DUBLIN

Last weekend we left the sunny shores of Scotland and the UK and headed west to the land of Leprechauns, Craic and Guinness. Destination - Dublin!

Leaving Glasgow Friday evening we hoped to have our first Irish pints with our friends from France, Devon and Yoann, by 11:30. Unfortunately, due to a delayed flight and the queue at immigration, we didn't get to our hotel until after midnight. However, the lack of beer that night was perhaps a good thing as it left us feeling fresh and energised for the 2 big days ahead..

So it was early Saturday morning when we began exploring the city. This is Lower O'Connell Street, looking north from the river to the 120m Spire of Dublin..

Our first stop was Trinity College, founded in 1592 by Queen Elizabeth I and part of the oldest university in Ireland, the University of Dublin. This is the courtyard leading to The Old Library, a spectacular building which includes the amazing Long Room. At approxoimately 65 metres long and home to 200,000 of the library's oldest books it's an impressive sight. The Old Library is also home to the Book of Kells, the 1000 year old, lavishly decorated copy (in Latin) of the 4 gospels (no photos allowed though!)..

After visiting the Old Library we took a short detour south to stroll through one of Dublin's largest parks, St. Stephen's Green..

We then headed to Dublin Castle and the Chester Beatty Library (thanks for the tip mum!). This is the atrium and cafe inside the foyer. Another amazing sight this library houses the collection of Chester Beatty himself, an American mining magnate who was a keen collector of books, manuscripts, art and artifacts. It is an incredible collection and definitely a 'must see' when in Dublin (but no photos allowed inside)..

The view from the roof of the library looking down on the Dubh Linn Gardens. In the background is part of Dublin Castle - the Record Tower and the Chapel Royal. The tower is the only remaining part of the original, medieval castle dating from c.1228..

Next to the library entrance is this striking building - The Coach House. Built in the 1830's it was originally used to house the coach and horses of the Lord Lieutenant but today it's used as a conference and events centre..

From the castle we started walking west to find a cafe for lunch. On the way we passed Dublin's oldest building (we think?) - Christ Church Cathedral, founded c.1020!..

After lunch we continued heading west until we came to this lesser known attraction - The Guinness Storehouse and Brewery! This is the view as you begin your tour - looking up through the 'giant pint'..

Water, they use a lot of water here every day..

Group shot! Devon, Yoann, Evan and Carly, underneath the freshwater 'tube'..

Midway through the tour, at the roasting display..

Thumbs up to that! Yoann - thirsty..

The freshest Guinness we'll ever have!..

As we enjoyed our pints the sun set outside, leaving us with this nightime view of Dublin from the 6th floor of the brewery. Looking back to the Spire (left) and St Patrick's Cathedral (middle)..

Almost forgot to get a pic of the famous St. James gate!..

Feelin' the love! What do you expect? He is French after all..

From the brewery we headed back to the city centre for dinner, passing St. Augustine & St. John's Church on the way..

The Temple Bar early on a Saturday night. We stopped here for dinner, and a pint or two, before visiting a couple more pubs just to round out the night - good Craic!..

Feeling (surprisingly?) good the next morning we were up early to say goodbye to Devon and Yoann who were leaving earlier, having arrived in Dublin Friday morning. This is the River Liffey..

The Ha'Penny Bridge - built in 1816 it is the oldest pedestrian bridge in Dublin and was built to replace an aging ferry fleet. Originally called the Wellington Bridge (after the Duke of Wellington) its official name today is The Liffey Bridge, but it's commonly known as the Ha'Penny because of the half pence toll originally paid to cross it..

After our walk we jumped on a train and headed 20 minutes north to the small coastal town of Malahide - first stop, the Malahide Castle. Set on 260 acres this was the home of the Talbot family for 791 years (!) after Richard Talbot was granted the land in 1185..The best preserved castle we have seen, it houses original period furniture as well as an amazing portrait gallery, and the self-guided audio tour is brilliant too. Unfortunately though - no photography is allowed inside!..

From the castle we walked back into town for lunch and then headed down to the beach. This is the Malahide Marina..

Malahide Beach. Probably the coldest we have ever been at a beach anywhere! The wind that was whipping in from the NE, over the Irish Sea, was the precursor to the front that brought so much snow to the UK and Ireland, shutting down transport links and schools! Still, we weren't the only idiots to be braving it!..

Back in Dublin we happened to see the Top Link Steam Train - on its way from Belfast to Cork during one of its special weekend runs (Carly wasn't overly impressed)..

From the station we headed to the Jameson Distillery, as Evan had been introduced to this fine drink the previous night (thanks Yo!). We were going to join a tour but instead settled into some comfy, leather armchairs for a quiet afternoon drink. Carly had an Irish Coffee whilst Evan enjoyed a Hot Whiskey with lemon and cloves. A perfect escape from ridiculously cold weather!..

JJ's Bar - a perfect place to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon..

The obligatory 'we were here' shot. The bench on the left is made from one of the very first Jameson's aging barrells..

After the distillery we headed out to dinner, then jumped on a bus back to the airport and flew home to Glasgow. Just in time too, as the weather deteriorated rapidly on Sunday night, bringing widespread snow to Ireland and the UK - but more about that next post!