A day in Dublin

This morning I woke up well rested and ready to take on Dublin!  Before I left for this trip, I had an idea of what I wanted to see, but I wasn't sure how much time I was going to go about it all.  So, I guess you could say I am playing it all by ear and doing whatever comes my way.

This morning I pulled out my Frommer's Ireland book, and I took a look at the tabbed pages and figured I will get to the places as I get to them.  I left for the bus around 10am this morning.  Before I left, Jessica and Gavin gave me some pointers about what to see, bus information, and what to expect.  I went downtown by myself, which is really a lot of fun.  You can do things at your on pace, and you don't have to worry about the other people with you.  I took the bus into Dublin where I got off in front of Trinity College.

I went on a tour of Trinity College given by a student who just finished their second year.  It was nice to hear about the different architecture and what the buildings were.  I would not recommend going on the tour because you can walk around by yourself, and you can get reading material about college if you want to know more about it.  The Book of Kells is also located on the campus; however, since the line was so long, I have decided that I will try to see it if the line is less long another day.

After my tour of Trinity College, I strolled down Grafton Street.  Grafton Street was full of shops and street performers.  At the end of the street, I came to St. Stephen's Green.  It was a beautiful walk through the green.

Once I left St. Stephen's Green, I went on to see St. Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church, and Dublin Castle.  I enjoyed going to see all of them, but I guess I was expecting Dublin Castle to be more extravagant like castles and palaces in England.  Even so, it was definitely worth seeing the places.

St. Patrick's Cathedral

Christ's Church Cathedral

Dublin Castle

After seeing Dublin Castle, I started on my way back.  I walked along Temple Bar, and I was able to just enjoy the sights.  I was thinking of what city I would compare Dublin to, and I have decided I would compare it to Chicago (minus the high rises).  When I said this to my cousin Jessica, she said she would compare it to Boston.  So, I guess I am going to have to figure that out for myself.  I think there will be a trip to Boston in my near future!