Wednesday, March 19
Cessy made us delicious crepes and tea for breakfast. After enjoying a midmorning breakfast, we strolled out to the car amid a cold drizzle and drove in to Dublin. Here we donned our jacket, gloves, parkas, golaches, hats, scarves, etc. and set off on our first Dublin adventure.
The first stop is Christ Church Cathedral. It appears much as everyother Catholic church I have seen in Europe – beautiful stone exterior, ornate stained glass windows, lots of chairs, prayer benches (complete with padded cushions for the knees. I guess Irish don’t require as much penance), side rooms offering various dedications to famous people, saints, and rich donors, prayer candle stations, large pipe organs, choir loft, and priest podium. In contrast to Swiss Cathedrals that offer tower tours, Irish cathedrals offer “basement tours.” Well at least two of them do. (The second one contains mummified corpses from ages ago.) Beneath the church is the Foxy Friar gift shop, a cafe, and a mini museum containing ancient relics and other artifacts. There were several displays of ceremonial and religious plates and cups which were intricately decorated. Among the more exciting displays were period costumes which were used for the TV Show/movie “The Tudors” and the coffins. One of which was open. If it had not been for the numerous surveillance cameras at least one of our party would have tried out the fit. Probably the most interesting artifact was the preserved remains of a cat and mouse which were found trapped inside an organ pipe.
The second tour we took was Dublin Castle. Much of the original castle was destroyed during a fire in the 1800’s. When the castle was rebuilt, the purpose change from a garrison for protection to more of a palace. It is still used for functions, such as the presidential “inauguration.”
During an archeological excavation of the Powder tower and moat of the castle, remains of Viking built wall was discovered. The moat was orginally filled by water diverted from the River Poddle. Today the river runs underground until it meets up with the River Liffey. Water from the River Poddle seeps into the castle moat where pumps have been installed to keep the moat from flooding.
Standing guard at the castle entrance are two statues atop the walls. The Statue of Justice which guards one side has an ironic design. First, she has her back to the people, as if they are insignificant and to be ignored. (Very appropriate as the British did not take care of the Irish while they were under British rule). Secondly, the scales are supposed to be balanced. However, when it rains, the balances fill with water become uneven. Thirdly, the Statue of Justice is typically blindfolded. This lady is not, signifying a bias in judgement.
After the tours it is time for lunch. We head over to Burdochs in Temple Bar for some famous fish and chips. Julie and Cessy get fish and chips and I order a chicken sandwich. All meals are delicious. Especially the fries. Since the sun came out, we decided to sit out by the street. Unfortunately, the alleyway makes a terrific wind tunnel and we had to carefully hold onto our boxes, even when they were still full of food! Once we are stuffed beyond compare, we head over to the famous spire.
Once again we cross O’Connoll Bridge, which is named after the famous James O’Connoll who was a leader in the Irish Rebellion which eventually led to Irish Independence. This bridge is a perfect square just as wide as it is long. The spire appears to be a LOOOOONG walk away, but that is total deception due to the rapid decrease in diameter. The Spire was built for the millenium. It is also representative of a knitting needle for all the knitters in Ireland.
Before we have fully digested excellent lunch, we stop at Lemon Jelly for tea time. Hot chocolate for me. Coffee for Julie and fresh juice and pie for Cessy and Donncha. Despite being overstuffed, it was quite good.
Finally it is time to head back to Leixlip for a delicious pork dinner and rest up for tomorrow.
