Dublin Day 2 - Bus Tour & Guinness Storehouse

After such a fun night the night before, we (understandably) slept in. We still had 2 full days in Dublin (which is more than enough if you ever go). I'm a big fan of the "hop on/hop off" buses that go around the city. They knock out all the highlights in a pretty short time, and it's a good way to familiarize yourself with the city without walking the whole thing (lazy and genius, I know).

So, day 2 we decided to jump on the bus and just jump on/off (hence the name) at whatever location struck our fancy. It was sunny and warm that day. It was a typical day in Ireland, with temps in the 30s and drizzling rain. Lovely. One of the first things you hear about Dublin is Trinity College and the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells is: an illuminated manuscript Gospel book in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was created by Celtic monks ca. 800 or slightly earlier. The text of the Gospels is largely drawn from the Vulgate, although it also includes several passages drawn from the earlier versions of the Bible known as the Vetus Latina. It is a masterwork of Western calligraphy and represents the pinnacle of Insular illumination. It is also widely regarded as Ireland's finest national treasure.(I quoted that from memory). Anyways, we got off the bus at Trinity and wouldn't ya know, the college is closed so here is the Book of Kells. 

We saw "Occupy Dublin"

We also visited Dublin Castle.(Where's Jessica?!)

I was surprised at how colorful it was. 

 Next stop was St. Patrick's church. Where they sold...

Shot glasses. Wow. We really ARE in Ireland...

And the final stop of the night: the Guinness factory! Before we came to Dublin, I thought it was a myth that the Irish loved Guinness. Kind of like you hear that "Foster's is Australian for beer" and nobody there drinks the stuff. Well that's not the case in Ireland. They LOVE their Guinness.

 Maturation? Nope!

Learning how to pour the "Perfect Pint" It's a science, people! The "perfect pint" of Guinness is the product of a "double pour", which according to the company should take 119.53 seconds. Guinness has promoted this wait with advertising campaigns such as "good things come to those who wait".  

Enjoying our perfect pints afterwards.

 

 

Obligatory jumping photo. 

That night we went to the Arlington Hotel to see some authentic Irish folk dancing and listen to Irish music. It reminded me of my clogging days (oh yes, I clogged! What of it!?) But my photos are super blurry.

Be prepared to be introduced to the craziest, weirdest, drunkest Irishman of your life tomorrow!