Just a little breakfast nook
Those that know me know I am an obsessive planner. For this trip though I planned to be spontaneous (it’s really not as big of a contradiction as it sounds) and boy did it pay off!
The great thing about this last three day weekend was that it ran Saturday to Monday and there are tons of hotel deals for those that stay on Sunday night.
Case in point? I got to stay in a hotel with this lovely little breakfast nook for a ridciuslous cheap price (all because I–at the last minute–prepaid with my booking). So, to those that come in the future I urge you to ignore your inner planner, and plan a bit of spontaneity*.
I know I’m certain glad I did.
*note: some spontaneity is good but waiting too long will mean the good deals will swing back the other way and once again be expensive. I booked this hotel about 1.5 weeks before I intended to check in. That seems to be about the optimal window.
Photo Credit: Katie McQueeney
Muckross House is famous mainly for a three day (two night) visit by Queen Victoria in 1861.
That being said, it is a gorgeous 18th century home with even prettier gardens. But the often ignored (but none the less amazing) side of Muckross, is the Traditional Farms section.
In the traditional farms section they have working farms that exemplify what a small, medium, and large size farm would look like in Ireland’s past along with the supporting industry (harness makers, blacksmith, laborer’s cottage, etc.) that would have co-existed with the farms.
It’s a fascinating trip and well worth the few extra euros (all total I spent 6 euros to get in for the house, garden, and farms and I was there for a better part of a day) to get access to the farms.
Also, if you are at Muckross house take sometime to see Killarney National Park that it is situated in…it’s absolutely gorgeous!
So, yesterday I mentioned the fact that UCC was on the former site of St. Fin Barre’s monastery and school. What I failed to mention is that the accommodations that most of the eLSI students are staying at (Deans Hall–Crosses Green) is in the shadow of St. Fin Barre’s cathedral.
It’s an absolute treat to wake up every morning and see that the first thing that I see on my walk into school every morning is this lovely gothic cathedral. Well, I decided to stop in yesterday and it’s almost prettier on the inside then it is on the outside. There are mosaics on the floor; stained glass in the windows, gold leaf, marble, word carvings and ceiling paintings. Looking at the whole thing, inside and out, I am struck by how much was achieved by the sweat of the human labor.
But, the two absolute best things about the cathedral? First, the organ (I adore organ music) and the canon ball that was embedded in the spire of the old (destroyed) cathedral and is now hanging decorative in the cathedral. I’m thinking of heading to the Choral service this upcoming weekend.
Glendalough Monastery
If the hustle and the bustle of the city is too much for you (or if, say you just want a break from the city and want to see some of the countryside that comes to mind when you think of Ireland) Wicklow county has some amazing jems.
One of these is the Glendalough Monastery founded by Kevin in the 6th century.
I know that when there is not only a set of monastery ruins as well as two lakes (and six hiking trails) the desire to go to the visitor’s center is small–but go. The tiny museum using av well and there is a whole short film on the history and evolution of Irish Monasteries.
Also, if you would just prefer to hike you can get the details on the six hikes around the area.
Harry Clarke's Illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen's 'Fairy Tales'
This picture does not do it justice. But today I went to the National Gallery of Ireland and saw a gorgeous exhibit that I would recommend that you make sure to see if going to the National Gallery (or if you are just in Dublin). Go see Harry Clarke’s Illustrations for Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales.
It’s tucked up in the back of the print gallery so you might be tempted to miss it.
Don’t.
Harry Clarke brings a world of vivid stained glass color to his illustrations of classic fairy tales. It’s utterly amazing and definitely worth a vist. Plus the National Gallery has free admission which always is a plus.
And if you prefer more traditional art there are four floors filled with art of all eras.
If you go to the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin and take the tour, volunteer. At the beginning of the tour, eight lucky people are chosen (I didn’t know to volunteer so I didn’t) for a taste test at the end.
The tour itself explains the process of making whiskey which, since I have never made grain based alcohol, I was unfamiliar with it. After learning about the history of Jameson and the process of making whiskey, the tour ends with a taste of Jameson’s Old Distillery Whiskey (as long as you are 18 or over that is) as you watch those eight volunteers participate in a taste test.
Taking three whiskeys that are comparable in aging, but different in how they are made (American Bourbon, Scottish Whiskey, and Irish Whiskey) those eight get to compare the three. Though I wasn’t one of the eight tasting, it’s something that I’d definitely want to do if I go again. And even if you don’t volunteer it is fun to watch.
the way out?
When in an unfamiliar city, maps are more important than I usually give them credit for. After stopping at the hotel to drop off my luggage I set out for Trinity College to see the Book of Kells. Google Maps had promised me it was a short ten minute walk, so when I forgot my set of three maps I didn’t really mind, I had my short directions after all.
About an hour and a half later (after a delightful detour through St. Stephen’s Green) I realized I was lost in what apparently was the business area of Dublin. With not a map to help me I wandered until I found a bus stop with a map, found it and then headed back to a familiar area and Trinity College.
Side note about the Book of Kells, guide books say that tourists will line up hours before it opens (at 9:30), I got there about 9:15 and was the third person in line…so hours might be a bit excessive.
On my way out of Trinity College I, once again, got stuck in the mobius strip that was my day–luckily for me they had a sign that directed me to the Way Out. (I found it rather hilarious).
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