In the Jailhouse

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Last day in Dublin

We spent the morning travelling around the city by foot and by open top bus, we visited the Merrion Square Park where there is a famous statue of Oscar Wilde, foolishly I decided to Plank on this statue which was quite a challenge as it was about 10 feet off the ground.

Also in the park was a thoughtful art installation,  although not the prettiest of things I've seen it was a large tree shrouded in a massive patchwork of cotton. It had been pieced together with handkerchiefs and sheets from loved ones who had passed or who were still ill, these people were from Paphos in Cyprus as the artist was from there. The opportunity to leave a piece of material was at the base of the tree to which the artist would add to the main piece in a few weeks time. Quite thought provoking in the peaceful park. 

We hopped back on the bus to visit the Kilmainham Gaol (prison) which is now a museum to visit and learn about the prisoners who were mainly polical activists from the 1780s to 1920s. The tour was a well spent €6 each as the guided tour lasted a good hour and a half and we got to see all aspects of the prison including the cells, main hall, execution areas and the surrounding buildings.  So many fascinating facts about the struggle for independance of Ireland and to think this was all going on at the same time as WW1.

After the full tour around the prison we were pretty much done in and needed to rest our weary feet along with getting our last meal in Ireland in. Claire recommended we should visit the Church Restaurant which given the title is a bar/restaurant converted from an old church. Just a 20 minute journey on the bus via phoenix park and we would be there. The building was beautiful with so many of the original church features left in there including the organ, stain glass windows and statues and everything you find in a church, I am not a religious man but I respect the importance of such buildings and their aesthetic design.

 Well fed and watered we headed back to the hotel to get our bags and to freshen up before our flight home.  Having a few minutes spare we opted to stay in the hotel bar and have a nice cup of tea. Ryan Air were on time and hassle free, we even managed exit row seats again even if the flight was only 40minutes I still appreciate the extra leg room. Back to a warm evening in Birmingham we proceeded on our way back to Claire's house and got in bang on 23:00. 

Another great adventure over.