The City: Dublin, Ireland
Travel Dates: 16-19 DEC06
Lodging: Jacobs' Inn
Airline: Ryanair (18GBP for a return air ticket!)
Travelmate: Dear!
Touristy Information:-
Dublin is the capital city of the Republic of Ireland and its largest city as well. it's situated at the mouth of the river liffey, which actually runs through the city centre. Ireland has a drinking culture (like many other european cities) and pubs in the Temple Bar area are particulary popular in Dublin. Dublin is home to Trinity college, the only college of the university of dublin and the world famous Guinness Storehouse!! the place where guinness all began! Museums are dotted around the city centre and are easily accessible by bus 11 (walking). Ha~ Dublin Castle, Dublin city hall and the Chester Beatty Library (not a library per se but really an extensive collection [by the man himself!] of art pieces, artefacts, antiques etc from all over the world!) are also within walking distance from the city centre. Cathedrals are easily spotted by their spires. Shopping is great but incredibly expensive. expect to pay the equivalent in pounds or more! the landmark that ken and i got most familiar with was the Spire, which is just this stupid but helpful tall elongated chunk of metal that tapers towards the top in the middle of the city centre. it serves tourists well. transport is covered by the DART, LUAS and extensive bus network.
The name Dublin, 'Dubh Linn' (Irish, meaning 'black pool') came about because of a literal black pool that formed where the river liffey and the poddle converged (now the Dublin Castle gardens).
Symbols of Ireland:
The Shamrock: it was thought in ancient ireland that it had magical powers and 3 was considered a powerful number. St Patrick also used it as a symbol to teach the people about the Holy Trinity.
The Harp: from the legends of its magical powers
The Celtic Cross: St. Patrickwas shown a sacred standing stone that was marked with a circle. He took this opportunity to show the union of old and new ways. He marked a cross through the circle and blessed the stone.
The Claddagh Ring: represents the fishing kings of claddagh who's motto was "in love and friendship, let us reign". the symbol was later made into a ring and became a popular gift throughout ireland.
The hands are there for friendship,
The heart is there for love.
For loyalty throughout the year,
The crown is raised above.
On to the Pictures!
Custom House Visitor Centre
Trinity College, University of Dublin
St Stephen's Shopping Centre
St Stephen's Green
Famine Memorial on the Green
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church and Dublinia
St Patrick's Cathedral on a Foggy Day
Dublin Castle
Most of the castle was destroyed in a fire and the castle was rebuilt as a palace.
Dublin Castle Gardens
The original site where the 'blackpool' formed upon convergence of the poddle and the river liffey.
Dublin City Hall
It houses the most boring exhibition ever! (dublin's history and the way life used to be... it was just too much for me. i've seen too many of these things.)
Front of the Building at Night
In the Newly Renovated Dome
Malahide Castle
Malahide is a small town located just northeast of dublin. we took the DART (suburban rail) there. It was owned and inhabited by the Talbot Family for almost 800years and is now a visitor attraction. No photos allowed inside.. what a pity..
A Walk in the Woods surrounding the castle grounds
The Chester Beatty Library
One of my fav attractions!! the exhibits are absolutely gorgeous and very varied. religious and cultural artefacts, ancient handwritten and printed books etc. a must-see.
The Guinness Storehouse, St James's Gate!!!
Guinness is essentially water, yeast, hops and barley!! A brainchild of arthur guinness, who signed a 1000 year agreement to rent the site at St James's gate for 45pounds a year! that's peanuts today... Amazing tour, free souvenir and pint of guinness at the 7th floor gravity bar!
The Old Jameson Distillery
Jameson whisky is currently the most exported irish whisky. Whisky is essentially guinness minus the hops and is distilled 3 times to increase the alcohol content! 2% of the stored whisky (ageing) is lost every year by evaporation and this is known as the angel's share. Free whisky/mixer and whisky tasting session.
O'Conolly Train Station
Jacob's Inn
sorry about the sign.. haha~
City Review: 6/10
Dublin isn't that spectacular compared to cities like london, barcelona, paris and edinburgh. i'm sure other european cities would fare much better on my rating scale as well. not worth a visit unless u have extra cash and time to spare. but it's not all that bad... it has redeeming qualities - the spirit of the irish people (u feel it cos there are so many Carroll's Gift Store's around solely dedicated to selling irish souvenirs!), good transport system, nice buildings, architecture (few) and 3 main museums. these are however, not sufficient to move it up my scale.
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