19th May, 2024.
Today was the day we said goodbye to our Dacia Junker Jogger. All packed up and off we went. Just a couple of stops to get it washed and filled with petrol and then we were rid of it. Dean attempted to remonstrate with the return staff that the car was a POS and should never have been issued: the Avis response was “you have to talk to the issuing desk about that”. Of course, and “by the way we should have charged you more as it was a seven seater.” A car with that many seats we did not reserve 12 months ago. Typical blank - not my job - stare from the returns desk drone made us realise we’d be beating a dead horse. Time to move on.
Grabbed taxi to our accommodation in Dublin: once again, we are following Bruce Springsteen who was playing that night so traffic was crazy as roads were closed around Croke Park. Our accommodation is well placed at the end of the fast tram line, perfect for our needs.
20th May, 2024.
Today Meredith had booked to see the Book of Kells in the afternoon. The morning was spent at Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. Both these items were on the list of things to do in Dublin. The Cathedral was interesting in its own right, with interesting facts and artefacts stretching back to the first recorded records of the site in 890AD. Jonathan Swift, who was a dean of the church and also wrote, among other things, Gullivers Travels is interred here. Flags are hanging in a certain part of the church: these flags were used in certain wars and as is tradition, the flags are to be hung until they disintegrate.
The phrase “Chance Your Arm” originates from a 1492 feud between two Irish families, the Butlers of Ormonde and the FitzGeralds of Kildare. The opposing families were on the either side of the door, with the Butlers taking refuge inside the church. The head of the Kildare clan cut a hole in the door and put his arm through: “you have two options: cut my arm off or shake my hand”. They shook his hand and peace was achieved.
Next was a walk through the famous Temple Bar area. Took a few snaps along the way, including visiting the statue of Molly Malone. The legend goes that Molly was a beautiful young girl who worked as a fishmonger until she died suddenly of a fever. After her death, the story says her ghost began haunting the streets of Dublin.
Going back to that area for dinner tonight so will be interesting to see the difference at night. Stopped in at O’sheas for a quick lunch and then onto Trinity College.
Walking through Trinity College felt a bit odd as it’s a fully functioning university and also home to one of Dublin’s key attractions, the Book of Kells & Long Library.
These weren’t really wasn’t one of the must do attractions on the list but my sister, Judith, had been to Dublin a few years ago and said it is a must do. The first part of the experience was detailed history and background about the origins and construction of the Book of Kells, which is made of stretched calf hide and painted with natural dyes. Next we’re directed into a darkened room and in a large glass case with a security guard there is one of the four parts of the book, swapped out every six weeks or so. Sadly, no photos here as photography is forbidden.
Next up the stairs to the Long Room. This is the library and apparently some of the Harry Potter scenes were modelled after the room. They are currently going through a process of cleaning and cataloging the books so only the first four areas still have books in them. The books have been there for 400 years and over the years and with the weather and dust, the books are disintegrating so reservation efforts are now underway.
There are also busts of the great writers and thinkers of the world through history, from ancient Greek to present day. and in 2023 four women were included. There is also the original Irish proclamation document and the original Bair harp, the symbol of Ireland that is found on most official paperwork and passports and also the represented on all Guinness bottles. Then onto an interactive exhibition of the Book of Kells and some of the books that was in the library.
Tomorrow a visit to the Guinness storehouse and any other places of note in the city. More importantly it will be our final full day before we start the long trek home (albeit with a night in London on the way).
Loved the stuff about the libraries and book preservation, and MOLLY MALONE! I used that song right along, as music teacher. So good for so many reasons!
Safe journeys back, but I have a feeling you're already home!