Dublin

Our hotel
The second day was dull & wet - rain often only 'sprinkles' & no one uses umbrellas! We lined up at Book of Kells & Old Library for 30 mins - they let 10 in at a time. 2 pages of Matthew open - exhibition before seeing it explains it all. They think it from the 9th century & Iona community - island off Ireland & Scotland. Illuminate pages of painted (brilliant colours)  pictures & Latin writing about four gospels.
Our tour started in afternoon - 39 Americans & us! All very nice! We did city tour & tour of Dublin Castle where Queen's Vice Roy lived & where QE2 'received' when she came to Dublin & Obama family.

In Dublin no one takes any notice of the red & green man walk signs - as soon as there are no cars coming everyone crosses the road!

I can't get photo to move !!!!! This is Temple Bar area = VERY expensive. English couple we spoke to paid 13 euro for a sandwich there (A&20!!!!!!) Very narrow streets, people drinking, singing at all the cafes & pubs.
Day 3 - fine, sunny & warm again! we went out (west) to Kildare to the Irish National Horse Stud - beautiful countryside.
In the afternoon we went to Kilmainham Gaol - lined up for 45 mins. Tours every 15 mins.
Been there since early 1800's; it was where the 12 'traitors' who proclaimed the Irish Republic in 1922 were kept & executed by firing squad.
 At night we went to an Irish banquet (4 course, 400 there!) then wonderful singing, dancing & great comedian.
Had my first Irish ice cream!!!!!
Warren is enjoying the various lagers!