Ireland Day 5, Dublin (Part II)

What better way to start off a morning in Dublin than a trip to the Guinness Brewery? Being a rather big fan of their work, I was pretty excited to see where all this hops, water, barley, and yeast becomes Guinness.

I was a little disappointed when I learned that it’s not really the brewery that they take you through, it’s an old storehouse that’s been converted into more of a high tech museum – but as we went through it all, I found they had such a rich history it was worthy of such an exhibit.  Perfect example – Arthur Guinness, in 1759 signed a 9,000 year lease on the land to brew at St. James Gate – that’s some confidence he had in his beer. Needless to say, it was a very interesting history. I even took a sip of two types of Guinness brews that I’d never tasted. The highlight of the tour, as expected, was the free pint at the top of the storehouse in the Gravity Bar looking out at a 360 degree view of Dublin – “Brilliant!”

(Yes, I do have my eyes closed in that picture… but it’s the only one)

Leaving the factory, we set off in search of more of the history, “Old Dublin” as they call it, scattered within the now bustling modern city.  

Only a few blocks from temple bar is Trinity College, founded by Elizabeth I in 1592 and once attended by Swift, Wilde, Beckett, and many more of the authors that have shaped Irish literature.

Dublin Part I

So, here I am in Dublin, Ireland – the city at the center of centuries of Irish culture, music, and literature. Our first night in town, we spent in temple bar – the district containing all of the trendy night clubs and pubs, packed wall to wall with tourists from all over the world.  With glasses raised, the locals and travelers all sang along to the house band’s renditions of “The Lark in the Morning” and “Whiskey in the Jar” and so many more. 

It was good times, and the Guinness sure does taste good here in Dublin – but ironically everything that was missing was surmised as the band began again with “Dublin, in the Rare Old Times.”

Ireland Day 4, The Causeway to Dublin

Today marks our biggest travel day within Ireland:

Leaving our hotel on the hills of the northern coast, The Causeway Hotel.

Quick stop in the town of Bushmills to tour the oldest whiskey distillery in the world.

Back on a train to Belfast City…

and the final train, to DUBLIN.

Can you hear me now?

I had to make a few calls back to Los Angeles and New York the other night…

I just want to point out that I get better cell reception here… on the top shore of Ireland, way out on the rocks of Giant’s Causeway… than I get in my apartment in the middle of Los Angeles.

Ireland Day 3, Belfast to The Causeway

So you know those rolling green hills and miles of beautiful coastline that we’ve all heard to much about… we found it (lots of it).

Ireland Day 2, Belfast

Good morning from the city of Belfast. I woke up this morning and out this window I think I saw heaven. Take a look for yourself…

yep, those are all Guinness.

Ireland Day 1

Welcome to Ireland… I love it!

London, Day 2

 …And just like that, it’s my last day in London (which means it’s just about my first day in Ireland).  But, I’m pretty confident we made the most of yesterday.  My legs are telling me we walked at least 5,000 miles.  From Oxford Circus – which was basically the shopping and fashion district where I managed to find a Zara (and a Zara Home, something I didn’t even know existed) – and then all through Hyde Park.  We also had the opportunity to sneak in a few of the “necessary” tourist attractions like Big Ben and the Buckingham Palace; along the way stopping for a bite and a pint (or two). I even made a stop at a highly recommended wagamama – which lived up to the hype.  It’s too bad today is the last day here, because there is so much more of the city to explore. Somewhere there must be this “horrible food” I’ve heard so much about… which so far I have been unable to find. I guess that can be my final goal before leaving town.