Tag Archives: Dublin

June 9, 2021 · 5:35 am

Saying ‘Goodbye’ to Belfast; Returning to Dublin for dinner

Another tour destination on our Hop-on/Hop-off tour of Belfast was the Titanic Museum:

Time was running low however, so we did not disembark for entrance into the museum. I did manage to snag a shot of one of a nearby display, HMS Caroline (1914):

Of course, no visit to Belfast is quite complete without a journey to the historic Belfast Harland and Wolff Shipyard. Harland and Wolff began building ships in 1861, and is most famous for constructing ships for the White Star Line, including RMS Titanic, Olympic, and Britannic.

The hour grew late, and we had to catch a bus back to Dublin before we got stranded. So, back to Dublin it was for Ursula and me. Here we have the Samuel Beckett Bridge in Dublin:

This bridge is noted for an appearance reminiscent of a harp lying on its side; the harp being a national symbol of Ireland.

The sun was setting, giving Dublin a nice, warm glow that I took advantage of:

Finally, after a long day, it was time for dinner at a place we went back repeatedly during our stay in Dublin. That would be Quays Irish Restaurant. But today I was feeling more inclined toward some American fare, so I went with the chicken wings and a Smithwick’s Red Irish Ale:

Ursula opted to stay local with steamed mussels and a bowl of chowder:

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Filed under Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation, Wine & Food

Tagged as Belfast, Dublin, Ireland, Northern Ireland, photography, Quays Irish Restaurant, R. Doug Wicker, travel, travel photography, vacation

May 7, 2021 · 5:35 am

Fun Photo Friday — Dublin favorites 4

Today’s Fun Photo Friday is the fourth and last of Dublin favorites. Next week we move on to the Cliffs of Moher and other Irish destinations.

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Filed under Fun Photo Friday, Photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, vacation

Tagged as Dublin, Fun Photo Friday, Ireland, photography, R. Doug Wicker, travel, travel photography, vacation

May 5, 2021 · 5:35 am

Ireland — Dublin; Trinity College Library and the Book of Kells

The Book of Kells exhibit — Trinity College Library

There is within the walls of the Old Trinity Library a magnificent illuminated manuscript. This is the famous Book of Kells, and it contains in Latin the four gospels of the New Testament.

The Book of Kells dates back to late 8^th to early 9^th century. It may have originated in Kells, or perhaps any of several places with the British Isles. The accepted theory is that the book at least began life in a Columban monastery on Iona and was completed at the Abbey of Kells.

So, what exactly is an “illuminated” manuscript? No; it’s not one that is bathed in light from a manmade source. In this case illuminated means the work is highly decorative, with stylized drop caps, decorative borders, and miniature illustrations, all done in bright colors and with gold and silver leaf. Take a look at this for examples:

The Book of Kells is quite the wonder. But so, too, is the library which houses it today. This is the incredible Library of Trinity College, specifically, the Old Library completed in 1732. The most impressive, and iconic, view is of the Long Room: