Baile Atha Cliath...3

Well I was a VERY good tourist today. Kind of. One slight pet peeve in Dublin...everything closes around 5-6:30. And then it is just time to drink. Normally I wouldn't have a huge problem with that, but I had a full schedule today!

Anyway, I got up early and went straight to the Guinness Storehouse. It was amazing. Seriously, it's worth stopping over in Dublin for a day just to see it! I followed the advice I'd heard and went early in the morning. Good call, because there was no line. I took my time meandering through the whole thing. The advertising section was cool. I really like the funny ads with the zoo animals. Anyway, the whole process of making Guinness and sending it out was really fascinating.

The top floor was the Gravity Bar where you get a "complimentary" pint of Guinness (even though you paid 12.60 to get in) but it was still good. Even at 12:30...on an empty stomach...okay, not my best idea thus far. When I left, the line to get in was around the block. Hahahahahaha, I am so clever!

Next stop was the Jameson Distillery. Unlike the Guinness storehouse, this is strictly a museum, not a working plant. It was not nearly as interesting. I would skip it next time around. But we got a complimentary drink at the end with our choice of mixer. I had Jameson and Coke...it was delicious. My stomach was beginning to hate me though. Can't say I blamed it.

I went back to the hostel after that and dropped some stuff off. Then I headed out to Trinity College to have a look at the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is an ancient Celtic manuscript detailing the Gospels. It's really beautifully done, but basically you are looking at an old book. Not a sight for those with ADD. Then I went upstairs to the Long Room where they have a huge library lined with busts of famous philosophers, writers and scientists. It's really pretty. The one downer about the whole place was that you weren't allowed to take pictures. Boooooooooo!

Then I walked up to Dublin Castle. I went in and took some pictures of the outside of the buildings but entry is by guided tour only and they were full up for the day. Too bad. So I decided to head over to the Dublinia exhibit and tour of Christ Church Cathedral. Unfortunately the last one starts at 4:15 and it was 5:00. Ahhh, frustrating!

So I took a walk to take some pictures of things that I saw but hadn't documented. The Spire (it was supposed to be the Millenium Spire but wasn't finished in time) is this really tall, super pointless structure in the middle of Dublin's busiest road. Apparently the locals hate it. There are also some statues along the road and the post office that served as the headquarters for the 1916 revolution (BIG deal). Then I walked back over the Liffey River and took pictures there. I continued to Temple Bar and then ended back at the hostel.

My legs were quite tired so I stopped back in at the hostel for a quick sit-down before Liam picked me up. I had dinner at Sadie and Liam's house which is only 20 minutes away from my hostel driving. Their daughter Mary and her fiance Martin were there as well. The Ireland-Namibia match was on in the background and we all enjoyed a good Irish win. The food was delicious and we all had a good time. Sadie sent me off with some pictures which was nice to have since I completely forgot to take any of all of us!

Back at the hostel I re-packed all my bags, hopped in the shower, set my alarm and got ready for bed...PARIS TOMORROW!!!!!