Dublin, what a city (warning, picture heavy!)

July 05, 2014

Dublin, what a city (warning, picture heavy!)

Before we move on to talking about the Spain portion of our trip I wanted to mention all the sights we saw in Dublin. Some of these things we didn't even know were tourist sights as we came upon them. It all really just depends on the tourist map that you're looking at (we had like 4).

So much hustle and bustle

Things we saw and conquered....

{note- if you click on any of the links I've added to this post, it will take you to read more information about that place}

Millennium Spire- 390 foot giant pole in the middle of the main strip- totally random and expensive addition to Dublin that the local people hate. Also it looks crooked...

The Garden of Remembrance

Trinity College- Old Library and The Book of Kells* This sight was amazing! Trinity College is a gorgeous old school that still has students. They also have an Old Library built many, many {I can't remember how many} years ago that has been turned into a tourist sight. The library is like walking into a Harry Potter scene (Shannon, you would LOVE it!)! Additionally, they have a main exhibit that features the ancient Book Of Kells. This was the main attraction here so there was MANY people trying to take a peak at the book. It was hard to see, but we read a lot about this history of it while we were there!

{I think I see

The Standard Book of Spells,

The Monster Book of Monsters,

and Advanced Potion Making!}

Dublin Castle & Art Gallery- The outside garden and art gallery were so beautiful and relaxing! I also really wish we would have had time to go inside the castle and the Beatty Library.

(Ann, we thought you would love this Art Exhibition!)

Dublin City Hall

Temple Bar area

O'Connell Street-main shopping street

Moore Street Market- like a farmer's market that is every day- shopped here for veggies and James had "the most amazing pork I've ever had" from a local meat market.

Guinness Brewery** This is so touristy, obviously but it was so much fun! We did a side taste experience where they "heightened your senses" and then taught you how to taste Guinness! Then we checked out the Gravity Bar at the top, which we're pretty sure is the tallest building in Dublin and has spectacular 360 degree views.

Kilmainham Gaol ** I think this was both of our favorite sight to see! Amazing old, old gaol (actually said "jail"). The history of this place was incredible. When it was built, it was only intended to hold a maybe 100-200 people I think but at times held around 5,000! During the Potato Famine, people were starving, but jails still fed prisoners. So people would commit crimes to be put in jail so that they could eat! Many famous Irish Rebels were held here, as well!

Saint Patrick's Cathedral** An amazing church! We looked at all the history, statues, memory "headstones" (I'm not sure what you call those things). Then we sat in the pews for about 30 minutes listening to a choir rehearse. It was really beautiful!

Saint Stephan's Green- Huge, beautiful park. With fountains, statues, band stands and gorgeous gardens! (Nana, Mom, Ann, Linda, Rose, Jackie, we thought all of you would love the gardens here!)