We stopped in Athelone on our way to Dublin, only to discover that Athelone castle was still closed. The construction was supposed to be completed in the summer, so I didn't even think to check it. Trip planning fail on my part! I wish we would have had time to go to Clonmacnoise instead, but we wouldn't have had enough time with the car rental due at 3. Oh well.
Once in Dublin, we stopped to put petrol in the car (for the first time the whole trip!) and also to have a late lunch at McD's. The only different thing on their menu was twirly (aka curly) fries and a Smarties (like M&Ms) McFlurry.
We dropped our car off at the airport, and then took the AirLink shuttle into the city. Adam was quite excited to say "seeya" to that car.
We could have kept the rental for our time in Dublin, but we didn't think it was worth the extra expense and we only would have used it to drive to the airport to leave. I'm glad we chose this route because driving in Dublin City would have been stressful.
Our hotel was one of the first stops on the shuttle bus, on the north side of the Liffey, right off O'Connell Street. We relaxed in our room for a few hours while I read and Adam watched the Irish football league final game that was taking place not too far away!
We soon found that out when we ventured out for dinner and then a pub. Everywhere was packed! And it was a Sunday night! I was fascinated by the Garda (Police) everywhere.
We also walked along the Liffey to see the Custom House.
On Monday, our only full day in Dublin, we woke up to a miserable rainy day. The tourist information center on O'Connell Street didn't open until 9, so we were able to sleep in a bit. Then at 9, we went there and bought our 1-Day Dublin Pass and Hop-On Hop-Off Bus tickets. Since we only had one day to see everything, and it was pouring, the HOHO bus was essential. It runs in a circuit starting on O'Connell Street, so its route determined our order of tourist stops.
First, we went to Trinity College to see The Book of Kells at the Trinity Library. This was the only attraction not included on our Dublin Pass. This famous illuminated manuscript of the Gospels was created from the 6th to the 9th Centuries in monasteries around Ireland, Scotland and England. It is incredibly ornate and beautiful. Only one page is on display at a time. They turn the page every 3 months to prevent damage and fading.
There were also other famous guilded manuscripts there. We also were able to walk through the very old Trinity Library with its huge collection of books. No photos are allowed inside though. It was very much worth the visit!
Then we went back out in the rain and walked though the Trinity College Campus to the bus stop.
Our next stop was Dublin Castle. We made it there just in time for the next guided tour. Perfect! Especially since it's a half hour between tours. There we learned a lot about the history of the Irish Government.
Dublin Castle was the seat of English rule of Ireland until 1922. Since then, it has been the Irish Government headquarters. The Irish President is inaugurated here as well. We toured the State Apartments and others areas. The tour took about an hour.
Then it was a short walk to Christ Church Cathedral. It was built in 1030, and is lovely but gloomy.
We also toured the crypt which famously houses the mummified cat and rat which were found in an organ, stuck chasing each other for eternity.
There were also costumes from The Tudors in the crypt as some of the series was filmed in the cathedral.
It was then another short walk to St. Patrick's Cathedral. This cathedral was completed in 1191. It is also lovely but gloomy. Maybe it's because it was such a rainy dreary day?
Our next stop was one that Adam had been looking forward to our entire trip - The Guinness Storehouse at St. James Gate. We took the HOHO bus there.
The Guinness Brewery at St. James Gate was founded in 1759 by Arthur Guinness. The storehouse opened in 2000 to visitors. This museum is shaped like a giant pint of Guinness, and is really well done. Even for a non-beer drinker as myself, it was quite enjoyable.
We started on the ground floor learning about the ingredients in Guinness.
Then we learned about the history of Guinness, how it's been marketed, and the different product offerings.
Adam's favorite part was the Guinness Academy, where he learned how to pour a proper pint of Guinness.
And then enjoy it of course!
He also enjoyed my sample in the Gravity Lounge on the top floor.
Normally there's a great view from up here, but not on a rainy day. And it was packed!
After Guinness, we took the HOHO bus over to the Old Jameson Distillery. On the way there, we went by Kilmainham Gaol. If we had more time, I would have loved to tour it.
Our last stop for the day was the Old Jameson Distillery. There we took a 40 minute tour. Since they don't actually use the distillery anymore, it was mostly all a recreation of it and kind of lame. Not nearly as cool as we were expecting.
Luckily, the tour ended with samples. Whiskey cranberry for me, and straight up for Adam.
We left the distillery at 5:30, and took the HOHO bus back to our hotel. On the way, we went by the Ha'Penny Bridge over the Liffey.
We picked up some Irish souvenirs, and then returned to the hotel. Back in our room, we relaxed for a bit and then went and got something to eat. We still had to pack, and it was rainy, so we decided to just pick up a few beverages at the store and call it a night. We had a long day of traveling up next.
Highlights of the day:
Stef - Book of Kells
Adam - Guinness Storehouse and pouring the perfect pint!
Tuesday was our departure day. And again, it was rainy and damp! We checked out of the hotel at 6:30 am, and took the AirLink shuttle to the airport. It picked us up right outside our hotel which was super handy.
At the airport, we had to go through U.S. customs. It was odd to be told, "Welcome home" when our journey home was just beginning!
I won't get into details of our unpleasant 9:30 flight to Atlanta. Let's just say there was a lot of puking involved (not by either of us) and it was the most miserable flight I've ever experienced.
Once in Atlanta, we had an almost 4 hour layover before our flight home. After sitting around for about an hour, we decided to get some lunch at Chilli's.
Our flight left at 4:45, and we got in around 6:30. Adam's mom kindly drove us home. We were soooo glad to be back after nearly 18 hours of traveling. And so so tired.
But we had a great trip and I can't wait to go back to Europe!!!
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