Dublin Holiday

On the 16th January we (family plus Alison who was visiting) ventured up to Bristol Airport for our flight to Dublin. Were a little apprehensive with the Ryanair flight, but we didn't really have any issues. The flight was very short, around 45 minutes and we were in Ireland! We purchased tickets on the Big Green Bus Tour which took us into Dublin, and then grabbed a taxi to Handel's Apartments on Temple Bar. Once we'd checked in we explored Temple Bar and grabbed a bit to eat for dinner.

On the 17th January we engaged our Big Green Bus Tour tickets and jumped on board the bus for a tour of Dublin. We were able to see a

number of landmarks including, the post office (significant site in the revolution), the Dublin Cathedral, Dublin Castle, the Guiness Brewery, the Jamieson Distillery, Dr Quirkey's Good Time Emporium (not sure what went on in there, but must have been good!), and the home of the Irish President (Michael D Higgins).

Once we'd completed a circuit of the bus tour route we decided to get off at the Jamieson Distillery! Was a great tour, it started with a movie style presentation, a knowledgeable and entertaining tour guide, and some good scotch to drink at the end. We got to compare a number of different scotch's against one of Jamieson's better scotch's. The Jamieson was clearly the better, however that wasn't hard given the other two were Johnny Walker Red Label and Jack Daniels!! Nevertheless the tour was very worth taking!

After the tour it was beginning to get dark, so we went for a quick

walk along the River Liffey, great views of the river and a number of bridges.

Monday 18th January we set out for Kilmainham Gaol, which was built in 1787 and had a tremendously interesting and significant history. The storey of Joseph Plunkett and his wife Grace was very touching and sad. Joseph had been arrested as part of the Irish uprising and was due to be executed. Joseph and his fiancé Grace were married in the jail and were permitted 15 minutes together. Shortly after Joseph was taken out and shot in the courtyard. In later years Grace also spent time in Kilmainham Gaol for revolutionary crimes against the government. The letters written by Joseph and Grace to each other were on view and were a highlight of the tour.

The second part of the day (Monday 18th Jan) was spend on a tour of the Guinness Factory! It was seriously extensive facility, at least 5

floors, with the top floor culminating in a stunning panoramic view of Dublin. The tour of the factory included how the components of Guinness are prepared and matured, the fermentation process, the history including the use of casks and where Guinness has been exported across the world. History also included logos and past brands. The tour ended with a pint of Guinness per person, and as Flo doesn't like Guinness I couldn't let it go to waste!! The boys had fun on the tour as well, a number of the previous brands and figures doubled as neat play figures!