Dublin – The Roaming Roths

DoDublin Tour

Today was a bit rainy in Dublin so we opted to try the bus tour (DoDublin) of Dublin today. I am thankful we did so because the driver really gives so much of the historical context behind the city. Our tour ranged from the famous block of Georgian homes that once housed Oscar Wilde, to portions of the city once completely under water, to the expanse of Phoenix Park, to cathedrals, to the new homes of Google, Amazon and Facebook. From the slums to areas of royalty. Several hours and 31 stops later we realize there is so much to Dublin that warrants a longer visit next time! I would label all of these and give more details, but there is little down time. If you want info on a particular picture just ask!

We also were able to cheer on all the swimmers in the 100th Liffey Swim! Quite chilly to be in these waters but thousands swim this tidal river every year. The water quality was tested yesterday and considered to not be of the best quality bacteria wise. I won’t mention the things floating in the water. I imagine the hospitals to be quite busy tomorrow! But kudos to these troopers!

We absolute loved Dublin but are excited to start our journey tonight to Northern Ireland/UK and begin seeing the countryside!

Dublin Nights

It doesn’t get completely dark here until almost 10 pm which gives ample time to explore the city. We finally grabbed our first real Irish fare and I had my first Irish Guinness at Madigan’s. I know, I know, it’s cliche, but when in Rome…or Dublin.

We visited the Garden of Remembrance, designed by Daithí Hanly and dedicated to the memory of all those who gave their lives in the cause of Irish Freedom.

Just a quick note, people here walk like they drive. To be left of oncoming traffic. I do not. I have walked into more people than I can count while gaping up at the architecture here. You can walk for hours and see the most amazing design and mix of color on buildings throughout the city. I am especially addicted to the window flower boxes and unique lamp posts that are scattered everywhere.

The streets have come alive tonight with live music all over the streets and pouring out of the bars. The people here are so incredibly friendly which works well for this extrovert! We’re signing off to go enjoy the rest of our night!

Center City Dublin

We made it to Dublin! I have to say, I fell in love as soon as the plane turned into the sunrise to land at the airport. The view was amazing.

After a 7 hour flight, the kids have retracted their requests to fly to Australia next summer. Our bodies felt it was 2:40 am when we landed yet the city was just coming alive here. We had been up for almost 24 hours and since we couldn’t check in for another 6 hours, we heading out on foot to site see as if we had slept all night. Our appearance probably said otherwise.

It was a smart move to NOT have my first driving experience in downtown Dublin. Plus the cab driver was entertaining and a wealth of info.

We picked up a few interesting facts during the car ride. Beyond agriculture, Ireland is the European center for IT and Pharma. Cops in Dublin do not carry guns. Street signs are not on the lights, they are on plaques on building walls which is a little challenging when you are trying to navigate.

We had prepaid for the Hop-On Hop Off Bus but the weather was perfect so we opted to tour on foot. You can cover a lot of Dublin’s biggest attractions easily in walking distance.

We stopped by Trinity College and the Book of Kells exhibition. The Book of Kells is a 9th century manuscript that documents the four Gospels of the life of Jesus Christ. The Book of Kells is Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure and the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. The Exhibition provides access to the Long Room that houses 200,000 of Trinity College’s oldest books.

We hit the Dublin Castle and the Christ Church Cathedral. These make my kids look so tiny. Actually most of these buildings do. These places are incredible and likely the least of what we are about to see as we move across the country!

Of course it couldn’t be too early in the morning to hit Temple Bar right? Ok, so maybe 9 am was a little early for a drink. We did take a walk through the cobblestone streets and will swing back through when it’s bustling with live music later.

We do look like complete tourists, but the city is flooded with them so I guess technically we fit in. For now, we are wiped out and sneaking a mini nap to fuel up for tonight and tomorrow. Tomorrow we are tackling St Patrick’s Cathedral, the Guinness Storehouse and Jameson Distillery and whatever else our feet may find. From there we will head for our rental car and take off towards Belfast!