Dublin

We started our time in Dublin with a walking tour, made all the more interesting because of the charismatic story-telling of Tommy Graham.  He walked us throw downtown, stopping at Trinity College first in order to learn more about this lovely location, but also to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room, both of which will be of interest to those who are fans of illuminated manuscripts, Hogwarts (modeled after this building), and libraries in general.  The first of many places on this trip where I could have easily spent hours, breathing in the smell of old books, marble busts, and sliding ladders that rise several stories (I am an admitted bibliophile, so that might just be my bias talking!).  Be sure to get through the initial portion quickly to give yourself plenty of time to see the Book of Kells and the Long Room, along with the famous Brian Boru harp. 

Off we were next to Dublin Castle, which has more of the appearance of a fortress than what one thinks of as a castle, the Irish Houses of Parliament, and Christ Church Cathedral, which received patronage from the Jameson family (makers of the well-known Irish whiskey).  We also went to the famous Temple Bar, known for its traditional music and nightlife, including stag and hen parties.  The colorful streets become even more so at nighttime when musicians entertain the masses of people who go there each night. 

My family finished off our evening with a jaw-dropping Riverdance performance (tourist tip: purchase these tickets well ahead of time if they are in town as others on our tour were unable to do so the day of) along with gelato on the way back to the hotel.  One of my favorite parts was the demonstration of traditional Irish dancing and its evolution into modern day tap.  

​

On our way out of Dublin, we stopped for a tour of Kilmainham Gaol.  This location was built in 1787.  It is most known for its incarceration of those involved in Bloody Sunday and The Troubles, including their hunger strike.  Considered sacred ground, this was also the location of where those involved in the uprising met their final end with the executioner.  I found this location haunting with its wide, open spaces and large amount of natural light, an echo of the era where this was thought to decrease violence and depression in inmates; we now know it only served to further increase any despair they experienced.