Dublin Day 2

This has been a day of walking! Good thing we had a protein-rich "full Irish breakfast" at the B&B to fuel us for the day. And we found our way to the Stag's Head Pub, down the tiniest of alleyways, for a fabulous pub lunch.

We met up with our friends in their swanky upgraded hotel room, then set off for Trinity College Dublin, just around the corner. Even though it's open to tourists, walking through the heavy wooden doorway and a stone chamber onto the college grounds does bring with it a sense of prestige. It's one of those places that, because it's old and made of stone, an American like me also swoons a bit thinking of all the students who have walked through those very gates in the last 400 years.

Our destination point at TCD was the old library, which houses the Book of Kells, an ancient illuminated copy of the bible. However, the line was longer than we were willing to endure for what is a very quick glimpse at just one folio (page). We wanted to spend the day seeing Dublin, so set off through the neighboring shopping district. We visited several shops, especially looking for woolen items, and Steph's on a mission to find an affordable low whistle (like a "bass" version of a penny whistle).

With Rick as navigator, we made our way to St Patrick's Cathedral. That's where the picture below was taken. (Sorry I can't share others from the day right now--they're on my camera and I'm posting this from my phone.) We then split up for lunch and Mom and I meandered into a few more shops. Best buy of the day: a variety of chocolate truffles. Ellen says she's keeping her eye out for another Butlers Cafe.

We made our way over to St Stephen's Green, a 22-acre park in the middle of the city. We met our friends there at the playground and stayed with the kids so their parents could have a brief bit of time alone together on their anniversary.
We then all made the trek together through the Temple Bar area and along the quays to the Brazen Head Pub, the oldest pub in Dublin. The CSB/SJU students were eating there before going to a play so we sat with the group and had a drink (not yet hungry after our fabulous lunch, even with all the walking). After a little conversation and preparation for tomorrow's trip to some of the ancient burial sites north of Dublin, the 6 of us walked back along the quays to our accommodations, stopping for a photo op at the Ha'penny Bridge. A lovely sight all lit up at night. I promise pictures of some of these sights soon!

Now it's time to repack the suitcases that have already become completely disheveled and be ready to leave the city in the morning.