THURSDAYDublin

Trinity College

This college was founded by Elizabeth I in 1592 on the site of a monastery.It is one of Ireland's foremost seats of learning.

Book of Kells at Trinity College

The Book of Kells contains the Latin text of the four gospels which was decorated by the monks in 800 A.D.It also contains the Long Room which contains 200,000 of the library's oldest books.This exhibit was a once in a lifetime experience.

Christ Church Cathedral

This cathedral is the oldest of Dublin's two medieval cathedrals.It is officially the seat of the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin.It sits in the middle of the city and has wonderful architecture.It is famous for its underground crypt which is the largest in Ireland.It can be seen from the River Liffey which runs through Dublin. This cathedral is famous for its 13th century carvings.

The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of St. Patrick - Dublin - St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's more than any other building in Ireland embodies the history and heritage of the Irish people of all backgrounds from the earliest times to the present day.There are numerous busts of important figures, the Lady Chapel which was used by the Huguenots from 1600's through the 1800's.The tiles in the Baptistery are medieval and the stained glass dates from the 1800'2.Services are still held here on a regular basis.

Guinness Storehouse

This is probably the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland - maybe because they serve you a free pint of Guinness on departure.It is a fascinating tour which depicts the ingredients and how the beer is processed.There is also a wonderful exhibit of the Guinness advertising through the years and a wonderful view of the entire brewery from the glass gallery at the top.

Dublin Castle

We toured the courtyard but did not go into the castle itself.Some of the other students did and evidently the rooms were gorgeous.

The Chester Beatty Library

Chester Beatty, an American mining magnate, retired to Ireland in 1950 and built this library for his extensive art collection. Upon his death, he bequeathed it to a trust for the benefit of the public.It is a priceless collection and well worth visiting.

Temple Bar Area

Two of us walked to the Temple Bar area - this area is very bohemian -street musicians everywhere.It is famous for its renowned Temple Bar and Boxty Restaurant.We were there early so I'm sure the party had just begun.There are numerous shops.Definitely, need to visit this area if you get to Dublin.

Shopping

Walked down Grafton and Nassau Streets - These two streets are the shopping center ofDublin.In my opinion, prices were high.

Observations of Ireland

A lot of Burger Kings in Dublin - much more than in Edinburgh.

The Lisbon Treaty - There were signs on every street corner - both for and against it.

"Good for Ireland - Good for Europe - Vote Yes"

"It'll cost you more tax - Vote No"

"Keep Ireland Strong in Europe - Vote No"

"Let's Make Europe Work Better - Vote for Jobs - Vote Yes"

Mail boxes in Ireland are green, some round, some square.

The Irish people that are against the Lisbon Treaty feel that voting yes would mean they would be losing their freedom which they worked so hard to obtain.

Because Ireland is 90% Catholic, no abortion is allowed in Ireland although someone could travel to another part of the United Kingdom and obtain one.This was voted on by the Irish people.

Road signs are always in Gaelic and English.

I thought everything was much more expensive - the Euro is spent here but it seemed that you didn't get good value for your money - some people thought otherwise.

Dublin's historic district is scattered throughout the city and it was my opinion that Edinburgh has preserved their heritage better.

In Dublin, I observed a lot more bicyclists and they mostly all wore reflective vests.

The traffic is absolutely horrendous.Of course, we were in 5:00 p.m. traffic but it seemed to a much busier city than Edinburgh.

I thought the Irish people in Dublin were a little more reserved and more serious that the people of Scotland.

Roman Catholics comprise 95% of the population.