Chicago/Dublin
The clocks moved forward 6 hours, the lights were turned on … it was time to wake up (for some of us). We had a little breakfast on the plane and arrived in Dublin at 7:45 AM (30 minutes early). First we went through immigrations; they took a good look at each of us and let us through. We got our luggage and walked through the “Green Channel” to Ireland.
Dublin Airport |
Tired travelers |
We
met our driver/guide Michael outside of customs. We walked to the
parking structure where he was allowed to park. Our luggage was
loaded on the comfortable Mercedes Benz coach and we were on our way.
The day started with a sightseeing tour of Dublin.
The day started with a sightseeing tour of Dublin.
Dublin is the capital and most populous city of Ireland. The English name for the city is derived from the Irish name Dubhlinn, meaning "black pool". WikipediaPopulation: 1,045,769 (2011)
We picked up our local guide—Kathleen and one couple at the hotel. Then we made our first stop at Trinity College to see the Book of Kells in the Old Library. The manuscript, written in the 8th century by Irish Monks, contains the four gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.Area: 44.4 sq miles (115 km²)Weather: 37°F (3°C), Wind N at 4 mph (6 km/h), 93% Humidity
Known as one of Ireland's national treasures, the Book of Kells is a sacred and important historical text dating from around 800 A.D., making it one of the oldest books in the world.The Book of Kells is an illuminated manuscript created by Celtic monks that depicts the 4 gospels of the New Testament as well as other texts. Written in Latin, the book has been translated and found to have a few mistakes. But these are overlooked as the manuscript was made to serve a more decorative and ceremonial purpose than one of utility. In fact, it is its illuminations (illustrations) that make the Book of Kells so remarkable. Vibrant colors and intricate patterns enhance the traditional Christian iconography and Celtic knots adorn images of humans and mythical creatures that are featured in the text. No other manuscript of its kind boasts such fine craftsmanship and attention to detail.
illustrations fitting into pages 4" x 5" size books, extremely intricate.
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Trinity College Dublin Old Library |
This library was incredible filled with books from floor to ceiling. I think this was called the LONG room |
Trinity College Dublin (TCD) is recognized internationally as Irelands premier university and as one of the world's leading research-intensive universities. Founded in 1592 on the general pattern of the ancient colleges at Oxford and Cambridge, it is the oldest university in Ireland and one of the older universities of Western Europe.
public area |
All of the grounds are set in this stone |
Add caption |
The next stop was a tour of the Old Jameson Distillery. It was a walk through the story of John Jameson and Son and how three simple ingredients- water, barley and yeast are used to make Irish whiskey. The tour of the distillery ended with a taste testing; 6 volunteers (Jim was one of them) compared 3 whiskeys. The conclusion was Jameson was clearly the best and one of the samples tasted like turpentine! Jim received a certificate for being a volunteer.
Our last stop was the lush Phoenix Park. The largest park in Dublin (3 NewYork Central Parks put together.0 We toured the park by bus as it was so large but very green. We stopped for coffee and lunch strolled among the gardens of vegetables flowers and herbs used and grown by the restaurant.We enjoyed a wonderful spinach quiche with potatos covered in a greenish sause and chopped carrots--Very tasty!We were all so tired and couldn't wait to get settled in.
Fresh Garden with herbs, vegetable...etc |
Outside eating |
Kitchen area |
WHO is that guy? |
That is one big bicycle! |
After dinner get some sleep because breakfast is at 8am, our luggage has to be outside our rooms for pick-up. and we leave at 9am for Belfast.
(photo)
NOTE: Learned that in Dublin addresses are systematically numbered with an even or odd number. Lowest numbers is closest to the river higher are further away, odd is north, even is south or something like that All roads lead to the Liffey river and away. (see map above_
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