On Sunday afternoon I left my mother's house and my sister and partner took me to the Orlando airport to see me off on my journey. I arrived in Dublin around 8:00 a.m. and sorted myself in the airport before I headed off to find the bus that would take me to town. Since I would not be meeting my host for the next 2 nights until 7:00 p.m. I had the entire day for sight seeing. I got a lay of the city and enjoyed the hop-on hop-off bus checking out the sights that were open (all national museums and such are closed on Mondays and bank holidays) and decided to hit a bunch of those locations on the next day.
Dublin is steep in history and the National Archeology Museum has a lot of useful information regarding such. The greatest find for me was the Chester Beatty Library. If you find yourself going to Dublin and have longed to see the Book of Kells, skip it and head to the Chester Beatty Library instead. At Trinity University, the library is impressive with the tall alcoved shelves filled with books; however, the small exhibit and 4 pages that you actually get to see from 2 of the 4 Book of Kells that are on display at anyone time is a bit of a let down. You will not see the famous Book of Kells at the Chester Beatty, but what you do see is well worth the price of admission (free) and actually worth the price of admission that was needed to see the Book of Kells. Chester travelled around the world and collected many ancient manuscripts that are more impressively illuminated (colored/painted/etc.) than the Book of Kells. The permanent collection comes from all around the world and is very well presented. I would put this as a must go for anyone that decides to visit Dublin.
On my final day in Dublin I walked to Howth, a bay town outside of Dublin, from my host's house. It was about 5km and there were nature trails that I got to walk around on and got to see Dublin across the bay. The cliff walk was a bit precarious but worth the beautiful scenery.
Dublin and Howth Photos Here
Dublin is steep in history and the National Archeology Museum has a lot of useful information regarding such. The greatest find for me was the Chester Beatty Library. If you find yourself going to Dublin and have longed to see the Book of Kells, skip it and head to the Chester Beatty Library instead. At Trinity University, the library is impressive with the tall alcoved shelves filled with books; however, the small exhibit and 4 pages that you actually get to see from 2 of the 4 Book of Kells that are on display at anyone time is a bit of a let down. You will not see the famous Book of Kells at the Chester Beatty, but what you do see is well worth the price of admission (free) and actually worth the price of admission that was needed to see the Book of Kells. Chester travelled around the world and collected many ancient manuscripts that are more impressively illuminated (colored/painted/etc.) than the Book of Kells. The permanent collection comes from all around the world and is very well presented. I would put this as a must go for anyone that decides to visit Dublin.
On my final day in Dublin I walked to Howth, a bay town outside of Dublin, from my host's house. It was about 5km and there were nature trails that I got to walk around on and got to see Dublin across the bay. The cliff walk was a bit precarious but worth the beautiful scenery.
Dublin and Howth Photos Here
My first few days found me out of sorts. I know the first day I suffered from jetlag but after following my travel rule (go to bed no earlier than 9:00 p.m. local time) my body quickly adjusted. My host graciously helped me with the bus system and in general people were helpful when asked. It has been a bit frustrating that streets are not marked well and I am glad that I got the hop-on hop-off bus tour to get orientated though most sights are within walking distance of each other. I also did a bit of unloading and left a bit of my belongings at my host's home and plan to pick them up on my way back through Dublin. Some of the items are stock (didn't want to throw it away and have to buy new if I already had it) and other items I do not need at the moment. I will have to contemplate what I do and do not need and may send a box home ahead.
While in Dublin I never really felt that I got the chance to slow down, it was go go go and only after I left the city did I take stock and decide to take it a bit easier. There is no rush, I have time to relax and enjoy, I don't have to see and do everything and if I want I can do nothing at all.
Next stop Kilkenny.
While in Dublin I never really felt that I got the chance to slow down, it was go go go and only after I left the city did I take stock and decide to take it a bit easier. There is no rush, I have time to relax and enjoy, I don't have to see and do everything and if I want I can do nothing at all.
Next stop Kilkenny.
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