IRELAND #7: WATERFORD AND DUBLIN

On the drive from Cork to Dublin, we visited the Waterford Crystal factory and followed an interesting tour through the various stages of crystal creation.

We paused on our drive to enjoy the view of the valley at Dungarvan.

Once we reached the Waterford Crystal factory, we began to appreciate the craftsmanship and the artistry of the glass blowers.

We saw astonishing pieces of crystal, some being made before our eyes.

We enjoyed a community hosted lunch at the refurbished coastguard station in the seaside town of Tramore, County Waterford. The views of Tramore Bay and the beach were beautiful. 

Dessert was also beautiful!

Eventually we arrived in the exciting capital city Dublin. Our time was relatively short there, and my photographs focus on only four features: St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Trinity College display of the Book of Kells, and some city scenes.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, founded in 1191, and built between 1191 and 1270, is the national cathedral for the whole island. It has no Bishop! It is located next to the well where St. Patrick is reputed to have baptised converts in the 5th century! The church was rebuilt in the 19th century and it reflects its Gothic origins and Neo-Gothic restorations.

The floor of the cathedral is unique!

George Friedrich Handel played the organ here.

One of the most famous Deans was Jonathan Swift, author of Gulliver's Travels.

A hand-written copy of Handel's Messiah is displayed in a glass case.

The massive rebuild of the 1860's was mainly financed by money from the Guiness family.

Dublin Castle, originally built by King John in 1210, was destroyed more than once. It became the centre of English rule over Ireland for 600 years. Much of the current palace was completed in the 18th century.

The harp, displayed here outside the Throne Room, eventually became a national symbol.

The huge throne in the throne room was built for King George IV who weighed over 300 pounds.

After visiting the Castle, we walked to Trinity College where we saw the incredible Book of Kells. It is an illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament. It was written by monks who used quills and their own home-made dyes in about the year 800 AD. The lavish decoration and incredible attention to detail aroused deep emotions within us. Photos were not allowed at the site. So I copied a few photos that I found on-line in order to give the viewer a sense of detail of the illuminations in the Book of Kells.

Here we see the Trinity College upper library (above the Book of Kells display) which houses about 200,000 books and manuscripts and displays many first edition books.

Some fascinating books are on display.

While walking down Fishamble Street, we walked past the location of the Musick Hall where Messiah was first performed.

The bridges over the Liffey River connect the north and south sections of the city.

Dublin's 18th century Georgian houses have been saved from destruction. Note the design of the windows - intended to create the illusion of greater height.