Baile Atha Cliath

It so happened that on a Monday afternoon, we decided not to hang around Derry for another weekend; it was high time to visit the rest of the isle. So, after some rapid internet research and a quick trip to the bus station, we concocted a plan: a weekend trip to Dublin! Unfortunately, many of the attractions we saw were strict no camera zones, but I still have a few things to share.

Dublin Castle. Really, it should be renamed Dublin Palace. After a fire destroyed the old castle, the viceroy decided he'd rather have a palace built after the manner of Versailles. In fact, the building is such a random assemblage of various types, that we walked straight past the castle without ever realizing it. 

The odd, mix 'n match result of building a palace on top of a medieval castle

The only remaining tower of the old castle

Lady Justice. You'll notice that she is not blindfolded, her sword is not pointed downwards, and its said that rain tends to run down her arm and into the scales, tipping it to one side. She also faces the palace, rather than the people.

St. Stephen's Green:

Left to right: Kacie, Kellie, Anna

Christ Church Cathedral:

Sadly, I was standing way too close to get the top of the spire in the picture

And my favorite, Trinity College:

 Unfortunately, the coolest part of Trinity College definitely belongs to the realm of no camera zones. The Book of Kells and the Long Room, both part of the Old Library, definitely made the trip (and broke the bank). The Long Room contains shelf after shelf, two stories high, of old tomes. As for me, install a bed and  fridge in a corner, and I'll see you in a few decades! But I guess that probably isn't allowed...

 The ride home from Dublin was dazzling! The afternoon sun decided to come out from behind the clouds. Ireland may be pretty when blanketed by grey, drizzling clouds, but Ireland is stunning when the sun finally decides to shine. But, as usual, no picture effectively captures the moment, and pictures taken from the back of a bus fare even worse. Besides, I was too busy enjoying the moment to snap a shot anyway. This picture (and a few of the others) is a courtesy of Anna.