Ireland - Our Last Day

Saturday

Our last day in Dublin, we decided to spend 1/2 the day at the library (we found 2 more family members in our efforts) and then shopping and the Book of Kells. 

The library after it had closed. It has a beautiful rotunda on the inside. It is painted in shades of blue - almost a turquoise. It was gorgeous and I wish I could have taken photos. Alas, no unauthorized photography was allowed.

Picture through the gates. Showing the front of the building.

Gates to the Parliament building. We passed this every day going to the library and there were guards out front and a couple of protesters.

The view from the gates of the parliament building.

After we closed the library (1pm), we went back to the hotel to drop our stuff, grab the camera and head out for the sights. We asked for a good Irish pub with fish & chips for lunch. We were directed to go just down to the end of the corner to Foley's.

Having a pint on Brigid A.'s tab. Thanks Brigid!!!

The view of the rest of the pub from our seats.

Thanks again, Brigid!! ;) LOL

L

LUNCH!!! Joe got a YUMMY Chicken & Ham "meat pie" with a savory gravy, chips, and mushy peas.

My Fish (fresh cod)& Chips with mushy peas.

Foley's on the outside.

After we ate at Foley's, we hit the streets of Dublin. WE decided to head to Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Originally made in Scotland, the Book of Kells was sent to Kells, County Meath, Ireland for safe keeping from the invading Vikings. Since Kells is only about 90km from Glenidan, we thought it was pretty cool.

As you enter Trinity College, we went through a tnnel and into this courtyard. We picked up tickets for a tour and the Book of Kells for 10 euro. It was worth the extra euro for the tour. This picture shows a bridal party taking their photographs outside of the college chapel.

The massive bell. It only rings now to announce dinner for special students and announce special events.

The guy with his hand up is the student guide. The hall behind him in the photo is the examination hall. It is directly across from the chapel and the buildings are mirror images of each other.

The dinner hall. It had to be rebuilt as it was built on pluff mud and the soil was not taken account for when building. So the original began to sink. This one was rebuilt with the same plans, and stones.

An Oregon Maple. There are two here and they have thrived in the climate and soil. they are the largest specimens outside of the United States.

After seeing the Book of Kells (no photography allowed), we hit the shopping district.

We stayed at The Shelborne. Here are the photos of our room and our FABULOUS bathroom!!

Resting up before hitting the town!!

We went back to Foley's for dinner (I was hoping to have some Lamb - but they didn't have it). Joe is wearing his new Irish wool cap.

Wearing my new Irish wool sweater and showing my mom that I ate "mushy peas"!!!


We went back to teh hotel to drop off the camera and debated about going back out. We decided against it as we had to get up at 5am to make sure we had packed, eaten, and driven to the airport, returned the car, checked in, customs, VAT refunds, etc.. before our flight left at 10 am. Interesting that we left on 10/10/10 at a little after 10. Freaky......


All in all, we had a WONDERFUL time and can't wait to go back. it's now an even higher priority then going to Hawaii. Maybe 2011 will have another trip instore for us!!