Today is Dublin. Pat, Joanna, and we caught a cab into city center. This is a relatively new bridge in Dublin. It is designed in the shape of a harp -- an Irish national symbol.
One of the new Dublin buildings built during the economic boom of the early 2000's. At least one of the buildings is still sitting as a shell after the economic bust of 2008.
Our driver was a talkative Irishman and was very free with his information and opinions (he hates the English to this day for their mistreatment of his fellow countrymen....and hopes Scotland votes to separate from England). He dropped us at the entrance to Trinity College.
Trinity was founded in 1594 by Queen Elizabeth I.
Among other things, Trinity is famous as the holder of The Book of Kells, a hand-written, illustrated copy of the four Christian Gospels. This laborious project was completed by a small community of monks during the 9th century. Regretfully, no pictures were allowed.
Waiting in line, we find another object that is supposedly in the top 10 things to see in Dublin. We are still not sure what it is but it makes a nice picture.
The library at Trinity College, known as the "Long Room" is amazing in its size and number of volumes.
This statement was in one of the Trinity windows. It is in relation to the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of WW I.
When we exited the Book of Kells, we noted that the queue had doubled!
I visited Ireland about 30 years ago on a short term work assignment. I remembered buying a text book in this store back then.
The polished brass at various doorsteps was sparkling!!!
Various snapshots around Dublin.....
Be sure to read the inscription
The following two pictures depict the largest Anglican Church in Dublin. It covered two city blocks
The following 7 pictures depict St. Patrick's, the most famous church in Dublin. We had been here some years ago....and didn't remember the important fact that this church is NOT Roman Catholic, but since the Reformation, it has belonged to the Church of Ireland, the Anglican Church.
Anyone who has a loved one who died in WWI is invited to leave a prayer on this "tree"
The flags pictured below were all carried during the "great" war, WWI.....the flags are muddy and bloody....a grim reminder.
The "famous" St. Patrick's is minuscule compared to the "other" Anglican church.
A few more shots of Dublin City as we make our way to Templar Bar, the (in)famous pub section of town.
Checking out many pubs, we settle on Gogarty's
The owner and friend, frequent visitor, James Joyce, in bronze.
Some good Irish music, soup, and beer.
We have left Templar Bar and now on Grafton Street, THE street for expensive shopping
Never heard of this store.....
But this guy in his formal attire is some brilliant marketing!!! He is greeting each female with a bow and an invite to enter.....gushing with stories of the Christmas section, the jewelry area, etc, etc, etc
Four floors of decadent, expensive luxury....and unusual designs.
Apparently, it's not just the English who like the hats!
Certain that you may not remember my description about the tea service back in Dingle at the Pax House. I was quite "taken" with the little bird who served the tea leaves....I described it and "of course, they have it!" For $150.....Thanks, but no thanks. Good bye from Dublin!
