Day 2 – Dublin Temple Bar

Dublin Castle

We arrived in Dublin around 8 am and took a taxi to our Airbnb which is located in the Temple Bar area of the central part of Dublin. It is very centrally located and basically across from City Hall. The weather, in spite of predictions, was overcast, misting slightly and in the mid-50s.

Jeanne at an old entrance to the castle

Our main tour stop today was Dublin Castle. This castle is very symbolic of Ireland itself and by that I mean specifically the domination of the Irish by the English for more than 700 years. The English Viceroys ruled from this castle on behalf of the king and they often ruled with an iron fist - heads on posts outside the castle, etc. 

The castle is located on the spot of a village founded by the Vikings at a dark pool ("Dubh Linn") which gave Dublin its name. The site was later used by the Normans and then by the English. Construction of the castle was begun by the English King John in 1204 and served as the seat of power of English/British/UK rule until the Irish gained their independence in 1922.  The castle has gone under major renovations since a fire in 1673 and now only one original tower remains. The most recent renovations were done in the Georgian style and the castle is now very stylish inside and the site of many official balls and reception of dignitaries.

Us in front of the Temple Bar

In the evening we took a stroll past the Temple Bar and then along the Liffey (main river in Dublin) and had dinner in a very nice restaurant overlooking the Liffey. Of course I had to try the Cockles and Mussels (explanation below).

In the evening at this time of year the sun doesn't set until 10 pm so we took another walk back through the area and it is absolutely alive with bands playing traditional Irish music. We heard a band playing "Brown Eyed Girl" which isn't exactly traditional but Van Morrison is Irish so I suppose that counts.

Cockles and Mussels

Molly Malone by The Dubliners

In Dublin's fair city

Where the girls are so pretty

I first set my eyes on sweet Molly Malone

As she wheeled her wheelbarrow

Through the streets broad and narrow

Crying "cockles and mussels, alive, alive, oh"