Day 20 Howth and Dublin

---

It is light until 10pm, so the previous evening we wandered slowly in the pleasant evening air, snapping a photo here and there, and finding ourselves drawn, again, to the Fisherman’s Harbour, exploring an area we had not set foot upon previously. There is just something about the sea, a harbour, a town backdrop, the boats and the buildings associated with such scenes. We were virtually the only ones wandering about while others, not many, were enjoying a drink or food at the various eateries that remained open. All was calm so the reflections of the lights and boats onto the water was just beautiful. We sat on the edge of the northern sea wall gazing out to sea where an overhang of deep bluish cloud formed a backdrop. We commented on where we were, how fortunate we were (are) and to ‘soak-it-all-in’.

Hence, it was late to bed. I awoke with a severe headache which resulted in me staying behind in Howth while Jane went into Dublin city via bus. I’d say that Jane would have found the time alone refreshing as she had two aims to achieve whilst in Dublin, to see the Book of Kells, a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure and Trinity College Library which serves Trinity College and the University of Dublin. It is the largest library in Ireland and began in 1592. I recovered and wandered Howth, remaining ‘strong’ and not falling to the temptations on offer of ice cream and cakes galore. The weather was still superb.

Jane returned with her enjoyable experiences of achieving her goals plus more. Jane was impressed by the remarkable condition of the Book of Kells. An ancient book of an ancient land. It is over 1000 years old and was written when Ireland’s population was less than half a million was living in fortified homesteads along the coast. Jane was taken aback at the age of the manuscripts and huge amount of old books forming the historical and research archives in the Trinity College Library. The main chamber of the ‘Old Library’ is 65m in length with barrel-vaulted ceilings and gallery bookcases. There are numerous marble busts placed down either side of the room. Once, having only fleetingly satisfied her appetite in the library, Jane walked and enjoyed the Merrion Gardens and St. Stephens Green as well as admiring the beautiful Georgian houses. From there it was onto a ‘hop-on-hop-off’ bus to view various sites amongst them being the largest park in Europe, Phoenix Park. I was extremely envious of not having shared this day.

---