Compared to our recent European destinations, downtown Dublin is just a bit rough around the edges, but full of interesting things, nonetheless. We spent a week in an Airbnb along the river about a 20 minute walk from downtown and spent a lot of time walking and exploring the area and visiting attractions.
Over that time we learned a lot about Ireland, from the stone age through present day. This included Viking raids, English domination for 800 years, famines, migrations, uprisings, suppressions and eventual independence (well, for most of Ireland) in 1922. We also ate some great fish and chips, and caught a bit of Irish music and dancing. Guiness looms large in Dublin, and Irish dairy is really good. Get some Kerry Gold Irish butter (for sale in many US stores) and try for yourself!
We were able to attend church in Dublin, and it was nice to understand everything in English.
Trinity College and the Book of Kells
Trinity College (established in 1592) houses a huge library including the Book of Kells, a magnificently illustrated bible (just the Gospels) from around 800 AD. No photos allowed of the actual book but here is a link to the digital version.
Kilmainham Gaol
This is a prison that first opened in 1796 and was updated and expanded over the years until being closed in 1924. Restoration began in 1960. Now it is a museum honoring Irish rebellions seeking liberty from the English. There are original cells, up through the last cells built. Signs and artifacts chronicle anti-English uprising, and the famous prisoners who spent time there and were executed there.
The EPIC museum describes the many migrations from Ireland to various parts of the word. Lots of hands on displays and video, but not much to photograph…
The National Museum of Archaeology
Artifacts from the Stone Age, through the Middle Ages. Treasure hoards and various artifacts recovered from bogs, including a few human remains, well preserved by the properties of the bogs (no photos, too creepy).
Christ Church Cathedral
This has been the center of Dublin for more than 1000 years, first as a Viking Church. A sprawling complex, many parts of which are original.
We did go to the Church Cafe to eat and to listen to some Irish music (check) and tried to watch some Irish dancing , which looked like this:
So maybe we will see some dancing elsewhere….
Next up, we rent a car and spend some time on the Western and Southern coasts. Cliffs, clouds, wind and rains in the forecast!
Leave a Reply