Walk About

Got an early start - - out by 1:00 p.m.!  Ha Ha.  Slept almost 16 hours.  May have overdone the first day.  Awakened by front desk and I was sooo mad they were calling me at 3 in the morning just to tell me I had a package.  It was actually 9:30 p.m.  Awoke again about mid-night.  Was a little concerned I would stay awake all night, which lasted about 30 seconds until I fell asleep again.  Tam didn't move.  Best sleep she's had in awhile.

We did our kids proud and spent a couple of hours at THE ONLY PLACE IN DUBLIN that doesn't serve Guinness -- St. Patrick's Cathedral. (you literally can't walk a couple of blocks without passing a pub).  St. Patrick's is so old it leaves you speechless.  Founded near the site of the well where St. Patrick is believed to have baptized his flock in the 5th century, it is an awesome experience to be standing in a place where people have worshiped for almost a 1,000 years.

Of course, St. Patrick's was the SECOND stop.  We started at St. Jame's Gate and did the tour of the Guinness Store House.  It was definitely worth it, the freshest Guinness ever poured.  So much so, Tam even liked it!.  Interesting factoid:  Guinness Book of World Records was started by a president of the company to help bartenders answer questions like "what is the fastest hunting bird" - - an argument he had over a pint one evening.

 I knew I was on a health food diet!



We must have walked 6 miles today.  After St. Patrick's we had dinner at Sheehan's and then it was off to find The Stags Head (via Molly Malone, Tam just couldn't stay away).  We wandered into the bar frequented by James Joyce.  Near Trinity College.  A quick pint and a small one of Locke's 10 yr old.  Very Smooth.  So much so, Tam even liked it!  (a pattern emerging).  Ah, the water of life.  Too much fun.

Really proud of ourselves having navigated around a good portion of City Centre.  Must say, however, whoever laid out the streets must have visited Arthur's well - - the same "street" changes names after a couple of blocks.  After Stags Head, started for the hotel.  Quick stop in Frank Ryan's, a local pup a few blocks from the hotel, then "home" to rest up for tomorrow.  So many pubs, so little time.  Seriously though, there are sooo many things we still want to do before heading for Cork Monday.  Oh well, good reason to come back!