Zimmer Bradley was preparing to write The Mists of Avalon, she needed some help with the research, and the expert she contacted was Jamie George. Born in Scotland, Jamie moved to England and opened a bookstore in Glastonbury. In the late '70s he started leading tours around Glastonbury, and this gradually widened to include … [Read more...] about Looking Through The Mists
ireland tours
The Oldest Structure in Ireland
Newgrange is reputed to be one of the oldest man-made structures on earth, out-dating the Egyptian pyramids and Stonehenge by as much as 1,500 years. The Beaker People who built it were not only clever architects, they also were skilled astronomers. They designed Newgrange with a tiny window box that only let in sunlight for a few minutes during the winter solstice, December 19 … [Read more...] about The Oldest Structure in Ireland
Travel is Finally Opening Back Up!
If you have a tour booked or are wondering whether you should book a tour, the good news we’ve been waiting to hear has finally arrived. At long last, countries are opening their borders back up to visitors. For example, Last Wednesday (June 9, 2021), France and the Republic of Ireland were among the EU countries that re-opened to tourists from the U.S. and some other … [Read more...] about Travel is Finally Opening Back Up!
The Laundry Girl and the Magic Ring
One of the most interesting people I’ve ever met is Will Millar. A founding member of the Irish Rovers folk music group, Will told me stories about “the wee folk” from his homeland. It was common knowledge that “fairy places” were not to be damaged, and that harm would befall anyone who disturbed them. That’s why, when a new highway was being planned in Ballymena, its route … [Read more...] about The Laundry Girl and the Magic Ring
Newgrange in Ireland: Burial or Ceremonial Site?
Newgrange is the most famous prehistoric monument in Ireland, but its precise purpose is not certain. Some say it was a burial site, while others believe it was a ceremonial site used for initiation rites. In his book "Tommy Makem's Secret Ireland," the late Irish folksinger wrote: According to some ancient manuscripts, the builders of Newgrange and their descendants used to … [Read more...] about Newgrange in Ireland: Burial or Ceremonial Site?