Day 2 Dublin

Back into town after a 'Hard Day's Night.' Beautiful warm sunny . Walking through Grafton Street, swarming with people singing, bands playing, entertainers etc. A cup of coffee down by the River Liffey. Meet Trish and Declan in O'Connell Street. Declan our own personal guide, historian and comedian. Fact; 1)did you know The O'Connell street bridge is wider than it is long! 2)The Spire of Dublin which is 121 mtr tall, and made of stainless steel replaced the Nelson's Pillar after the IRA blew it up in the 1960's. 3) Duibhlinn comes from two words meaning black pool. 4) The gaelic word for Dublin is Baile Atha Cliath. 5) Founded as a Viking settlement over 1000 years ago.

The entertaining Michael and Mary O'Neill from Cork

Off to the world famous Temple Bar region of Dublin on the banks of the Liffey, south side. Lunch at the Temple Bar Pub. Fact; also the birth place of Australia's own Anne Wright (formerly Horan) The better half of husband Greg! the well know leader of the Irish band The Liberties.

No 47 Temple Bar Anne Wrights birthplace

Purchased a two day Hop On Hop Off bus ticket. Good value. The bus driver should have been on the stage not driving a bus. Hilarious. He was turning out of a tight parking spot when the passengers felt he was going to hit he bus in front. One of the passengers cried out ' You are going to crash' the driver said I knew that, don't panic my driving test is tomorrow.

Guinness Tour

Arthur Guinness purchased this land for 100 pounds in 1759 and took out a 9000 yr lease for 35 pounds per year (55 Euro) Not a bad deal

We met my cousin Maeve at Trinity College ( founded by Queen Elizabeth I in 1592) who lectures at the college. Boy what a magnificent college. The grounds and building are spectacular, right in the heart of Dublin. It is also the home of the Book of Kells, an illustrated manuscript of the four gospels created by the monks in 800 AD.

     

Out for tea with Maeve, magnificent food, thank you Maeve. Catch the tram back to Milltown the streets are alive with the young night revellers, the sight of 5 young vibrant lady's trying to occupy a two seater Rickshaw bicycle after a big night on the town was very entertaining.