Ocean hike and Irish history today

On Heather and Brad's recommendation we headed out of Dublin to the town of Bray. First we caught the DART, light rail, to Bray and then walked the coastal sea cliff to Greystones, about 7 kms. It took us about one hour 15 minutes. The views were stunning before the fog set in. It wasn't raining when we started.
 

  The seaside town is a resort town for the summer. A rocky beach. 

 Some impressive hotels too.

 The pathway was built during the construction of the rail line, to allow the movement of men and equipment. They started in 1847 and finished in 1856. Because serious engineering was required for this site, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a celebrated engineer, was called in for consultation and under his direction a single line, with several tunnels was constructed. 

 Norm has been telling me about Isambard Kingdom Brunel for some time. We are stopping in Bristol and one of the reasons is to see the famous bridge that this engineer built. You can imagine his excitement when he saw this image. 

Looking back at town as we starting hiking.

 

Great views from the pathway.

 

 Norm keeping us on track.

 

 It was dry when we started.....

 No beautiful picture of the harbour, a little too much fog. 

We rushed back into town for our 3 pm walking tour of the north side of Dublin. James, our tour guide, led us around the north side of the Liffey River explaining the history of the 1916 Rising, the Easter Rebellion. 

 Seven men made a Proclamation to declare Ireland independent and an end to British rule. The uprising lasted 6 days and failed. However by 1922 Ireland did receive its independence. James Connolly, an Abbey Theatre actor,  was the first rebel to kill a British soldier during the uprising. Once the fighting was over those seven were set to be executed. Connolly was badly injured and near death but still was to be executed. Unable to stand, Connolly was tied to a chair and shot. Today Ireland tries to live up to the words written on the Proclamation today. 

Here is a memorial built in 1966, 50th anniversary, for those who died in 1916. 

 

Our guide James.

 Walking down Grafton Street, pedestrian friendly and crowded! 

 

We made it to Dublin

Up early in Kenmare and breakfast at the bnb, we flagged down the bus to Killarney and there took a train to Dublin. We arrived to this.....thank goodness we aren't hiking.

 Caught a bus to city centre. We tried to catch the one recommended by our air bnb but no luck so got a taxi to our new abode for the next three nights. It is perfect! Clean, small but big enough for two, in the Portobello neighbourhood and approved by Yellow Bunny.

 Out we went to discover the city. First stop, St. Stephen's Green.

 

A wonderful oasis in a busy city. Around the park is information about the 1916 Easter uprising. A lot of the fighting took place in this park. Revolutionaries dug trenches in the park and barricaded the entrances; the British set up machine guns in two hotels beside St. Stephen's Green. Hard to imagine gunfire in such a green and tranquil place.

 

 

And the sun came out.

A Famine memorial is also in St. Stephen's Green park.

 

We crossed the O'Connell bridge where it is wider than it is long -- 50 metres versus 43 metres -- as we headed to the Abbey Theatre.

 

 This statue is Daniel O'Connell, an Irish politician of the late 19th century who led the Irish MPs at Westminster, when Ireland was still an Irish province. Construction is going on everywhere so sometimes it is hard to see the details. The bridge crosses the River Liffey. Norm says that Dublin is repairing their transportation system.

We picked up theatre tickets for Thursday night at the famous Abby Theatre, for an Edward Albee play which won its cast third place in the latest annual theatre competition, but was picked by the Abbey Theatre as best for its studio stage. (Hint: there are five O'Neills among the actors and behind the scenes. Maybe some are related to Mary.!  Should be exciting.

 

The gentleman selling the tickets gave us great suggestions for things to do in Dublin. Off we walked to the Marker Hotel by Dublin's old docks for a rooftop bar with a view of the city. By now we were very hot and looking forward to that drink and view. It was not open today....but we managed a satisfying drink in the lounge.

 

This is a classy area, lots of offices and out door gathering spots. You can see the Marker Hotel in the background and imagine what it must be like at the top. As we walked through the open space the skateboarders were showing their skills, room for all. 

 

Another Famine Memorial, quite moving.

 

 Did you know there are canals and locks in Dublin along the old Grand Canal? Neither did we but we had a wonderful walk along the canal to Sophie's, another rooftop bar with a view across the rooftops.

 Sophie's a recommendation for rooftop views and pizza! We weren't disappointed with the pizza, or the chips with tarragon and Parmesan, almost like nachos. Some gravy would have made poutine.

 View looking towards St. Patrick's Cathedral.

 Ready for home with one last stop to say good night to George Bernard Shaw who was born in our area, the Portobello.

 

Day Five Hike - Ardgroom to Kenmare

The hike to Kenmare had us doing a lot of the walk on roads, so we chose to get a ride, hike 2 1/2 hours in the most scenic section and then get a ride the rest of the way to Kenmare. Said goodbye to Sheila the most down to earth and forth right host we've met so far. She really did call a spade a spade! She was great!

 Off to hike the last part of the Beara Peninsula in Cork County and into Kerry County. The scenery was perfect and no rain or clouds. We climbed up, looked down and felt lucky to see such sites.

 Heather coming up the hill.

 And looking down. 

 There were at least three lakes below. 

 Classic shot.

 A stop for a drink and to take in the views.

 Down the other side passed sheep and cows. 

 With the final lift from our BnB host, we arrived in Kenmare. What a change from the last 5 days, there were people here. So off to explore.

 

 

 We found wonderful wool items in the store behind me. So did Yellow Bunny. Can you see her?

 Norm was impressed that you can buy peat ready to take home.

 Kenmare has one of the largest stone circles in south west Ireland. The centre of this one has an impressive Boulder-Dolmen with a capstone. Apparently these marked the burial of someone important.

 

 

 People left notes of hope on a tree near by. This wish we could really understand.

 Time to find our BnB, The Old Churchhouse. We actually across the street from the old church. 

 Out for dinner at the Coachman's where we got to hear some great Celtic music. 

 

 He was quite good.

 

Caught a little bit more homegrown music on the way home at a different pub with a young girl dancing. What fun to be in Ireland.