Sword in the Stone

It's hard to imagine when you're there that this could be the backdrop for the movie "Excalibur" based on Sir Thomas Malory's Le Morte D'Arthur, with Nigel Terry in the role of Arthur and Nicol Williamson as Merlin, with Helen Mirren as Morgana.  In early roles were Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson and Patrick Stewart in a movie not short on stars nor on scenery.  The waterfall (opposite) can be found in Powerscourt, Ireland and I suspect most of the background scenery was Irish.  The waterfall is where Arthur confronts Sir Lancelot who appears to be no pushover when it comes to a good scrap.

Beaches in Ireland also provided the setting for the World War II movie "Saving Private Ryan" set against the Normandy landings.  The Normandy beaches had become rather developed when the film makers were seeking a site, then they discovered the rather unspoiled beaches of Ireland.

Although the beaches of Connemara were not included in this particular movie, the west of Ireland did not escape the attention of Hollywood.  Cong, between Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, in Co. Mayo and just over the border from Co. Galway, became the setting for "The Quiet Man", starring John Wayne.

Although Ireland has seen considerable development over the years, like any country in Europe, there are still plenty of places that remain unspoiled, many protected by law from development and others with stone works older than the pyramids of Egypt, such as Newgrange.

This is representative of ancient bone-yards found throughout the British Isles, places that still attract the curiosity of the scientist and the tourist alike.  Whether it's Stonehenge, Newgrange or the equally ancient sites dotted around the landscape, there plenty to fire the imagination.  But on a more serious note, it is always a good idea to make sure you know where the nearest pub is - not only for the beer, but for food, rest and a pee!  Again, don't forget to visit our web site: Click Here