May 5: Had breakfast at lodging; our hosts, Eddie and Helen, were quite gracious and Eddie entertained us with stories about Ireland.

Our host, Eddie

Four Seasons B&B

Loaded up our car and was on our way to Dublin. But we stopped at the monastery of Clonmacnoise located on the River Shannon south of Arhlone. Clonmacnoise was founded in 544 by St. Ciaran and over the years, it was a great centre of learning. Many manuscripts, including the 11th Century Annals of Tighernach and the 12th Century Book of the Dun Cow, were written here.

Clonmacnoise

One of the high crosses

A tomb

One of the towers

A ruined church

We were able to see three high crosses, a cathedral, seven churches and two round towers. On our way again, we found a place for lunch. Then onto to Dublin; it took us three different passes but we finally found our hotel, registered, unloaded, and took the car back to the airport after stopping to fill off the tank. Returned car, took Hertz shuttle to the hotel shuttle, got back to hotel where we found the bar for a couple drinks and dinner…Sarah and I split a veggie pizza. Went to the room to sort everything and pack back up. Read for awhile and lights out around 10:00.

May 6: We had been told, because we would go through US Customs in Dublin’s airport, to be there three hours early so we were heading down to the hotel shuttle at 7:30 for our 11:00 flight. Check in with our airline and through airport security went quite smoothly and quickly. Sarah and I had our bags prepared for some last minute shopping but we did not stop at the shops because we were told to go directly to US Customs where it can take up to two hours to process through. Well, it took less than 15 minutes and we found ourselves in a terminal that had NO shopping with made Tom smile while Sarah and I frowned. And we had close to two hours to wait until boarding of the plane. But time did pass, we boarded, and arrived back in Atlanta with no problems. Fosters had a 5:30 flight out while mine was 8:30 so we found a Delta lounge, had a drink, and talked about the trip. I walked with Fosters to their boarding gate and then found mine. In order to kill time, I did walk through some shops but tiredness was starting to set in. Another Delta lounge was located and I “hung out” there until it was time to board. Arrived in Cedar Rapids about 20 minutes early; retrieved my luggage and the airport shuttle was ready to take me home. Got home around 10:30; Beauty and Cutie greeted me which was wonderful. It was a long day and I welcomed my bed at 11:30.

Summary: The trip was fantastic with the Irish being so friendly and helpful. Ireland is a beautiful country and we hope to go back next year to explore the upper western and northern part of the country.  It was great to spend some quality time with Jeannette and Allan; with they being in Ireland, the opportunity to see them is quite narrow so really enjoyed the time we had together.  And, like every trip, there are good or things to change which I am going to list.

Great Things:  Jeannette and Allan supplying us with phone, card, and road atlas.  Fosters being fantastic traveling companions.  Automatic transmission in the car.  Flying business class.  Not making advanced reservations.  Having flexibility in the schedule.

Things to Change:  Need to pack more long sleeve shirts, waterproof gloves, stocking cap, and sweatshirt if going around the same time of year.   Two people should pump gas.  Shop after airport security and before US Customs.  Do something about the 5+ hour wait in Atlanta.

May 3: Had a great breakfast, packed into the car, and headed to the pier where we were boarding a ferry which took us to the Aran Islands. The ride took 1.5 hours with stops at the two smaller islands Inis Oírr (Inisheer) and Inis Meáin (Inishmaan). We were headed for the larger of the three islands called Inis Mór (Inishmore). On the way, we saw a dolphin but it was quite difficult to get a picture of it; however, Tom did.

The dolphin

When we unloaded, we were greeted by our tour guide Oliver Faherty. He drove a van which held 13 people and he grew up on the island (of 7th generation) so was very knowledgeable. As we drove toward the well preserved stone fort called Dun Aonghasa, he pointed out various stone forts, towers, and churches along with a stop at a seal colony. The walk to the fort took about 20 minutes and it was a walk well taken! It is semicircular, on the edge of a perpendicular cliff rising 100 meters out of the ocean. At the bottom of the walk, we had lunch in a small cafe. Once we all loaded into the van, we headed to the Worm Hole which is a rectangular shaped pool into which the sea ebbs flow at the bottom of the cliffs south of Dun Aonghasa. We walked over lots of rocks in order to get to the hole. The Seven Churches was our next stop; it is the remains of two small churches with ruins of late 15th Century monastic houses lying to the north of the church. The day was going quite quickly and we had about 15 minutes at the town center before our ferry appeared.

View of Inisheer with O’Brien Castle

Road at Inishmore

Seal colony

Finally saw a potato field

Dun Aonghasa fort

Sitting on edge of steep cliff

The Seven Churches

Worm Hole

Loaded and headed back to Doolin. Drove to the nearest pub, O’Connnor’s, where we had libations and dinner; Sarah and I shared fish and chips. Took the car back to the B&B and then walked to Fitzpatrick, a pub that we had not been to before and found a wonderful surprise…Irish music by Tara Howley; the three person band played and sang beautifully. A couple from Florida was willing to share their table so we did not have to stand.

Tara and friends

Tom, Sarah, and I walked back about 9:30 while the kids stayed behind to finish their drinks. Another wonderful day in this country!

May 4: After breakfast, we said our good byes to Jeannette and Allan; final destination today is Galway. On the way, we stopped Poulnabrone Dolmen which is a portal tomb even though it looks like a stone table. Four thousand years ago, it was a grave chamber in a cairn of stacked stones.  After seeing the tomb, as we were driving along, we came upon the ruins of a church which was sitting on a corner all by itself.  There was no one around so there was not much information available about it but Tom at least wrote down the name of it which is more than what I did!

Ruins of Killinaboy Church

Poulnabrone Dolmen

Another view of Poulnabrone Dolmen

As we continued our journey, we made a rest stop at Ballyvaughan which conveniently had a couple stores we had to look in. Then on to Galway; arrived at the Four Seasons B&B about noon and was greeted by our cheerful host. Once we settled in our rooms, we walked toward the town square.  In 1234, Galway was a medieval fishing village captured by the Normans from the O’Flaherty family.  Today it has approximately 76,000 people with one out of every four residents being born outside of Ireland. We came upon An Púcán Pub for lunch; I had goat cheese, red peppers, pesto sandwich which was excellent. After lunch, we walked to Eyre Square which is named for the mayor who gave land to the city in 1710. We really did not explore the square but found the pedestrian shopping streets lined with shops, pubs, and market carts. I made one small purchase while the Fosters found a couple things for their grandchildren.

River Corrib runs through Galway

One of Galway’s streets

See any food?

Then it was time to explore the pubs; we went to the Salt House and Monroe’s Tavern which were two recommended by Allan. It was time to eat so, after going into a couple pubs which only served drinks, we found Tig Cóilí…a cozy place…which had something on the menu we all liked. After dinner, we found out that music was being played at Taaffe’s Bar so we found a place to stand and listen; the folks playing were not part of a certain group but individual musicians coming together to “jam”. It was cheerful, lively music and I enjoyed listening but was time to walk back to our B&B and call an end to our day. But not before I ordered an orchid plant to be delivered to Jeannette the next day which is her birthday.

Inside of Salt House

Outside Monroe’s

Hmm..any new brew?

Our dinner spot

Royal seating

Let’s jam!

May 1: Happy May Day! Got up, showered, typed up my notes, and went for breakfast. Checked out and, with my driving, headed to the Dingle Peninsula which is named after the town of Dingle. The peninsula exists because of the band of sandstone rock that forms the Slieve Mish mountain range at the neck of the peninsula, in the east, and the unnamed central mountain range further to the west. Ireland’s highest mountain outside Macgillycuddy’s Reeks, Mount Brandon at 951 m, forms part of a beautiful high ridge with stunning views over the peninsula and North Kerry. We found the correct road out of Dingle and started the loop. Took a picture of Currach Boat, a traditional fishing boat of the west coast Ireland, which was covered because of the weather. Stopped around Ventry Bay at a pottery/coffee shop; since it was a drizzly, cool day, a coffee to go hit the spot. Found a turn off for great photo opportunity of Dingle Bay and Dunbeg Fort. Next stop was Beehive Huts which look like stone igloos. We had lunch at Murphy’s Bar at Ballyferriter; I had tuna sandwich and, once again, huge amount of food. Continued on our drive and ended up back in Dingle. The drive around the tip was beautiful, even with rain. The loop was about 30 miles long on narrow road but, because of little traffic, easy to drive even with all the curves and mountainous terrain.

The countryside

Currach Boat

Beehive Huts

Time to eat

Along the coast

Lunch time

On our way out of Dingle, we stopped at Dingle Brewing Company for a sample; very tasty beer. Onward to the Tarvert-Killimer car ferry that we caught at Listowel with no wait time. The ferry takes you across the river Shannon so you avoid an 80 mile drive around Limerick to get to our final destination today of Ennis. The ferry ride was approximately 20 minutes.

Driving onto ferry

Seeing land from ferry

We arrived in Ennis about 5:00; registered at Grey Gables B&B, got in luggage, and found a pub/restaurant up the street in the Grand Hotel. Tom and I split a hamburger which was quite adequate for dinner. We walked to Dunnes Store (Ireland’s WalMart) where I purchased a long sleeve undershirt and bottle of wine. Back in my room at 7:30. Tired tonight; a full day of driving with stops, etc. while rain fell off and on made me glad to get to our destination even though it was not late. Tomorrow we drive to Doolin for Cliffs of Moher; Allan and Jeannette will join us.

May 2: Left the B&B after a late breakfast at 9:15. Our plan was to explore the Cliffs of Moher from the top in the morning and take a boat to view them from the water in the afternoon. The drive was uneventful as we passed thru the beautiful, green countryside and then along the coastline as we got closer to the cliffs. Paid our entrance fee, parked the car, and started to walk. We walked to the far end of the cliffs taking in the magnificent sight. Returned to the center and walked to the tower; did not go up the tower but got some great pictures and view. Purchased a couple gift items in one of the shops.

Part of Cliffs

Enjoying the view

Another view

The tower

Left and drove to Doolin where we had lunch at O’Connor Pub; I had cauliflower coconut soup with basil…very tasty. Went into a couple shops but did not find anything. We located the pier, talked to the boat company personnel and found out the boat journey was delayed by at least 30 or so minutes. Allan and Jeannette arrived and we poked around on the rocks until it was time to board. On board and away we went! It was great to see the cliffs from the water; gave us a totally different perspective than above.

Poking around

View of the cliffs

Enjoying the ride

Pictures don’t do the beauty justice

Birds everywhere

Half Door B&B

Returned to the shore and went to Half Door B&B in Doolin to register. Settled in the room; took off to the nearest pub, which was McDermott’s. Had a drink, and headed to McGann’s for our evening meal; Sarah and I split a chicken dish. Found out local music was playing at Riverside Bistro so went there and listened to Irish songs for a few hours.

Listening to music

Back to our lodging and headed to bed.

April 29: Showered and typed up my notes from previous day. Got my things gathered and packed for check out later in the morning. Breakfast downstairs with the Fosters. After calling and making reservations for the next two nights at the Abbey House B&B in Killarney, we checked out, went into a couple stores, and we’re on our way. Drive to Killarney went well with minimal rain and traffic. Stopped at pottery place out in the country; the owner was raised in Virginia, met her Irish husband of 37 years at a craft show, and moved to Ireland.

Shop in the country

After making some purchases, we were on our way. Found our B&B, checked in, unloaded luggage, and headed toward Killarney National Park which is the second oldest and largest in Ireland. Our hostess at the B&B recommended we make reservations for lodging to cover the upcoming week end since the next Monday is considered a banking holiday so, during lunch, calls were made and reservations firmed up. We wanted to tour Muckross House and Gardens but, at the entrance, decided to take carriage ride to the Torc Waterfall, Killarney Lake plus others, and the Muckross Friary which is in ruin.

Ready for carriage ride

Torc Waterfall

One of many lakes

Muckross Friary

Upon returning, we toured the Muckross House which is a stately Victorian home built in 1843 and set at the edge of the park. Walked the walled in gardens with beautiful flowers, plants, and shrubs. Spent some money in the gift shop purchasing gift items.

Muckross House

Fosters in one garden

Gardens by the house

Drove back to our lodging, parked our car, and walked into town where we found a pub for liquid refreshments, place for fish/chips, and more shops to look at stuff. At the lodging, lights out around 11:00.

April 30: Had breakfast at our lodging; best scrambled eggs I have had in awhile. Walked down to town center and checked in with Deros Coach Tours whose bus will take us around the Ring of Kerry. We shopped in a few stores and then it was time to get going. The ring is approximately 112 mile long circular tourist route which runs, clockwise from Killarney it follows the N71 to Kenmare, then the N70 around the Iveragh Peninsula to Killorglin – passing through Sneem, Waterville, Cahersiveen, and Glenbeigh – before returning to Killarney via the N72. As we started around the ring, our driver pointed out the St. Mary Cathedral in town. Outside of town we circled around the MacGillycuddy Rocks mountain range. There were many picturesque villages; we stopped at Red Fox Inn around Killoglin for coffee, tea, and restroom stop. Entered the bog areas and saw the “soil” used in fireplaces for heat. There was a great stop where a sheep herder had different types of sheep and two dogs who demonstrated how to herd the flock.

St. Mary Cathedral

Leaving Killarney on the bus

View from the mountain range

One type of sheep

Dogs herding sheep

At Catherdaniel, we stopped for lunch; while everyone ate in a pre-chosen restaurant, we sat at a picnic table and ate the food we brought with us. On the road again, we traveled over Coomakesta Pass and stopped for pictures. Waterville was another stop where we saw a sculpture of Charlie Chaplin in the town’s park with great views of a lake and surrounding countryside (there was also a man with his goat sitting by the hotel so Sarah and I petted it and felt its horns). On to Ladies View which was another stop; man there with baby reindeer and another playing the accordion. Back to Killarney through the oak woods of the National Park.

Good picnic with Jeannette’s home brew

View of countryside with ruins

Charlie Chaplin

Can we pet the goat?

Ring Fort of Kerry

Another pretty scene

Want to play?

Got off the bus close to our hotel and, while walking, came across Killarney Brewing Company where we went inside only to find it was still under construction and not open. The gentleman we were talking to was one of the owners so he offered each of us a sample glass of their beer which was very tasty. At the lodging, I got rid of unnecessary items and then a walk to downtown to find Murphy’s Bar. It was located and we had liquid refreshments plus dinner; I had Irish stew which was quite tasty. Tom went back to B&B while Sarah and I shopped at Aran Woolen Mill store; I purchased a couple Christmas presents. Had delicious Rum and Raisin ice cream cone and returned to our lodging. Tomorrow we leave for Dingle Peninsula with overnight stop at Ennis.

April 25: Breakfast at hotel; checked out of the hotel which was a clean, unique place to stay. Taxi to Heuston train station where we purchased tickets to Waterford.  An Irish man, whose speech was difficult to understand because of his strong accent, “entertained” us with tales of the Irish while we were waiting for our train.  The train arrived and we were off to Waterford.

Inside the station’s loading area

Tom and I waiting

Upon arrival, we discovered the hotel we were staying at was right across the bridge from the station so we were able walk over. Checked into the Treacy’s Hotel; Allan and Jeannette arrived and we settled in our respective rooms before meeting in the lobby. Lunch at Donnelly’s Hotel; while there, it really started to rain so Allan went back to the Treacy’s for my rain jacket. We walked to the Waterford Crystal Center and had a tour. In January 2009 its Waterford base was closed down due to the bankruptcy of the Wedgwood Group. After several difficulties and takeovers, it re-emerged later that year. In June 2010, Waterford Crystal relocated almost back to its original roots, on The Mall in Waterford. This new location is now home to a manufacturing facility that melts over 750 tons of crystal a year. The facility offers visitors the opportunity to take guided tours of the factory and also offers a retail store, showcasing the world’s largest collection of Waterford Crystal.

Wooden molds used for each piece

Heating, cooling, shaping process

The five of us

Marked for etching

Fine art of etching

Finished product

The tour lasted until 4:30 which was past the time for us to pick up the airport at the airport but Jeannette drove Tom and I to the airport in hopes the representative would still be there; however, the Hertz representative had left so I called him on way back to city center a couple times but no answer. He did call back before getting to hotel and we agreed to pick the car up tomorrow at 1:00. Had a green curry dish at Thai Restaurant in hotel; said my good nights to all, went to bar for a glass of wine to take to my room, went up, looked at pictures, read and fell asleep.

April 26: Out early but no place open for breakfast until 9:00; we wandered around until then and found coffee shop for coffee and scone.

A ‘wonderful’ round-a-bout

One of many churches and statues in Waterford

Coffee and scone time

We went to Reginald’s Tower; a historic tower built in Waterford in 1003. The tower has been in usage for different purposes for many centuries and is an important landmark in Waterford and an important remnant of its medieval urban defense system. It is the oldest civic building in Ireland and it is the only urban monument in Ireland to retain its Norse or Viking name.

Reginald Tower and wood boat

Silly Allan

Depicts walls of old city triangle with tower at front

Three of us in the tower

Sarah finally saw an Irish chicken

After exploring the tower, we wandered around Waterford; Jeannette, Tom, and I went to airport at noon but had to wait for the Hertz representative to appear and, once he did, he remembered he left his keys at home. So we waited until shortly after 1:00 to get the car which we drove back to the hotel, met up with Sarah and Allan, and had lunch at our hotel with Cravery board buffet. We then drove to Jerpoint Abbey which is a ruined Cistercian abbey, founded in the second half of the 12th century, near Thomastown, Ireland. Jerpoint is notable for its stone carvings, including one at the tomb of Felix O’Dulany, Bishop of the Diocese of Ossory. The abbey flourished until the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII. It has been declared a national monument and has been in the care of the Office of Public Works since 1880.

Inside the abbey

Another view of abbey

Tomb at the abbey

Our next stop was to Donway for Kilmogue Portal Tomb; also called the Harristown Dolmen, at 18 ft. tall, it is the tallest dolmen (a single-chamber tomb usually surrounded by three standing stones) in Ireland. Most dolmens were built around 3000 BC, and despite their being widely accepted to be burial sites there is little concrete evidence to identify them as actual tombs. Whatever the site’s true purpose, the Kilmogue tomb’s massive standing stones remain as a site that inspires awe in most visitors.

Lane to the tomb

The tomb

Irish countryside

Cathedral of Most Holy Trinity

Jeannette, Allan, and I tried to skype Savanna for her 2nd birthday but no one there so left video message. We ate dinner at Gastrpo Brew Pub called The Revolutionary. Back to the hotel for night cap and in the room at 10:15.

April 27: Had breakfast with the kids and then headed out for our eventual destination of Kinsale. I drove and Tom navigated with Sarah’s help in the back seat; rain came down on our final way to Dungarvan, a coastal town situated at the mouth of the Colligan River, but stopped by the time we arrived. We found a place for coffee which helped to warm us all up and then set out to explore the town which is comprised of many shops along which was a shopping mall where we found a couple cards. Our hope was to tour St. John’s Castle, a castle commissioned around the 12th-13th centuries by King John of England; however, we discovered it is not open until May. Got back into the car and drove to Ardmore, a seaside resort and fishing village with a population of around 330, where we had lunch in an art gallery/tea room; I had the daily soup special of vegetable soup with brown bread. The vegetable soup is not the same in Ireland as in USA; it is parried but has excellent favor. Sarah and I were on the look out for pottery so went to the Ardmore Pottery and Gallery but was disappointed. Next we drove, in the rain, to Kinsale where we plan to spend the next two nights. Found a great resting place at the Old Bank Town House for €59 and breakfast; the room, bath, and bed are huge! Found a bar for libations and, upon the recommendation of our waitress, went to Jim Edwards which is known for their sea food.

Old Bank House

Place for libations

I had small shrimp scampi with salad which was very good. After dinner, Sarah and I went to local grocery market for some purchases. Read and turned out the lights at 10:30; sadly, I got sick and am not sure if it was the food but certainly not a good night.

April 28: Went downstairs with Fosters for breakfast; what a spread! Delicious food but too much; cannot believe this was included with my room for a low rate of €59/night. We moved our car from parking area in front to free parking a few blocks from Main Street. There were a few shops open so we shopped; I found a knit cap and socks for myself. Next stop was tourist center where we got some information on Killarney, our next overnight stop, plus Rings of Kerry and Dingle Peninsula. Upon the center’s recommendation, we signed up for a bus tour of Rings of Kerry instead of driving it; we decided all will enjoy it more. Outside the center, we joined a “historical stroll” of Kinsale with Barry, an excellent local guide. During the tour, it started to rain, then would quit and then would start again (we found this quite common many of the days we were in Ireland). During the last downpour, we took refuge in The Greyhound bar. We did learn much about the town and its history including the sinking of Lusitania which got the US into World War I.

Barry, our guide

Thatched roof

Tall mast

Lunch was at the White House; good tuna sandwich and great chips! A short drive of narrow, winding road brought us to Fort Charles, a classic example of 17th century star-shaped fort. Early in the trip we purchased the heritage card for €20 which has paid off; we do not have to pay entry at any of these sites using our card. It was fun, even with rain, walking around the fort and there were two rooms of displays which helped tell the history of the fort.

Model of star-shaped fort

View of fort from upper level

Another fort view

Next we parked our car across from our lodging and walked to Desmond Castle which was build as a custom house in the c. 1500. It later, during the 1600’s war, was turned into a French prison. Today it now houses the International Museum of Wine. On our way to the Greyhound for liquid refreshments, we stopped at a local book store where I made a purchase. The Greyhound, nestled in the back lanes, is a very traditional Irish pub which steps you back in time. It was quiet, warm, and cosy and we got to talk to some locals because there were no tourists in the bar.

Desmond castle

Inside the Greyhound

Dinner found us at the Blue Haven which had an expensive menu but none of us wanted to find another place, so we settled for salad or sandwich. Back to the hotel to settle in for the evening.

April 21: Travel day to Ireland. No problems with any of the Delta flights out of Cedar Rapids or Atlanta; hooked up with the Fosters at their incoming gate in Atlanta and we killed time until our departure of direct flight to Dublin.  The flight was over 8 hours flight time.

Lunch in Atlanta airport

Harding Hotel

April 22: Arrived in Dublin at 9:30 their time. Went through Customs (much easier than USA), retrieved our luggage, grabbed a taxi which took us to the Harding Hotel; rooms were available for us to check in, and we agreed to meet in a couple hours. Settled into my room, took a shower, put on my pajamas, and took a nap. Sarah called around 1:00 and we met in the lobby. We took off walking for our first exploration of Dublin. Across the street from our hotel was Christ Church Cathedral which, like many other cathedrals in Europe, is huge. From there we walked to the Dublin Castle which was built in 1204 as a defensive fortification. It was very impressive from the outside with the Record Tower, the last intact medieval tower, not only of Dublin Castle but also of Dublin itself. It functioned as a high security prison and held native Irish hostages and priests in Tudor times. We wandered thru a lovely garden with central courtyard by the Chester Beatty Library and across from the castle. It was a beautiful, sunny day so many people were relaxing in the park atmosphere during their lunch breaks. We proceeded to the Brazen Head Inn for lunch and a Guinness. This is Ireland’s oldest inn established in 1198 and the present building was built in 1754. After a delicious lunch of Seafood Chowder, we continued on our way with the purpose of finding a place to purchase wash clothes. I remembered hotels in Europe, many times, do not have wash clothes but forgot to pack some from home. A local gal told us of a shopping area where there was a Penney’s which we found thanks to Tom’s navigation skills plus having a map. Purchased three wash clothes for €2 and continued on our way.  We walked the Temple Bar district and stumbled upon the Norseman Bar so went inside for a beer; I had O’Hara Stout which was quite good. We walked back to the hotel, relaxed in our rooms, went to bar for drink while waiting for Allan and Jeannette. They came and we went to a fish/chip place which was around the corner from our hotel and is considered the oldest fish and chip establishment in Dublin. Ate our dinner on a bench outside a church. We wandered around, got another drink, and went to the hotel to crush with the three of us very tired.

Christ Church Cathedral

Fosters in front of Dublin Castle

Record Tower

Lunch at Brazen Head

April 23: Met Fosters at 8:00; we had breakfast in the restaurant associated with the hotel. It was a beautiful, clear, sunny day so we walked to the Guinness Storehouse. Once there, we started on the self guided tour of the brewing process along with how they made wood barrels, their advertising, had a sample room where they showed the proper way to drink the beer while getting the full bodied taste from it, we learned the correct way how to pour your own using the six-step method…the pour master gave each of us a free pint of beer which we took to the Gravity Bar, the high point of the storehouse which provides a 360 view of Dublin and beyond. We ate lunch at Gilroy’s Restaurant on the 5th level; I had beef and Guinness stew which was excellent. Before leaving the storehouse, we all made purchases at the gift shop.

Guinness levels enclosed in glass shaped as mug

Learning proper pouring technique

Fantastic view and free Guinness

From there, we walked to Kilmainham Gaol which opened in 1796 and served as both a jail and debtors prison. In reality, this jail was actually used by the British as a political prison. Many who fought for Irish independence were held or executed here. Kilmainham was finally shutdown on July 16, 1924. It was an interesting place and the tour guide provided an excellent overview of its history.  We walked to the National Museum of Arts to look in their gift shop.

Hallway of the gaol

Outside the gaol

In front of National Museum of Art

On Saturday we will leave Dublin by train and, because the train station was near, we walked to the Heuston Station where we inquired about the departure schedule; we will leave on the 10:15. Next destination was heading toward our hotel. Ended up at the Brazen Head for liquid refreshment while waiting for a call from Allan. When I did talk to him, it was decided he would not come into the downtown area so we ordered our evening meal at the Brazen Head. After eating, we returned to our hotel and went our separate ways; time around 8:45.

April 24: Had breakfast at Beshoff Brothers on our way to Trinity College; had the mini Irish breakfast which was quite good except the sausage which had an unusual flavor. Before entering the college, we found a great gift shop where I purchased a couple items. And then we entered into Trinity, a place established by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592 for the purpose of establishing the Protestant way. We were interested in seeing the Book of Kells but the line was so long that we did not want to spend our morning standing in line. So we walked about the area which is 47 acres of grounds.

Trinity College entrance

We were there but line too long

Lawn sculpture

Fosters with skeleton of giant Irish deer

Green square at the college

Once we left the college, we headed for the O’Connell Bridge and O’Connell Street on the other side of the river. We took the O ‘Connell Street stroll recommended by Rick Steves. The street is a 45-yard-wide promenade with lots of history so there are lots of statues and monuments. At the base of the street is a statue of Daniel O’Connell who was “The Liberator” for founding the Catholic Church and demanding Irish Catholics rights in the British Parliament. Others points of interest was Millennium Spire, General Post Office where the Easter Uprising began in 1916, Moore Street market, Garden of Remembrance, Charles Stewart Parnell monument…Parnell was a visionary of a modern, free Irish country made up of Catholics but not set up as a religious state, and Dublins’ Writers Museum. We ate lunch at Parnell Street Bar and Grill where they had a delicious vegetable wrap on their menu.

Lunch vehicle on O’Connell Street

Irish Republic celebration outside post office

Ready to hear speakers

Garden of Remembrance

Next we walked to St. Michener Church which has a crypt of mummies; guide made the tour quite interesting. Jameson Distrillery for another tour which detailed the whiskey making process and had a tasting at the end.

St. Michener Church

Down to the crypts

Entrance to Jameson’s

Distillery cat

Whiskey sampling

By this time, it was 6:00; Allan called and we decided to meet him at the Brazen Head. After a drink, we went to the Porter House for dinner. There was a 45 minute wait but it went quite quickly. We then walked to the Harp Bridge which was quite impressive even in the rain. Allan then lead us to the Beer Dock, a bar where we had a drink while drying off. On our way back to the hotel, I discovered I left my rain coat at the bar so we said good night to Allan and headed back for it which meant, by the time we retrieved my coat and got back to the hotel, it was 11:30 and time for bed.

Band playing Irish tunes

Allan and I

Harp Bridge