Finally Dublin

On Thursday night, our plane landed in Dublin around 10pm. After going through customs (yay new stamp on the passport) and figuring out the bus to the hostel, Lauren, Jenn, and I headed to the hostel and Kara headed to meet her friend since she was staying at her friend's apartment. Our hostel proved to be quite nice, especially for the price. We had some inconsiderate roommates the first night, but thats the way it goes sometimes.

Friday morning, we got up bright and early to hit the city. Lauren's friend Elliot is studying in Dublin and graciously agreed to be our tour guide/plan our days for us. Talk about awesome! Our first stop was Trinity College where we saw the Book of Kells.

The Book of Kells is an ancient illuminated book of the Gospels and it was fascinating. Next up was Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin's oldest church. It was smaller than a lot of the cathedrals I've visited, but the inside was beautiful. The tiles on the floors were incredible.

After delicious foccacia bread at a little Italian place called Panem, we walked around the outside of Dublin Castle and then went to Queen of Tarts. Reccommended by Jenn's host family, this little dessertery was outstanding.

It just so happened to be a dreary Ireland day. Now imagine a fresh warm apple crumble served with warm cream. Divine.

After the Queen of Tarts, we met up with Kara and some of Jenn's Wake friends and headed to the Guinness Storehouse. There, we learned how beer is made and had lots of fun taking pictures of it all, as well as tasting some beer. At the end of the tour, you could either redeem your ticket for a beer in the cafe up at the very top, which gives a 360 degree view of the city, or learn to pull your own pint. My friends and I chose to pull our own pints!

Here's a few photos from the storehouse:

my friend Jenn and me.

the group! (sans Kara and moi)

Barley!

pulling my pint!

"It comes in pints? I'm getting one!"

I'm certified...

After the storehouse, we headed back to the hostel to chill for about 45 minutes and then headed to dinner.

Now, I am not one to exaggerate...often. But I have to say that the authentic Irish dinner that I had at a Pub called O'Neill's (where lots of locals like to hang out) was probably the best meal I have ever eaten. I ordered beef and Guinness stew with sides of carrots and mashed potatoes. And of course, Bulmer's ale to wash it down.

After dinner, we listened to a bit of local music but decided to head back to the hostel early since we were all exhausted.Saturday, Kara, Jenn, and I went on a day trip outside of the city. It rained on and off the entire day, but I thoroughly enjoyed the trip. Our bus rolled through beautiful countryside and passed the Blessington Lakes (HUGE) and then stopped at Glendalough, an ancient monastery founded by St. Kevin, the man who gave the world the celtic cross.

After the tour around the ruins, we had about an hour to walk some of the surrounding trails. Kara and I headed to Upper Lake and Lower Lake, and now begins the plethora of pictures that document our adventure.

After Glendalough, we headed to a small town called Avoca where the oldest hand mill in Ireland still exists today. After eating a late lunch and shopping for lots of things I couldn't afford, the tour headed back to Dublin. On the way back, I was lucky to witness the brightest, biggest double-arched rainbow I have ever seen. I took about 200 pictures, but lets face it, this post is already about 3 miles long. Here's my favorite:

(and one to show the double arches).

Saturday night, we went on a musical pub crawl. I could go on for hourssss about this. Condensed version: tour of three Irish pubs led by two authentic Irish musicians who played Irish music for us and taught us songs. It was the highlight of my time in Dublin.

Joe the guitarist.

Andy the violinist (swoon!)

Sunday morning, Jenn and I grabbed fresh scones (raspberry and apple!) from the Queen of Tarts and enjoyed them in the little park outside St. Patrick's Cathedral.

We then rendez-vous-ed with the rest of the group for a second breakfast at a place called Gruel, which served an absolutely delicious full Irish breakfast.

After that, it was back to the airport and back to France.

I am one darn lucky lady...

...or should I say lassie?