Dublin - Day 2 - The Walking Day - August 11

As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Well, we did it right. 8 am found us eating eggs, sausage, bacon, yogurt, fresh and dried fruit, croissants, toast, tea, and coffee at Truman's - very energizing and a great way to start the day.

We were off to Merrion Square - up Kildare, across Merrion Row, and down Merrion Street Upper. This square is green - incredible trees, lush grass, blooming flowers, sculptures, and quiet. What a great escape! We also found this statue of Oscar Wilde in the northwest corner and his home just across the street. We had visited his gravesite in Paris a few years ago.

Next, back to Trinity College and a visit to the Book of Kells. This truly amazing exhibit was well-worth the price of admission. The Book of Kells contains an incredibly decorated and drawn copy, in Latin, of the four gospels produced in the 9th century. The exhibit is well-designed and the displays were fantastic. Leaving the downstairs exhibit room and heading upstairs led us to the Long Room, 65 meters long and full of old books. The room held a "touring" Napoleon exhibit with the "Code Civil des Francais", the Rosetta Stone, and the oldest irish harp made of willow and with 29 strings. An extra benefit beyond the normal Book of Kells exhibit.

Now, we know you would have been disappointed if we didn't include a few doors of Dublin. Simply print these and you won't have to buy the poster or calendar. The doors are of every color and design.

We took these four photos within 50 feet on Merrion Street Upper.

We won't bore you with any more, but when you visit Dublin - we promise you that you will never run out of colorful doors!

We walked along the Liffey River and enjoyed the sunny, yes sunny, day. The streets were crowded and the air crisp - great combination and extra energy. We headed back down Dame Street and stopped at the Dublin Castle.

Not much of a castle now, but there was special "sandcastle" exhibit in the upper courtyard. Some amazing examples from one artist characterizing earth elements. The hands symbolized air - there were also displays of water, fire, etc.

Then back down Dame Street, to Lord Edward, and the Christchurch as we made our way to the Guinness Storehouse.
Guinness is celebrating their 250th year and they must have held the celebration just for us. We really enjoyed the brewery tour and took special pride as we each poured our own Guinness Stout. There is a technique, you know, and we have the certificate to prove it. Oh yeah, you also get to drink it - quite a reward.

A return walk gave us the chance to fully immerse ourselves in the culture. Back streets, brief conversations, and full respect made the afternoon walk worthwhile. A return to the hotel and a chance to get ready for the evening festivities.

We went back to the Temple Bar district and had dinner at Gallagher's Boxty House. A delicious lamb boxty, gaelic boxty, irish bread, and colcannon - washed down with a Murphy's made for a great dinner.

Shared a table with two French women and two French men. Made sure they knew what to say and do.

Next, time for some Irish music (accompanied by a pub crawl). First stop - Oliver St. John Gogerty - great five piece group singing traditional Irish music - enjoyed some cold Kilkenny. Off to O'Neill's - OK duo - enjoyed some Bulmers Cider. Headed out Merrion Row and ended the night at O'Donnahoe's - great Irish music (bought a CD) - shots of Tullamore Dew and plenty of Guinness - closed the Pub.



The walking day is now over - we walked almost 10 miles today - fitness rules! Goodnight.