Crossing to the Emerald Isle

Trip Start Feb 15, 2008
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Trip End May 31, 2008


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Monday, April 14, 2008

I continued my journey by train passing more green farming land and quaint villages toward the Welsh seaport of Holyhead. On arrival at Bangor station we were joined by a group of Irish lads and a fellow by the name of Richie who became the entertainer for the car I travelling in. Richie gave us a few songs some jokes and a couple of stories.
The ferry service between Holyhead and Dublin is operated by 'Irish Ferries' costs £25 and includes a short bus trip from the train station to the port. The ship is huge, there's plenty of room inside plus a duty-free shop, bistro, cafe, casino, three bars and two cinemas. The trip takes about 3 hours and I was expecting a little in the way of rough seas though it was smooth sailing all the way. I had a chat at the back of the boat with a couple from NZ who were on their way to Ireland with their campervan hoping to play fiddle in an Irish pub band. The best way of getting from Dublin's port into the city is to take the connecting bus which costs €2.50 and happened to drop me right outside my hostel.
I utilised the remaining two hours of daylight by taking a quick walk around Dublin's streets. I made my way up O'Connell St and saw 'The Spire' which is a 120 meter pin shaped sculpture completed in 2003 by Ian Ritchie Architects; it's not such a bad thing as I think it could help people like myself find their way around. Next I saw the garden of remembrance which remembers those who died keeping Ireland Irish and ensuring those Brits didn't manage to takeover every part of the UK; this park looks somewhat bland and uninteresting. Next I had a peek at the 'Christ Church Cathedral' built in 1030 then down to 'St Patrick's Cathedral' built in 1192; it's not so impressive. I next had a quick look at St Auddoen's Gate and the remaining part of the Dublin's old city wall, both completed in 1275 before seeing 'The Four Courts' court building which was completed in 1785. I then returned to my hostel using Dublin's new tram line which was constructed with the help of the EU.
Before coming to this city I was told that the Irish no longer lived there and this is practically true. I heard plenty of other accents and languages spoken but really and Irish. This city is dull, cold and wet and I was glad I had not chosen to spend any length of time there.
The following day I commenced a three day trip of Southern Ireland with Paddy Wagon Tours.
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