Dublin

[by Brian]

After a frenetic transfer in Calgary and a leisurely stroll through Heathrow (counterintuitive, I know) we arrived in Dublin, one of the friendliest cities on Earth.  All we had the time and energy to do the first evening was to wander out for dinner and a beer.  Shockingly, we happened upon a pub that does not serve Guinness.  This brewpub brewed its own beer and had an extensive bottle selection.  The Guinness brand is everywhere in Dublin.  We even saw two 10-12 year old children with Guinness hoodies.  They will certainly outgrow them before they have their first legal taste.  

Sir Thomas at Porterhouse Central

Our first meal in Ireland must be fish and chips (regrettably)

The first tourist stop was St. Patrick's Cathedral, built in 1191.  It is a small compared to the other well known cathedrals (we saw Notre Dame and Hagia Sofia earlier this year) but still worth visiting.  

St. Patrick's Cathedral

St. Patrick's Cathedral Nave

The Lady Chapel

St. Patrick's well cover

In St. Patricks we found the pins of the crests of both of Tom's parent's families plus the crest of his dear cousin Eileen's family.  Later in the day we meandered to the Dublinia museum, which details the early history of Dublin from the founding by the Vikings through the medieval period, and the Dublin Castle.

Tom's and his cousin Eileen's family crests

The Dublin Caste and its many carriages

Classic storefront

Guinness comes in tankers?!  I love this country.

We took in lunch at the oldest pub in Ireland, The Brazen Head, established in 1189.  That makes it two years older than St. Patrick's Cathedral!

The Brazen Head, est. 1189.  Two years older than St. Patricks Cathedral!

The Brazen Head entrance

Our first Guinness in Ireland.  Can you see our smiling faces?  Look closely.