The
very first sight we saw was the Dublin Spire, officially named the Monument to
Light (and unofficially variously known as the Nail in the Pale, the Stiletto in the
Ghetto, the Spire in the Mire and any number of often irreverent or racy
names…the Irish apparently love to give things nicknames). It is a 390 foot high stainless steel spire
that was installed as a replacement to a monument to Admiral Nelson…a British
war hero that the Irish didn’t really care about.
The
tour started at the GPO (General Post Office) where the guide talked about some
of the history of Dublin and Ireland and the various rebellions that took
place.
Behind
the GPO we visited a pedestrian area with lots of shops, a covered arcade and
an area with flower stalls.
We
also visited a protestant church that had been de-consecrated when the
protestant population of the area dropped so low that it was no longer needed
as a church. It fell into decline but
was eventually bought and restored and is now used as a pub and a
restaurant. The organ and the major
stained glass windows are still in place.
It’s a pretty lovely place to have a pint.
We
crossed the River Liffey with its many bridges…
and
stopped at the former Royal Exchange (now the City Hall)
and
Dublin Castle.
We
then headed into Temple Bar, an area of pubs and nightlife. Stops included the Music Wall of Fame…
and
Grafton Street…a pedestrian walking area with lots of shops.
After
the tour ended we found a nearby Gourmet Burger Kitchen and ordered burgers and
their great chocolate milkshakes. Gourmet Burger Kitchen is one of our regular stops while in London.
We
walked back to the hotel via St. Stephen’s Green Park.
We
spent late afternoon and evening in the hotel and had dinner at the adjacent
pub. Then it was time to pack.
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