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Published: July 18th 2017
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Geo: 53.3441, -6.26749
Day 2 in Dublin was again busy. We started off early this morning, after breakfast at the hostel,to see more of the sites. Merrion Square was our first destination. It's another park in Dublin which contains the National Memorial to members of the Defense Forces. Inside the monument is an eternal flame burning. The park was quite green, flower beds have been readied but the weather still too cold for planting.
We covered a lot of ground on foot today to see all that we wanted to view. They weren't spaced far enough to have to catch a bus but quite a hike apart. We moved on to the Dublin Castle. They didn't allow anyone inside. It appeared they were getting ready for the queen's arrival. One whole side of the castle had temporary enclosures with all kinds of tv equipment behind it. It's only used for conferences, official government business and state dinners. The queen had dinner there last night. Our next stop was St. Patrick's Cathedral. They also have a large garden area surrounding it. You'll miss seeing the inside of this church since photography is not allowed inside but we will show you the outside. It
National Memorial to Defense Forces
Eternal Flame Honoring members of the defense forces was built on the site where St. Patrick baptized local pagan converts but after the Reformation it passed into the hands of the Anglican Church.
Of course with all the walking refreshments of hot tea and Americano coffee were needed.
We decided to return to the hostel for lunch and some down time.
Later in the afternoon we returned to the Temple Bar area. In our travels down the streets we were able to catch a glimpse of the queen's motorcade across the river. They really have security everywhere even on the rooftops of the buildings and helicopters hovering overhead.
We walked the streets of Temple Bar seeking a restaurant recommended in one of the tour books for authentic Irish food. We luckily located O'Shea's. Our selections were Irish Stew and Guinness Beef Casserole. During dinner we were treated to traditional Irish music. The atmosphere and music were very good.
As we continued to walk the streets of Temple Bar area we were drawn into some of the pubs to continue listening to lively music. As you walk past them the sound of the music and crowds draw you inside to enjoy the experience. The ones that appeared to be
Dublin Trademark
Georgian houses decorated with elegant doors most popular and had well seasoned entertainers were Quay's, Temple Bar, and Oliver St. John Gogarty. Even with many of the soccer fans gone the pubs are still very crowded with standing room only. It's even difficult to walk through them. I had a delicious Bailey's Irish Coffee and Richie experimented with a new beer called Smithwick. He liked it better than the Guinness.
We've noticed that the local people are very eager to assist tourists. If they see you looking at a map they walk up to you and offer assistance. These conversations usually turn to other topics and give you a better insight into Irish interests and views. Even at the hostel it's easy to strike up conversations with people. We spent much of last night in conversation with student from California who is here studying abroad. Before any of us knew it was after midnight.
Our adventures tomorrow will put us on the road to Cork which is southeast of Dublin.
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Kathy Nichols
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Just wow!! Sounds like you're having a great time, and the pics are beautiful. Hey, maybe you'll get to meet the Queen since you keep running into her. All is good here.