Dublin

We used Dublin as a home base during our trip and took a few day trips out of the city. We stayed at a charming Bed and Breakfast called The Adare House and I highly recommend it.

The row houses in Dublin had brightly colored doors. They added a touch of whimsy to the city.

Melinda and I went outside the city one night and learned how to do traditional Irish set dancing with a local group. It is similar to square dancing, but without a caller. We spent nearly every night during our trip listening to the music in the pubs. It is common for musicians to show up at pubs for their own enjoyment and begin improvising off one another . Listening to such lively music was one of the highlights of the trip.

Our first evening in Dublin we went to a memorable Evensong service at St. Patrick's Cathedral.

This is Kilmainham Gaol, an interesting jail that had historical significance during Ireland's revolution. The citizens involved in the Easter Uprising of 1916 were housed here before they were executed. It has also been used as the set for numerous movies.

Melinda and I inside one of the jail cells.

Grafton Street is a lively shopping district. It was festive place to get some Christmas shopping done.

St. Stephen's Green, a pleasant public park with statues of Dublin's literary giants.