Ireland

Five things to do at the Guinness Store House – Dublin

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No visit to Dublin is complete without a visit to the Guinness Store House.  The museum and bar are built on the hallowed grounds Arthur Guinness first built his empire over.  On the banks of the river Liffey Arthur managed a brilliant 1759 coup by establishing a 9,000 year lease for 45 pounds per year to use the boggy waters of the Liffey for his famous silky black drink.  Who would have known at the time it would become as big as it is.   Guinness is the largest maker of stout in the world after all.

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The Store House has a splendid industrial feeling tour dictating the history of the drink which certainly parallel the history of Dublin and Ireland itself in some ways.  One can understand how beer is made, how the advertising industry works, and what the beer means to the Irish people.  About the time museum goers get tired they arrive at the 360 degree bar.  The bar overlooks the great city of Dublin.  Visitors can enjoy a crisp cool pint with a view in the modern and scenic panoramic bar.

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Head down to the shop to adorn yourself with some Guinness swag and set out recharged in to the Fair City of Dublin.

Five things to do at the Guinness Store House

  1. Take your photo in front of Saint James Gate
  2. Enjoy the Guinness advertising history taking your photo in the interactive advertising sign
  3. Toast a pint in the 360 panoramic bar while pointing out Dublin sites from above
  4. Buy a t-shirt and other mementos in the awesome Guinness shop before you go
  5. Walk around the corner and see Arthur Guinness’s family home while walking off your buzz

*If beer isn’t your thing be sure to check out the Jameson’s distillery on the North side of the Liffey.

Slante!

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Who can resist getting their photo taken here?

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Love the advertising they had on display at the Guinness Store House

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Don’t mind if I do…

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How any museums let you walk around with a beer in your hand?

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The dwelling of Mr. Arthur Guinness

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My folks at Saint Jame’s Gate

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Kilmainham Gaol – Dublin Ireland

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Kilmainham Gaol is as famous for its history as it is for its prisoners.  This former jail turned museum is a must see for history buffs visiting Dublin for the first time.  The jail was a cruel and unyielding place used to house revolutionaries as political prisoners after the Easter Rising and eventually as a free state.

The jail is not only interesting in architecture and function but its history mimics that of Ireland itself.  Built in 1796 it was supposed to be technologically advanced moving away from its more dungeon like predecessor.  Hangings took place outside the front door giving meaning to the reptile you find adorning the entryway.  The yard outside witnessed many a young person shot to death before their time.

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A photo of the dragon who sits above the entryway where many of the early hangings took place. I took a little artistic license with it…

Within its walls it housed such noteworthies as Eamon De Valera (who went on to be President of the Irish Republic), Charles Parnell, Countess Markievicz, Padraig Pearse, Grace Gifford and Joseph Plunkett whose marriage at the jail helped turn public opinion, and so many more.

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Grace Gifford married her Revolutionary husband in this prison the day before he was killed. This helped turn the tide of public opinion at the time. Grace adorned her cell with artwork during her time in prison. The ruined mural has been reproduced in the original cell and can be seen through the door hole.

After falling into a state of disrepair the jail has been restored to protect its history because, like everywhere in Ireland and particularly in Dublin, the Irish take their history very seriously.  It is important that there are visual queues reminding one of sacrifices made in the past for those of the future.

Many noteworthy movies have been filmed on location such as The Italian Job, In the Name of the Father, Michael Collins, The Wind That Shakes The Barley, and the Adventures of Young Indiana Jones.  Get to this location early as the queue fills up early and one must wait in line for a visit.  The hop on hop off bus tour visits here so be weary of crowds.  It is worth the wait and there is a safe to keep you fueled.

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The main wing was heated from kitchen steam built directly below its floors

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Who says you can’t find beauty and beautiful lines at a jail?

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Names and statements were carved above jail cells. Some original work remains.

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Drafty, cold, and damp inmates slept on the floor and were lucky to have hay to sleep on.

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The yard whose walls could tell the stories of each revolutionary killed for their beliefs…

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The Irish flag flying proudly in the yard where so many were killed.

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Kilmainham Gaol 1787

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Cee’s Black and White Challenge – Irish Fairy Tree, Hill of Tara

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Ireland is full of Fairy Trees or Wishing Trees.  Even for non-believers the Irish won’t often tempt fate by cutting down or messing with a single tree in a field or misfortune could visit.  People will often leave an item tied to the tree as a symbol of their wish or desire.  I came across many of these trees, the most compelling being those with baby bottles, shoes, and ribbons hanging from them.  I hope these trees bring their visitor’s peace.

Fairy Tree at the Hill of Tara, Ireland

Fairy Tree at the Hill of Tara, Ireland

Click here to see more wonderful Black and White Trees in Cee’s Challenge.

Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge – Kylemore Abbey, Ireland

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I am still sifting through photos from my recent trip to Ireland.  Cee’s Odd Ball Challenge presented a fine time to bring out and highlight the attached photo.  Kylemore Abbey is a jewel of Ireland.  The abbey and grounds are nothing short of spectacular.  One can explore the abbey, walled gardens, and mountain and lake hikes.  Beyond the small church on the grounds is this odd ball sculpture.  It is said that one must stand in the palm of the hand and throw a rock backwards.  If the rock makes it beyond a large boulder then the thrower will benefit from good luck!  I feel like I have good luck from just seeing this strange hand fighting its way from the earth.  Can you imagine stumbling upon this alone in the dark?  I hope you enjoy this photo as much as I do.

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Postcards From Ireland – Curious Carrowmore Cow

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I thought I would start with one of my favorite photos from Ireland!  This curious cow couldn’t get enough of me.  (I think she thought I had treats in my pocket.)  She is upstaging the megalithic Carrowmore site behind her which was the purpose of our visit.  (More detail to follow on the greater area.)

This photo could not be more Irish and was a highlight to my trip.

D80_9378-2For more posts on Ireland click here!

Ode to the Full Irish Breakfast

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Ireland and its people are wonderful. I would recommend a visit for anyone.  The history, the music, the castles, the neolithic art and archaeology, the mysticism, all reasons to visit.  But, one thing can be found in Ireland that cannot be found in many other places.  The full Irish Breakfast.

In many of Ireland’s B&Bs the full Irish breakfast is served and makes staying at said B&B even more worth it.  This breakfast will set you up for the day making it so lunch may not even be necessary.

In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day please enjoy some full Irish Breakfast photos taken at the impeccable Riverstown Country B&B in Rathfeigh County Meath!  This B&B was originally built in the early 1700’s and still boasts a lovely thatched roof.

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Giant’s Causeway – County Antrim, Northern Ireland

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My brother Sean and I had long heard stories of Giant’s Causeway and driving all the way to Ireland’s Northernmost tip in County Antrim was a must for us.  The journey was half the fun but this geological wonder and UNESCO Heritage site was worth the travel.

Giant’s Causeway is made up of area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns which ultimately hailed from a volcanic eruption.  This natural wonder if amazing to behold and begs legends to be told of its grandeur.

Our grandmother had long told us the story of the Giant Finn McCool.  After we got old enough to do proper research I heard stories of Finn McCool in many different ways.  But legend has it that the stepping stones were created when Finn scooped up part of Ireland and threw it at an enemy causing a walkway between Ireland and Scotland.

One day Finn heard another Giant Benandonner was coming to fight him.  Unsure if he could fight off this giant he devised an ingenious plan.  Finn’s wife dresses him as a baby and hid him in a giant cradle.  When Benandonner arrived and saw the size of the baby he realized quickly that its father Finn must be of enormous size and stature.   Benandonner  ran scared back to Scotland via the causeway never having seen the Giant he came to fight.

   
   
Here are a few photos from the way back machine. If memory serves these photos were taken on Sean and I’s first trip to Ireland in 1999.

Muddy sailing in Ireland

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Ireland has a strong connection to the sea. It is easy to see why so many songs were sung with hope and anguish related to the water. The famed Irish sweaters, with their knitted family patterns, were created as a way to identify lost sailors who might wash up later.

Ireland is full of surprises. It seems everywhere one goes even the most benign things are beautiful and interesting. For me every town, and every bit in between, brings something charming and new.

While traveling from Kinsale along the southern coast of Ireland we came upon these boats in a harbor bent over waiting for the Tide to awake them. I love how the small town is going about its business behind the boats normally. The boats seem to have personality to me. They look like proud boats just waiting for the tide to slowly regain their glory.

Below are a few Sea shanties to get you in the mood.

The Holy Ground

Fare thee well my lovely Dinah a thousand times adieu
We are saying goodbye to the Holy Ground and the girls we all love true
We will sail the salt seas over and then return to shore
And still I live in hopes to see the Holy Ground once more.
Fine girl You Are.

Now when we’re out a-sailing and you are far behind
Fine letters will I write to you with all the secrets of my mind
The secrets of my mind, me girl, you’re the girl that I adore
And still I live in hope to see the Holy Ground once more.
Fine Girl You Are.

Oh, now the storm is coming, I see it rising soon
For the night is dark and dreary, you can scarcely see the moon
And the good old ship she is tossing about and the rigging is all tore
But still I live in hope to see the Holy Ground once more.
Fine Girl You Are.

One More Day

Oh, have you heard the news, me Johnny
One more day
We’re homeward bound tomorrow
One more day
Only one more day, me Johnny
One more day
Oh, rock and roll me over
One more day
Don’t you hear the old man growlin’
Don’t you hear the mate a howlin’
Don’t you hear the caps’n pawlin’
Don’t you hear the pilot bawlin’
Only one more day a-howlin’
Can’t you hear the gals a-callin’
Only one more day a-rollin’
Can’t you hear the gulls a-callin’
Only one more day a-furlin’
Only one more day a-cursin’
Oh, heave and sight the anchor, Johnny
For we’re close aboard the port, Johnny
Only one more day for Johnny
And your pay-day’s nearly due, Johnny
Then put out your long-tail blue, Johnny
Make your port and take your pay, Johnny
Only one more day a-pumpin’, Johnny
Only one more day a-bracin’
Oh, we’re homeward bound today, Johnny
We’ll leave her without sorrow, Johnny
Pack your bags today me Johnny
Oh, an’ leave her where she lies, Johnny
Only one more day a-workin’, Johnny
Oh, come rock ‘n’ roll me over
No more gales or heavy weather
Only one more day together

Heave away

Come get your duds in order
For we’re going to leave tomorrow
Heave away, me jollies, heave away
Come get your duds in order
For we’re going to cross the water
Heave away me jolly boys, we’re all bound away
Sometimes we’re bound for Liverpool
Sometimes we’re bound for Spain
But now we’re bound for St. John’s town
To watch the girls a-dancing
Now it’s farewell Maggie darling
For it’s now I’m going to leave you
You promised me you’d marry me
But how you did deceive me
I wrote me love a letter
And I signed it with a ring
I wrote me love a letter
I was on the Jenny Lind
Sometimes we’re bound for Liverpool
Sometimes we’re bound for Spain
But now we’re bound for St. John’s town
To watch the girls a-dancing

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