Another warm sunny day today as we arrive in Dublin. We had a short bus tour of the city and visited the Christ Church Cathedral of Dublin, followed by a picturesque country drive and tour of Glendalough. Our tour guide was a bit of a comedian, sometimes I wasn't sure if people were laughing because she was funny, or because she spoke so quickly.
Glendalough ruins are monastic ruins in the Wicklow Hills south of Dublin, including a 10th century tower and the remains of a cathedral.
Our welcome.
Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin.
Inside the Cathedral. When we had our walking tour of the cathedral, some school girls from Canada were practicing their singing, it was beautiful.
The cat and the rat, I call them Tom and Jerry. The one, presumably chasing the other, became trapped in an organ pipe in the 1850's and were mummified. They are now on display in the churches crypt. The crypt is the oldest structure in Dublin.
Leader of the Cambro-Normans Richard de Clare, nicknamed Strongbow. Buried in the cathedral in 1176, however his first tomb was destroyed when the church roof collapsed in 1562. This is the replacement tomb from the 14th century. This old monument was important for the business world of Dublin. The tomb was the site were the payment of rents was made, and the site were a deal could be struck. They would strike a coin on the head of the monument to seal the deal. You can see the dent on the forehead in the picture below.
Countryside south of Dublin.
Woodenbridge Hotel. Established in 1608. We had lunch here.
We had a quick shopping stop here. They sell Irish goods, jewellery, woollen products, kids clothing, souvenirs, among other products.
Forest.
Water under a bridge no. 1
The stone Gatehouse marked the entrance to the ancient settlement of Glendalough.
Inside the gates, the cross inscribed slab marked the enclosure as a place of sanctuary.
Round towers were the Bell Towers of early Irish Monasteries and were used to summon the monks to prayer and to to sound the alarm in the event of an attack. Built some time between 900 and 1200.
The Cathedral. One of the largest early christian churches in Ireland.
St Kevin was the founder of the settlement at Glendalough. He was born in the 6th century and died about 620.
The Priest'S House is a miniature 12th century building.
View of the lake in Glendalough.
Glendalough.
Glendalough.
Water under bridge no. 2
Church in Dublin. Churches are starting to all look the same to me.
Georgian housing.
Georgian housing with a pink door. People were told to paint their doors black in sign of mourning when Queen Victoria died. Instead they painted them whatever colour they wanted. The tour guide was not impressed with this barbie pink door, apparently it is an insult to the building, but I think it is cool.
Georgian housing.
Dublin.
The Jeanie Johnston (I think)
*bump*
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