I can’t believe that this four and a half month trip is winding down. I am in my last country, Ireland.
Dublin was founded by the Vikings in the 9th century and was under British rule until gaining independence. The winds are a bit cool here but overall is a few degrees warmer than Germany.
I spent the first day just walking around and sightseeing. I did not pay to go into any attractions. The large tours that I have planned are not cheap and more interesting than other things I could pay for. I instead walked around the local landmarks and visited the few historic pubs for food and drink. I was also reminded by my knee that it was enough walking for the day.
St. Patrick’s cathedral.
A famous place for fish and chips. I may have to come back here before I leave Ireland. But I am going to the south and west where I also hear the seafood is great.
I did want to go to a pub that had great time reviews for Irish stew! O’Donoghue’s was pretty good!
Dublin castle. It was built in 1204 on top of a former Viking settlement and was the seat of the UK government until independence. It was rebuilt in 1684 after a fire destroyed all but one tower.
The River Liffy.
On the Ha’penny bridge which used to cost a half penny to cross.
A Christmas festival still going on in the city center.
One of the oldest bars in Dublin, the Brazen Head. I stopped at the Cobblestone first but decided to leave for this one instead. The beer price was actually cheaper.
The cue from my knee had me going back to the hostel to relax. I have an early morning the next day for a tour to Northern Ireland. It was a long bus ride to get to the northern part of Northern Ireland.
We stopped at Dunluce castle ruins which was built on top of a basalt outcrop in the late 1200’s. It is along the North Atlantic. Because of its position it was easy to defend but difficult to live in. It became the stronghold of the MacDonnell clan. Because of the harsh weather, it was a difficult place and part of the castle fell into the ocean in the 1600’s eventually being abandoned in 1690. It is magnificent with even greater scenery around it.
From there we went to the nearby Giant’s Causeway. It was formed 60 million years ago from volcanic activity. There is a out 40,000 basalt columns that are shaped like hexagons. The shape occurred when the lava came to the surface and then shrank during cooling.
For lunch we went to a place nearby, the Fullerton Arms. THeir steak pie was delicious.
They also had a door carved like the Game of Thrones insignia.
The next stop was Dark Hedges, a large number of beech trees planted in the 1700’s to create a dramatic entry to a manor. The trees have intertwined to create an arch. It was used in the series, Game of Thrones as the kings road. Sadly, many trees are falling and need to be replanted.
The final stop is an hour in Belfast to look around and walk before the final drive back to Dublin. A really long day in a bus but easier when you are short on time.
