Monday, September 29, 2014
We had an interrupted sleep last night. About 4:30 AM a fire alarm woke us. It rang for a bit, then stopped, then started again. We got up and peeked out the door but no one was running out and down the stairs. Eventually everyone went back to bed. Pat thinks it may have been us who set it off! I had my iPad charging and Pat says the alarm stopped as soon as he unplugged it. I’m not sure about that (because it came on a second time after the plug was out), but just in case it was us we didn’t ask any questions at the desk this morning.
We took a day trip out of Dublin today through Wicklow County – known as ‘The Garden of Ireland’. As we travelled out of Dublin City (we notice people call it Dublin City as opposed to Dublin) we drove along the seaside resort of Dalkey. We stopped for a quick view out to sea.
Next we drove through the suburb of Killiney – a beautiful area overlooking Dublin Bay. Our guide pointed out Enya’s castle (yes, she has her own castle), the gates to Bono’s home, and the area where Sinead O’Connor resides.
And finally we were in the country. There were more trees than I expected, but the old stone walls and fields of sheep were as I imagined. We stopped for coffee in Kilmacanogue where, in the 1870’s, James Jameson planned and planted a beautiful garden featuring trees and flowers from around the world. I wandered through the gift shop but then went outside to admire the grounds.
We drove past the Glencree Peace and Reconciliation Centre. The building was originally constructed by the British as they attempted to capture the United Irishmen who led the rebellion of 1798. Since then it has served as a reformatory, housed prisoners of war during the First World War, and been a centre for war orphans from the Second World War. In 1974 it helped to establish peace in Ireland during ‘The Troubles’.
We went up over a mountain (well they call it a mountain) where, until 1991, folks were allowed to cut peat for heating their homes. The area is a park now and protected – except for one gentleman who still has the right to cut it.
Our last long stop was in Glendalough at the Monastic Site founded by St. Kevin in the 6th Century. I would have liked to have had more time here (and less people) but it was amazing. The site still has an ancient tower standing, as well as St. Kevin’s Cross which is one of the oldest Celtic crosses in existence.
After we left the site we did a short walk on a route that took us between Lower and Upper Lake Glendalough. When we boarded the bus again we had a quick toast to the day with a wee bit of Jameson whiskey and then we were on our way back to Dublin City.
When we left the tour, we stopped at a pub for a less than spectacular dinner. I haven’t figured out the concept of The Carvery. It is like a buffet, except you order an item and then as you move down the line your vegetables are added to the plate. I made a jog to the left when I should have kept right and ended up missing the spot where you pay for the meal. I ordered a Shepherd’s Pie but ended up with a Fish Pie on my plate; since I hadn’t paid for it I could hardly go back and complain!
My pint of choice tonight was a Trouble Brewing Pale Ale – I hope it didn’t jinx the wonderful weather we have been having.