The Church

Always get back.Why?

For the fourth time in Dublin and something new, I discovered Church, not an ordinary church but a restaurant / cafe / bar Church, yes exactly as you've just read. Practical reuse of spaces that once was used for the religious purposes and today serves as a place for relaxation, eating, hanging out with friends. Very interesting and unusual. At first I was surprised but later, I admit, I liked it, especially when I realized that they serve my favorite cake, cheese cake!

Yummy!

 

I definitely recommend!

Dublin Forever

For the fourth time in Dublin, but this time, in a way, forever. I fell in love in Dublin on my first visit. I felt a strong connection with this city and the whole Ireland , and 10 years after, forever Dublin.
I will not talk about the reasons, I'm not going to write or describe much, but I'll tell you just one thing, I left my heart there.

The memories of Ireland 2006. - Powerscourt House and gardens

One day we decoded to take another half day tour to Powerscout house and its famous gardens. House from the 18th century is beautiful, I'll put the link if someone wants to know more of it, my memories are quite faded (at that time I had no travel diary). Powerscourt House today is home to the best of Irish design in gifts, clothes and furniture. The Avoca Terrace Café offers the finest Irish artisan, freshly prepared food. Around Powerscout House there are the golf courses.


http://powerscourt.com/

I passed through the house, a little, and its shops, souvenir shops... but I preferred to enjoy the beauty of its gardens. It is always  lack of time when you find yourself in the beauty, I was impressed by the  Japanese garden where I spent the most of my time.
Sigh.......

The End!

The memories of Ireland 2006. - Avoca

On this trip to Glandalough we visited a small town Avoca.

Avoca is a small town in County Wicklow, Ireland. It is situated on the River Avoca. The Avoca area has been associated with its famous copper mines for many years but Avoca is also famous for its  hand weaving. Famous Avoca hand weavers are based in Avoca.

http://visitwicklow.ie/towns-villages/avoca/



Beautiful!

The memories of Ireland 2006. - Glendalough

Glendalough is "the valley of the two lakes"  known for its spectacular scenery, rich history, archaeology and abundant wildlife. Glendalough is a remarkable place that will still your mind, inspire your heart and fill your soul. Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland.
There is a link for official website if you want to find out more about this remarkable place.
http://www.glendalough.ie/

I didn't know anything about the Glandalough before this half day trip from Dublin. We had a tour guide on this journey but  I preferred enjoy the scenes of this place than listened to the story. I remembered something but my memories are nine years old so I wouldn't dare say anything about it therefore  I put official link if someone wants to find out more.
I only remember that I've enjoyed this place.

The memories of Ireland 2006. - Kilkenny

Kilkenny is a city on river Nore in the South East Ireland, it has about 25.000 citizens and it's the smallest city in Ireland. Kilkenny is very close to Dublin so you can visit it by train, bus or take organizied tour in one of agencies. Kilkenny is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Ireland as well as a weekend getaway for many Irish citizens. The city is also famous for its many mediaeval buildings. Despite its small population, it holds ancient city status due to having a cathedral and an old royal charter dating from 1609. The city centre is known by it's two primary tourist attractions. St Canice's Cathedral and Kilkenny Castle and of course 'its also known for  its Kilkenny beer (smile).

The magnificent Kilkenny Castle overlooks the River Nore and has guarded this important river crossing for more than 900 years. The gardens, with extensive woodland paths, rose garden and ornamental lake, create the setting for a beautiful stroll.
Two wings of the castle have been restored to their 19th century splendour and include a library, drawing room and the noted Long Gallery.

St Canice’s Cathedral is one of the most prominent sights in Kilkenny. Many believe that the construction of the massive Gothic cathedral began in the 1250. and was completed in 1285, but the religious roots of the site extend back to the 6th century, when the Church of St Canice stood here. Over the years, the cathedral has maintained many of its 13th century features despite the collapse of the central tower in 1332 and the overtaking of the property by Oliver Cromwell’s troops in 1650. 

The round tower, thought to have been built in the 9th Century, is the oldest standing structure in modern day Kilkenny City. It is a testament to the ecclesiastical significance of the location, as such towers were constructed to protect people and treasures at major religious sites. It is also one of only two round towers in all of Ireland that visitors are allowed to climb if weather permitting.

From the top of the 30 metres tower, people can take in wonderful views of Kilkenny and the surrounding countryside.  I did it.

Since it was a half-day trip, I didn't have much time to explore the city but I visited the castle and cathedral, I walked the streets of the city even though it was raining and  I enyojed every moment. This little town charmed me.

Even then I told myself I had to go back to Kilkenny.

 








 

Hotel Blooms in Dublin 2010

                                                                "Always Blooms"

 

 

Pub in the hotel

Pub in the hotel

Pub in the hotel

Reception

This time I stayed again at Blooms hotel as last year. I must express my satisfaction with this hotel. I noticed that the hotel is improving for the better. The works on setting up a new elevator are in the course, rooms and bathrooms are clean and neat as last year. On our arrival at the hotel we received a voucher for a pint of beer in the hotel bar-restaurant which I think is very thoughtful, we all like to get some kind of gift. The atmosphere is typical Irish, good music, lots of laughter and friendly people. In short it was awesome this year at the Blooms. If it is a bit noisy, for god's sake who's coming to Temple Bar on quiet vacation. I enjoyed every moment, and I will certainly come back again!

Hotel Blooms in Dublin 2009

Room

"In the center of Dublin"

·        

I stayed four nights with my husband in October 2009. I must admit that, when I was looking pictures of this hotel, gained the impression that it is much better than I have found it. Reception area looked quite miserable, old elevator, so the first impression was a little uncomfortable. However room was a pleasant surprise, clean, orderly and relatively new. I was pleased. Breakfast was also satisfactory. I must warn all those who have the intention to stay in this hotel all rooms are non-smoking. During our stay twice sounded the alarm for some who had tried smoking in the room. In the middle of the night I awakened after sleep. It was horrifying!
However I would recommend this hotel mostly because it is in the city center, a location that every traveler seeks. The price is satisfactory.

Bathroom

Room

Dublin 2010 (part 4)

In the end  what is there  to say? Again I deliberately didn't visit some sights. I've left them for the next time. A lot in this town can be seen and experienced. I hope I've managed to convey at least a small part of my impression of this city.
One advice to all who wish to visit Dublin - leave books, guides, tips, and explore on your own and enjoy in all that Dublin has to offer.
Thank you!!!

Dublin 2010 (part 3)

Custom House

Custom house was the first building built for the public in Dublin. Architecturally it's considered as one of Dublin's most historical and important building. Graceful pavilions, arcades and columns mark the elegance of this exquisite Georgian building. The central dome is topped by a 16 foot- statue of Commerce. There are 14 keystones over the doors and windows, known as the Riverine Heads in respect of the Atlantic Ocean and the 13 principal rivers of Ireland. The exterior of the building is beautifully adorned with sculptures, coats of arms and a series of sculpted keystones symbolizing the rivers of Ireland.

During the Irish Civil war from 1921-1922 the building was terribly affected as it was completely engulfed by fire for 5 days, resulting in a major loss of public records. Due to the intensity of the heat the dome melted and the stone was still cracking when it began cooling five months later. The Gandon's interior section was completely destroyed.

Old Jameson Distillery

Visiting  is an unforgettable experience that will transport you back in time to the days when one of Ireland’s greatest entrepreneurs, John Jameson, first made the whiskey that is Irish legacy today. The story of John Jameson & Son through the history , the atmosphere and above all the taste. You will discover the time honoured secret of how three simple ingredients - water , barley and yeast - are transformed into the smooth golden spirit that has always been and continues to be Jameson Irish Whiskey. After the Tour, all visitors are rewarded with a Jameson signature drink and lucky volunteers are selected to participate in a tutored whiskey comparison and earn a much coveted personalised Whiskey Taster Certificate. Cheers!

And finally Dublin is very convenient for shopping. Very reasonable prices allow  to everyone finds something for itself. Shopping in Dublin focuses on the two main pedestrianized shopping streets of Grafton Street , Stephen 's Green on the Southside Centre and Henry Street on the Northside and their surrounding streets. The two streets are just either side of the river, a few minutes walk apart.

Henry street

Grafton street