Ha'Penny Bridge, Dublin. © D. Hughes Our first day in Ireland included a tour of Dublin, with a visit to the Old Library and the Book of Kells at Trinity College, followed by dinner and a stroll through the Temple Bar District.
The Book of Kells is an amazing exhibit that includes the four gospels, hand-scribed in Latin with intricate and painstaking detail by Celtic monks circa 506. I would love to show you photos of them, but photography is strictly prohibited.
One of my favorite places on the planet is the Long Room, the upper chamber of the building that houses the Book of Kells. The Long Room is the Old Library at Trinity College. Built in the 1700s, it houses 200,000 of the library's oldest books, and its halls are lined with busts of great philosophers, including Socrates, Swift and Milton. For book lovers, the sight of the room -- and the smell of it! -- is heavenly. Again, I'd love to show you the stunning view of the spacious room, its sides lined with stacks of books ceiling high, but photography is not allowed. Google "Long Room," and you'll see what I mean.
Our next stop was Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a historic Anglican church in the heart of Dublin. The vast sanctuary has alcoves and hallways that seem to go on forever, each with interesting icons and visual treasures. I've shared one image here looking down a hallway of the main sanctuary. Built to honor Ireland's patron saint, parts of the structure date to 1220. It is a beautiful and sacred place that I feel blessed to have visited.
And it wouldn't be a trip to Dublin without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where several of our group earned their certificates for learning to pour the perfect pint. I've included a photo of Michael about to enjoy the pint he poured himself.
Dinner at Gallagher's Boxty House included traditional Irish dishes and a round of cider, ginger beer, Guinness and other beverages. Our group of seven was missing one (Leslie) due to a delayed flight, so our team of intrepid travelers included me, Michael, Emily and Amy (sisters), Al and Virginia (husband and wife), Daniel and Susan.
After dinner, a few of us strolled around Dublin's Temple Bar area, taking photos and enjoying the last rays of sun and the city lights casting reflections on the Liffey. (Shown above.)
Today, we drove from Dublin to Glendalough, where we hiked the hills around the monastic ruins. Later, I'll try to include a mention of St. Kevin, a prominent character in the story of these grounds. A very peaceful place to walk and enjoy the ruins and the great outdoors.
Tonight, we sleep in Cashel. Tomorrow we visit the "Rock" and then take a bike ride in Killarney. Next we spend two days in Kenmare for sea kayaking and hiking. Lots of fun and adventures to come!
Click photos in gallery for larger view. All photos © Diane Hughes.
The Book of Kells is an amazing exhibit that includes the four gospels, hand-scribed in Latin with intricate and painstaking detail by Celtic monks circa 506. I would love to show you photos of them, but photography is strictly prohibited.
One of my favorite places on the planet is the Long Room, the upper chamber of the building that houses the Book of Kells. The Long Room is the Old Library at Trinity College. Built in the 1700s, it houses 200,000 of the library's oldest books, and its halls are lined with busts of great philosophers, including Socrates, Swift and Milton. For book lovers, the sight of the room -- and the smell of it! -- is heavenly. Again, I'd love to show you the stunning view of the spacious room, its sides lined with stacks of books ceiling high, but photography is not allowed. Google "Long Room," and you'll see what I mean.
Our next stop was Saint Patrick's Cathedral, a historic Anglican church in the heart of Dublin. The vast sanctuary has alcoves and hallways that seem to go on forever, each with interesting icons and visual treasures. I've shared one image here looking down a hallway of the main sanctuary. Built to honor Ireland's patron saint, parts of the structure date to 1220. It is a beautiful and sacred place that I feel blessed to have visited.
And it wouldn't be a trip to Dublin without a visit to the Guinness Storehouse, where several of our group earned their certificates for learning to pour the perfect pint. I've included a photo of Michael about to enjoy the pint he poured himself.
Dinner at Gallagher's Boxty House included traditional Irish dishes and a round of cider, ginger beer, Guinness and other beverages. Our group of seven was missing one (Leslie) due to a delayed flight, so our team of intrepid travelers included me, Michael, Emily and Amy (sisters), Al and Virginia (husband and wife), Daniel and Susan.
After dinner, a few of us strolled around Dublin's Temple Bar area, taking photos and enjoying the last rays of sun and the city lights casting reflections on the Liffey. (Shown above.)
Today, we drove from Dublin to Glendalough, where we hiked the hills around the monastic ruins. Later, I'll try to include a mention of St. Kevin, a prominent character in the story of these grounds. A very peaceful place to walk and enjoy the ruins and the great outdoors.
Tonight, we sleep in Cashel. Tomorrow we visit the "Rock" and then take a bike ride in Killarney. Next we spend two days in Kenmare for sea kayaking and hiking. Lots of fun and adventures to come!
Click photos in gallery for larger view. All photos © Diane Hughes.
