Blogs from Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, Europe - page 94

Our long weekend in Dublin was a lot of fun. We arrived late Thursday night after a rather harrowing flight through high winds and driving rain. We met Kevin at the airport and he led us to his house in Clane, about forty-five minutes from the city center. Being so late we had time for a nightcap and then it was off to bed. Friday morning we awoke early and headed to the Wicklow Mountains to see the Glendalough Valley. It was here that in the sixth century a vision inspired St. Kevin to give up his life of isolation and to build a monastery. He chose one of the most spectacular valleys in Ireland, Glendalough valley, which means glen of two lakes. We drove some very scenic roads to get there and once there ... read more

Friday 14 March 2008 After rising above the drizzly clouds of London we flew briefly in sunshine before ducking under the clouds in preparation for landing in Dublin. As we descended the rolling green hills of Ireland came into view. It was a strange feeling for Barbara. She had never been to Ireland before but somehow arriving there felt like coming home ... but not quite? Her family left this country half a century ago to seek a new life in Australia. Barbara had not only come to Ireland to enjoy its lovely countryside and party for St Paddy’s Day but also to learn about her roots and to meet the extended family she had only recently learned about. The prospect of this discovery was quite touching for her. Barbara was nervous but very excited. Michael ... read more

Today was yet another beautiful day in Dublin as we headed to the south side of the city centre. Found a central car park and headed off for a tour of the religious beauty of Dublin. First stop was the Book of Kells in Trinity College. The college grounds were everything you would think an old world university would be and being in the middle of it, it is very easy to imagine the historic figures who graduated from the famed college walking around the same cobbled grounds we were walking. Taking the tour of the Book of Kells was fascinating but as a book lover, I think the most awe-inspiring site was the Long Room in the floor above where the Book of Kells is displayed. The Long Room is an amazing library that boggles ... read more

It is an incredibly beautiful day as we walk out of the hotel. The entrance to the hotel faces the mountain side, so the first thing we see when we walk out the door is a clear sky and the sun not far above the mountain range. It is going to be a fantastic day. We head to the city centre to find a place to park for the day and then head to O'Connell street for the parade. We're early, so we stop off at a quaint coffee shop (one of the few places open) and eat a quick bite before continuing on. We get to O'Connell and it is packed and there is green EVERYWHERE. Everyone is excited and trying to find a good place to watch from. People are looking everywhere even climbing ... read more

After some much-needed rest, we hopped back in the car to give the Irish roads a try yet again. Only a few mistakes and then parked in an alleyway near the city centre. The first major street that we came across was Mary Street which was basically an outdoor mall. Each side of the street is lined with clothing stores and tourist shops - Marisa was in her element. There were no cars allowed on the street, so we had full run of the area (nice way to start the night). We walked until we came to O' Connell Street which is a major (though short) street that bisects the northern and southern part of the city centre. BTW, the north and south sections of the Dublin city centre are separated by the River Liffey. O'Connell ... read more