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!