Emerald Isle – Day 2 – Life on the Liffey Continued
Dublin Castle
On the highest ground in the area, which is more of a slope overlooking the river, stands Dublin Castle. Evidence that a Viking fortress stood on the site dates back to the 930s and other archaeological finds suggests a wooden and stone castle was likely built around the time the Nomans came to town around 1169.
Over time various structures were added or rebuilt and the site has served as a prison, the seat of British power, a home for the dignitaries of the day, and even now plays host to European Unions Presidents, Heads of State as well as leaders of business and government. It is also a favorite among the Hollywood crowd appearing in numerous films including, Becoming Jane, The Medallion, and was the stand in as the Vatican in the pilot of Showtime’s, The Tudors.
Once inside our group was treated to a private tour of the State Apartments which are used for several government functions including the Presidential inauguration every seven years.
The castle features several treasures including fabulous art and unique furniture including the throne built for the visit of King George IV in 1821 .
One of the best conversation pieces was this ‘courting couch’. This was a very useful piece of furniture in its day as the courting couple would sit at the opposite ends and an official chaperone or two could sit in the middle to ensure there was an appropriate amount of distance between the two. My how times have changed.
It’s Time for Liquid Lunch!!
We left the castle grounds and bus was waiting to take us to our next destination. Lunch!
But this wasn’t just any café or pub along the way. We were heading to the Guinness Storehouse. Yes beer lovers, THAT Guinness.
In 1759 Arthur Guinness actually signed a 9000 year lease on the St James gate brewery for an annual rent of what would be equal to $72 usd today. (wonder how much of the brew was tapped before that negotiation, smart guy!)
The outside of the brick building looks like what one would expect for a former production facility then add in the herd of tourists that you would expect at a major attraction and you have a very busy place. It was bustling with people and I found it interesting that almost everyone we ran into in elevators, etc were Americans. (we love our beer!)
The visitor’s center is a modern marvel shaped in the form of a pint glass with escalators and glass everywhere you look. A men’s chorus was performing in the ground floor atrium and the acoustics were perfect for carrying their tones through out the structure.
We were lead to a private room where a buffet lunch was being served which of course included a pint of you guessed it… Guinness! They did provide other choices included pasta, chicken, fish salads, potatoes and dessert.
After lunch we joined a Guinness tour guide who provided the history of the brewery as well as a walk through of the brewing process. We even had the privilege to see the backside of water!
We also had an opportunity to get up close and personal with the various ingredients.
After the tour we were given some time on our own to explore, so we decided to check out the ‘Gravity Bar’ on the 7th floor which offers a 360º view of the city of Dublin.
We left Guiness and headed back to the hotel. The official events were over for the day leaving the group to scatter and explore on their own. However there were some optional activities for those who wanted to partake.
A tour of Trinity college which houses the “Book of Kells” which includes four Gospels of the New Testament transcribed by monks in the 6th though 9th centuries. Regarded as Irelands finest national treasure, it certainly is a masterwork of Western calligraphy.
This was an adults only adventure which offered another unique opportunity to attend a literary pub crawl that evening. We decided to return to the hotel and enjoy the resort amenities so we didn’t not join in the fun, but the group who did said it was highly recommended!
The day will start early tomorrow as we need to pack and get ready for a road trip to our next destination. Killarney here we come!
Missed an entry? Here’s the link to the entire Emerald Isle Blog to date!
MouseFanTravel President Beci Mahnken is a veteran of 4 Adventures By Disney trips, more then 50 cruises including 18 with Disney and countless Walt Disney World and Disneyland adventures. Read her blog on the London and Paris Adventure by Disney. Here is her blog on the Backstage Magic Adventure!
WOW. This is the trip Raleigh and i want to take some day. We’ve been looking at it for a couple of years…..I’m in heaven….
You are very welcome Susan! If you have any specific questions, please don’t hesitate to email me – [email protected]. I am very happy to help any way I can.
Thanks for the comments and have a great day!
If you don’t want Guinness with your lunch, do they offer Harp or Smithwick’s instead?
Thank you for the trip report Beci! I have been looking at these trips and this was the one that I was wondering about this for the first one – Ireland is so beautiful – thanks for taking the time to post such great pictures! Have fun!