Dublin, Ireland

Ireland was crowded and unkempt compared to Northern Ireland. Dublin was more so with Trinity College right in the middle and a milieu of people from all parts of the world. The native language is Irish but very few people speak it. English dominates which makes Ireland even more attractive for the diaspora.

River view, Dublin

We reached Dublin on a fine sunny afternoon by bus from Belfast. Our hotel was very close to the City Centre. In time we refeshed ourselves and started off for the Gaol. The Kilmainham Gaol is a landmark in the geography of Dublin and history of Ireland. It represents the struggle for independence. We booked an afternoon guided tour. Still well preserved, the new wing was where we spent most of our time. Some celebrated political prisoners had spent time there and we were allowed to visit few of them inside.

Kilmeinham Gaol

The old wing was more creepy and it was unimaginable to think how some of the prisoners spent years there without sunlight and without even a trial. Some of the important freedom fighters were court martialed right here and there were stones erected in their memory. The museum attached to the gaol was equally informational.

Tram system, Dublin

We came back and had an Indian late lunch at Sitar Restaurant near Temple Road right across the Trinity. It was Saturday and students were partying all along the road in pubs. We decided to call it a day and settled in our cosy hotel bed. We had booked a bus tour to visit the western coast of Ireland. The next day was for Cliffs of Moher.

Hard Rock Cafe, Dublin

Next day we started early and after a sumptuous breakfast at a Subway, we entered the Trinity College to have a look around. Fortunately, The Book of Kells tour was open. I took a ticket and entered the grand library of Trinity College which is one of the top attractions in Dublin. The Book of Kells, a twelve hundred years old manuscript, was colourful and well preserved. The library was even more grand than I had thought, initially built some five hundred years ago.

Book of Kells, Trinity College

We found Dublin warm and friendly. The riverside was the best place to be and the Temple Road was the best place to party. The student life adds buzz to the city. Guinness Brewery adds to the charm. It was time to take the long bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher.