2010 Dei Laudes Ireland Trip
In no particular order, I enjoyed drinking the following Irish beers: Guiness Stout, Beamish Stout, Murphy's Stout, Kilkenny Ale, Smithwick's Ale and Harp Lager.
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2010 Dei Laudes Ireland Trip |
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A fully restored 15th century castle. On the castle grounds is a a quaint folk park that re-creates a small 19th century village. |
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Described as Ireland’s most popular scenic drive, it consists mostly of the 110 miles of highway N70 that follows the coast of the Iveragh Peninsula. In addition, to a spectacular coastline, it includes stunning views of Macgillycuddy's Reeks (i.e. mountains) and quaint little villages along with the city of Kilarney. |
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We visit Blarney, Blarney Castle and kissed the Blarney Stone which is rated as the most unsanitary tourist attraction in the world. Then we killed the germs with a pint of stout. |
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A large outcrop of granite near the town of Cashel which was used as a political center for the Kings of Munster and the location of St. Patrick's Cathedral. |
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Ireland's largest inland city. Like the Brits, the Irish drive on the wrong side of the road. Here we visited many pubs and sites including an archaeology dig/restoration of one of the city towers and a portion of the city's wall/trench. Here the choir sang at St. Canice's Cathedral and for the Lord Mayor of Kilkenny. |
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At New Ross we visited the Dunbrody Famine Ship, a replica of the type of ship that many Irish used to journey to America during the Great Famine of Ireland. Also New Ross is the family town for the Kennedys. We visited a JFK memorial near the ship. |
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The Hill of Tara with the Lia Fail (Stone of Destiny) atop the Royal Mound and Double Ring enclosure. Where the ancient Kings of Ireland were crowned. The gentle slope downward in all directions have provided a meeting place for a million plus people more than once. Along with the Mound of the Hostages and the secondary ring, the "hill of the kings" is an interesting place for a quick visit. |
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The entrance to this small passage tomb on the Hill of Tara faces due east to the spring and fall equinox. |
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The best known Irish Passage Tomb. It's entrance is aligned to the rising sun at winter solstice (southeast). 97 large kerb stones ring the mound. Kerb 52 faces the setting sun at the winter solstice (northwest). The tour included a short visit to the interior chamber and a simulated winter solstice sunrise shining down the passageway floor and lighting the otherwise dark chamber. |
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In addition to
drinking a nice variety of Irish beers, we visited the Smithwick's St.
Francis Abbey Brewery in Kilkenny. This is the first time in 300 years
they have allowed tours and we were lucky to get in. The tours will only
be during June and July - then no more.
In no particular order, I enjoyed drinking the following Irish beers: Guiness Stout, Beamish Stout, Murphy's Stout, Kilkenny Ale, Smithwick's Ale and Harp Lager. |
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The remains of a monastic complex in a remote valley in the Wicklow Mountains. It became a center of learning, refuge and contemplation in the 6th through 12th centuries. |
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Remarkable collection of gardens. Pictures include the Japanese Garden and a small portion of the Rose Garden. |
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Beautiful sailing harbor south of Dublin where we stayed for 3 days. Just 30 minutes drive/20 minute train drive to Dublin City Center. |
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The choir sang during the service at St. Mary's Cathedral in Dublin. |