Ireland, Day 3, 1/2/09

Another amazing day in Dublin, albeit being our last day here till Jan 6th.  This city is a perfect combo of history and modernity.  Today, we caught the bus to St. Patrick's Cathedral.  It's a lovely old church, reminding me of several churches I saw in Rome.  However, there was a distinct Irish feel, and lining the alter were Suites of Armor Heads on like pikes.  It was really cool.  The stained glass was beautiful, and even though it was locked off, there was an old stone spiral staircase leading up to the bell tower that I was dying to climb!  After we explored the Cathedral, we stepped out onto the grounds, which were amazingly green, which is what Ireland is famous for.  There were also flower in bloom in the supposed spot where St. Patrick used to bless and baptize people, which was really amazing.  

We then walked down the road to high street, the highest street in Dublin, to take pics of Christ Church cathedral. Then, we made our was to Dublin Castle, which is really funny because the only part that is a castle is this one tower.   We then made our way to St. Stephen's Green, which is a BEAUTIFUL park in the center of Dublin.  It was so green and pretty, and had tons of fountains.  Also, I saw the cutest children here ever...there are so many red heads!! Also, old Irish grandpas are the best because they were all over the place playing with their grandkids...so darn cute!  After we explored the park, we made our was to the statue of Molly Malone, who is known as the tart with the cart, the fish with the dish and the trollop with the scallop.  awesome. 

We walked up Merrion Street Upper, which has all these awesome Georgian houses with different colored doors till we reached Merrion Square, which is a park devoted to Oscar Wilde.  We met an older irish man there who told us a bit about Oscar Wilde's history in dublin.  I loved Ireland mostly because people all the time just walked right up to you to chat.  It's so different from here.  

Heading back towards the hostel, we passed the American College of Dublin, located in Oscar Wilde's childhood home, and walked the grounds of Trinity College, the oldest in Dublin, which was build in 1592 by Elizabeth I.  We had to wait till the sixth to see the Book of Kells, but that was totally ok. From here, I went to the National Library to visit the genealogy dept to see if I could find my father.  However, I was directed to the archives, so after grabbing lunch at this chic bagel place on Nassau St, I was off to do more research.  The archives were on Abbey Street, near the famous theater!  However, I wasn't able to find anything conclusive on my Father...oh well.  Walking back, I got some great pics of the Sunset!

We decided to stay in that night, instead opting to just do a traditional irish dinner at the Oliver St. John pub in Temple Bar.  I tried this green stew stuff and had guinness while listening to traditional irish music.  It was really great!  We found out that Paula, Em, Bron, and Jesi all call New Years: New Year, and determined that we were on Holiday, not vacation...ah I love British/Australian english :).  

Here's my favorite Emily quote:

"So we went to Dublin Castle today and took a tour.  Apparently, a lot of people in Ireland died fighting for independence...from England.  So Paula and I tried not to talk."

I'll miss Dublin, and our roommates, but I'm so ready for Cork!!