Goodreads Ireland discussion
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Right, if you haven't been to Kilmainham Gaol, be sure to visit soon. Most of the big players in Irish history have been there at some point and it's a great tour with very professional guides.
If you're outdoorsy and like walking you'll enjoy Howth. There's a walk along the cliffs which leads to the lighthouse. It's lovely, and you'll take some great photographs. There's a path down to a secluded beach near the lighthouse. I wouldn't recommend it if it's wet or windy, otherwise go for it.
And like I said before, try visit Newgrange and Knowth. They're in a beautiful part of Meath, and they themselves are well worth a visit. It's also quite close to Dublin.
If you're outdoorsy and like walking you'll enjoy Howth. There's a walk along the cliffs which leads to the lighthouse. It's lovely, and you'll take some great photographs. There's a path down to a secluded beach near the lighthouse. I wouldn't recommend it if it's wet or windy, otherwise go for it.
And like I said before, try visit Newgrange and Knowth. They're in a beautiful part of Meath, and they themselves are well worth a visit. It's also quite close to Dublin.
Thanks for the advice. I've been to Howth before but never did the walks or hikes. Last year, I just went to feed the seals at the pier and take pictures of Ireland's eye. My boyfriend's mate wants to take us to Newgrange. Dave has been when he was a kid on a field trip, I would love to go. Just soo much to do in a little amount of time.
I know we are going to Wicklow Mountains and KilKenny although I'm not sure I'm gonna be a big fan of Kilkenny. Dave said it's lovely but that it's more a party place.. The small towns and villages are more my scene like seeing Avoca. I think the rest of the time we will just picnic at Howth, or Stephens Green..
I kinda want to see the crypt at Christ Church-- if it's worth it? Or is it another tourist trap?
Thanks for the advice. You are the best! :)
I'll definitely check out Kilmainham Gaol.
The first time I was in Dublin, many years ago, I remember seeing the mummy of a 7 foot crusader somewhere. Is it false memory syndrome? I've never seen mention again. One of my favorite things in Dublin is a statue on the main street of a man with his arms flung into the air. It's such a joyous looking thing.
@Deb. Christ Church is a beautiful building. Every ounce of work that went into its restoration is gorgeous. The crypt and cathedral are worth the visit combined. The crypt has a cool Gothic feel and there are a couple of displays there, too. One thing you might like is the cafe/bistro in the crypt. It's called the Foxy Friars. I invited Annie to have lunch there, but she refused point blank. There is a medieval centre in Kilkenny which is near the castle and surrounds the Cathedral. It contains a lot of modern shops, and the likes, now. I think you'll like it. It was Ireland's capital in the medieval times.
Annie's opinion might be worth more as a visitor. Hopefully she'll jump back into the discussion.
@Roberta. There's a crypt close to where I live in St. Michan's Church. If there's a crusader's mummy in Dublin, it'll be in there. It's the only place old enough that contains preserved bodies. It's near The Jameson Distillery and The Brazen Head if that adds up.
The statue on O'Connell street is of James 'Big Jim' Larkin. He was a trade unionist who led the 1913 lockout. The pose is supposed to him saying his famous quote 'The great only appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise.' It makes the hair stand up on my neck.
Annie's opinion might be worth more as a visitor. Hopefully she'll jump back into the discussion.
@Roberta. There's a crypt close to where I live in St. Michan's Church. If there's a crusader's mummy in Dublin, it'll be in there. It's the only place old enough that contains preserved bodies. It's near The Jameson Distillery and The Brazen Head if that adds up.
The statue on O'Connell street is of James 'Big Jim' Larkin. He was a trade unionist who led the 1913 lockout. The pose is supposed to him saying his famous quote 'The great only appear great because we are on our knees. Let us rise.' It makes the hair stand up on my neck.
I love that quote. So nice to add it to a favorite statue. I'll read more about Jim Larkin.The crusader was a bit creepy. Wouldn't recommend a visit.
Very interesting man. Before he came to Dublin he worked in Belfast where he untied the catholic and protestant factions in the docks. He was also later tried as a communist in the US. I wish I could recommend a biography but I haven't read any. We learn quite a lot about him at school. He's widely revered.
It might be St. Michans church I am thinking of then because Dave told me that he thought a priest was preserved there. I remember seeing a picture of a mummified cat & rat but not sure which church that is at. I just looked up Foxy Friars and it looks cool. That's crazy she turned that down.
I have tons of pictures of the statues in the city. Dave made sure to point out the bullet holes in some of the statues- the female statues-can't remember if they were just females or angels.
Is there anything good for Bram's Stoker? I've seen yeats, wilde, and james joyce statue.. just wondering.
Declan wrote: "Very interesting man. Before he came to Dublin he worked in Belfast where he untied the catholic and protestant factions in the docks. He was also later tried as a communist in the US. I wish I cou..."Nice to hear about someone who gets that it is greed that divides us, not religion. Maybe we should add Strumpet City to the list of Irish reads? Unless every soul in Ireland has already read it.
@Deb. It must be St. Michan's. There was no cat and mouse that I can remember in Christ Church. There plenty of of bullet holes on the façades of the older building, especially the GPO. You have look closely to spot them. There aren't as many as you might think. The whole street was extensively restored after 1916 & 1922. Quite a few buildings were demolished. You can tell where. The newer buildings are quite ugly by comparison. The angels represent the Provinces of Ireland on O'Connell's statue.
There's no Statue of Bram Stoker. I remember reading that his estate intend to erect one. I just googled it to make sure I didn't imagine it. He's kind of neglected. I think it's down to snobbery.
There are two other statues dedicated to Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh by the Royal and Grand Canals, respectively, in tribute to 'the auld triangle' and the canal bank poems. I'm sure your BF knows where they are.
@Roberta. It would be an excellent nomination. It can be quite hard going, sometimes, but it's powerful and very memorable.
There's no Statue of Bram Stoker. I remember reading that his estate intend to erect one. I just googled it to make sure I didn't imagine it. He's kind of neglected. I think it's down to snobbery.
There are two other statues dedicated to Brendan Behan and Patrick Kavanagh by the Royal and Grand Canals, respectively, in tribute to 'the auld triangle' and the canal bank poems. I'm sure your BF knows where they are.
@Roberta. It would be an excellent nomination. It can be quite hard going, sometimes, but it's powerful and very memorable.
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Majority of my time will be in Dub, hopefully go to Howth and maybe Wicklow this trip.
Unfortunately, I'll only be in Ireland for a few days, he is taking me to Majorca for a few weeks.
Hope everyone is doing well.