7.My Daily Bucket List Travelogue-October 10, 2009

Today I will say goodbye to my dear Aunt Dorothy. Her memorial service will be later this morning. Because her Mom's parents were from Ireland, I thought we would go there today...and it’s seems somewhat appropriate that I might want to find out about the country they were originally from. Though I have never been there, my cousin has; and she says it is as beautiful as one can imagine. Ireland is definitely on “my” Bucket List!

Dublin is the capital and largest city in Ireland. It is located near the midpoint of Ireland's east coast, at the mouth of the River Liffey and at the centre of the Dublin Region. It was originally founded as a Viking settlement.

Dublin has an incredible literacy legacy including Nobel laureates William Butler Yeats, George Bernard Shaw and Samuel Beckett. Other influential writers and playwrights from Dublin include Oscar Wilde, Jonathan Swift and the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker.

Located in the heart of Dublin city, O'Connell Street forms part of a grand thoroughfare created in the 18th century that runs through the centre of the capital, comprising Carlisle Bridge (now O'Connell Bridge), Westmoreland Street, College Green and Dame Street, terminating at City Hall and Dublin Castle. Situated just north of the River Liffey. At the entrance to O’Connell Street is a memorial to Daniel O’Connell, the 19th century nationalist leader. The O’Connell Monument is one of several statues along the simple but elegant street that is similar to Paris’s Champs-Élysées, lined with retail stores including Ciery’s Department Store. The Nelson Pillar is a 121 foot high granite column erected in 1808 in honor of Admiral Lord Nelson. There is also a white, Sicilian marble statue in honor of Sir John Gray who was responsible for the Dublin water supply system.
Down the middle of O’Connell Street are

Phoenix Park is the largest enclosed urban park in Dublin. It encompasses 1760 acres of land and is the home of a herd of Fallow Deer. There is large white cross situated in Phoenix Park generally spoken of as "the Papal Cross". It was erected for the visit of Pope John Paul II in September 1979. At this cross he held Mass for over a million people. Phoenix Park is also home to the Wellington Monument, also known as the Wellington Testimonial, a 210 foot tall column commemorating the victories of the Duke of Wellington. Inside of the park is also the Dublin Zoo, home to over 700 animals and tropical birds. In the evening, automatic lighting gas street lamps light the main avenue of the park.

Dublin Castle is now the major Irish government building in Ireland. The Castle is now a tourist attraction and one not to be missed I understand. The Record Tower, the sole surviving tower of the medieval castle dates back to c.1228. The Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle was originally the official Church of Ireland. The exterior was finished with a fine layer of limestone and features over 90 carved heads. Inside over the chancel area are three life-size figures representing Faith, Hope and Charity. All of the interior vaulting and columns are made of timber but featured a paint wash to give the effect of stone. The Throne Room, the State Drawing Room and St. Patrick’s Hall are all decorated with lavish chandeliers and gold leaf accents.

Through the center of Dublin runs the River Liffey. It divides the city into Northside and Southside. There are roadways along the river called “quays. Some can be driven on and others are for walking. It almost gives the appearance of the canals in Venice. Many bridges cross the river along it’s path. The water appears to be as still as glass and just as mirrored as you can imagine. The river supplies much of Dublin’s water. The Grand Canal starts at the River Liffey and is the southernmost pair of canals that connect Dublin. The canals are lined with plush greenery along the banks interspersed with trees and walkways with benches to sit and relax and enjoy the beautiful area around you.

Dublin enjoys mild winters and cool summers. It receives less rain than London with the sunniest months being May and June.

According to Frommer’s, “This may not be the greatest scenery Ireland has to offer, but it's a fantastic introduction. To the north of Dublin are the remnants of ancient civilizations, at prehistoric sites Newgrange and Knowth. A short distance away, the green hills around the Valley of the Boyne are where the Irish kings once reigned with a mixture of mysticism and force. To the south, the Wicklow Mountains create a landscape of hills and peaceful monastic sites. To the east, the plains of County Kildare form Ireland's horse country.”

Someday – I hope to get to the land of my ancestors and see the beauty that is there. I picture it in my head and can only imagine the breathtaking countryside and scenery that awaits me. Someday -