Heading to Killarney

Breakfast and off by our own bus to Killarney.

First stop for bathroom break and snacks. Every bus going this way stop there! 

As we arrive at the Rock of Cashel, the sun comes out! 

“The Rock of Cashel, iconic in its historic significance, possesses the most impressive cluster of medieval buildings in Ireland. Among the monuments to be found there is a round tower, a high cross, a Romanesque chapel, a Gothic cathedral, an abbey, the Hall of the Vicars Choral and a fifteenth-century Tower House.”

And we tried to capture it all! It was quite impressive.

The cost to enter was 4.5€. But as we entered the machine was down and we got in for free! 

Lovely flute accompanied us to the  buildings.

The green fields below make it even more majestic.

As we returned to the bus, it started to rain. Irish ☘️ luck! 

On to Killarney to the Abbey Lodge. Lovely spot and it has a bathtub!!!

Now a walkabout town, to get coffee, stamps, ice cream and bagels for dinner. But first a walk through the Killarney park. 

Peaceful and still no rain.

Tonight I’m off to watch a Celtic Celebration. Details tomorrow 

[Autosaved] Howth, Trinity College and the Book of Kells

We toned down our breakfast haul today. Felt much better for it.

Now we are off for a walk to the bus and then to Howth, a seaside town popular with tourists.  But first our leader, John or JP, tells stories along the way. 

Not only were there troubles in the north but this lists those killed right here in Dublin in 1974 from an exploding bomb. 

And check out the telephone poles, showing the coat of arms of Dublin. Meaning  “ The obedience of the citizens produces a happy city".

We are on the bus with so many people, the bus stopped picking up anymore.

This is where we are heading and the weather is perfect! 

An easy pathway back down to town. Lots of gorse and it looks beautiful. 

Now to find a train station….and we did.

Yellow Bunny always helps with finding our way and she likes unusual signs that get our attention. 

Once back to our hotel we grabbed some food and drink. And off to the Book of Kells and Trinity College Library. 

Much less busy in the evening. We started first with Book of Kells, illuminated manuscript containing the four Latin Gospels, renowned for its intricate Insular style art. Likely created by Columban monks of the 800 AD.

There were even cats and mice depicted! 

Next the Library! Even with most of the books removed, it was amazing! 

You can see why the books needed repair. 

And Shakespeare among about 30 other famous people watching over the books. 

From there we continued to a digital format. We were unsure but presently surprised how fascinating it was to watch how books could have their images fly off the pages.

And Shakespeare spoke, moving his eyes and lips! 

We ended with a digital view of the library and how things will be better once repaired. 

You know……you have to be there to appreciate the show. 

We are packing up for an early morning ride to Killarney! 

Walk about Dublin

After 12 hours of sleep we are ready to explore Dublin. But first breakfast is included with our room. You can never be sure what kind of food you’ll find. Well, we were surprised! 

We were told to come after 8 when it is less busy. Hmmm maybe not. Probably one of the best buffets I’ve seen.

There was hot food, (back bacon, eggs, potato, sausage) cheeses, sliced meats, cereals, oatmeal, yogurts, bread/toast, croissants, juices, coffee and tea, fruit, fruit salad and more…

Our meals 

Now off we go to explore . First Trinity College. Found out we have to book to see the Book of Kells and the library. So we will do that tomorrow. 

Wide open spaces and lots of people. So off to St Stephen’s Park. It is here the uprising took place in 1916.

A lovely place to enjoy big trees and open spaces. Next stop was called Marion Park with Donal said there would be artists…didn’t find that but discovered the National Art Gallery of Ireland. 3 floors of old classics! 

Van Gogh and Monet among hundreds of Irish painters.

Time for lunch and the gallery had just the perfect snack.

I had prosciutto and Brie, Evelyn had turkey. Delicious! Even Yellow Bunny enjoyed the gallery when she hung out with a famous painter??

It seemed time to check out the streets of Dublin. 

The weather was perfect, almost hot, and people everywhere. We were surprised how many young people just sat on the edge of the road to eat and drink! 

Some things you see are a little unusual…

It is now time for gelato! 

You can not go to Dublin without seeing The Temple Bar. So working our way, we checked out a Vintage shop….

Not quite for us but interesting…. On to the Temple Bar! 

Hundreds of young people on the road, I wonder what’s inside? 

Heading homeward… we have walked about 10k today.

A little time to relax till we meet our gadventure group.

We got together in the hotel hallway spot so hard to hear others say who they are, where from and way on the trip.

There are 15 people- 12 female, 3 males. Looks like 4 Americans, 2 New Zealanders, 1 Australian and 8 Canadians (Victoria, Gibson, Montreal, Ottawa)….I think 

As a group went to a pub for dinner. Really really loud in there! And we were at 5 different tables so not a lot of interaction. That will happen in the next few days! 

We had fish and chips with mushy peas, salad and fries. The fish really good, the fries not so ☹️.

Off to bed to get ready for tomorrow….