I didn’t plan to lie my way into a 5,000-year-old tomb—but Ireland had other ideas. After a frantic dash across the countryside, a smug ticket counter, and my fourth near-miss with Newgrange, a mischievous priest appeared like a plot device with good timing. Four students didn’t show. Four “students” were suddenly available.

Minutes later, we were boarding the last tour of the day—two people in their 50s, two in their 70s, all apparently enrolled in college. Ancient stone, modern ethics, and a lesson learned: Newgrange may be older than the pyramids, but luck favors the bold… and the convincingly educated.

Serpentine stone walls, tiny homesteads, castle ruins, emerald green hills, and beaches…

In a sprawling field crowded with horses and people, the business of buying and selling horses happens across the withers of a horse, and deals are sealed with a handshake. Little ones, perched atop their ponies, gaze wide-eyed at the carnival rides as they dream of sugary treats.