I think this is the most consistently gorgeous day we’ve had this entire tour. There was hardly a cloud in the sky, and mostly a vivid blue sky with a bit of a wind that kept it that way. The timing could not have been better, as this was our main day to get to know Dublin on foot.
We began at Kilmainham Jail, used 1796-1924. We heard stories of the struggles for independence in Ireland, as well as during the potato famine and other hard years–heartbreaking. When we reached the “new” east wing, built during the Victorian reign in 1862, we sang one verse of “Abide with Me.” Several of the employees came out to hear this, and it brought a little peace to a room that saw much sorrow and pain. This wing is somewhat famous, as it has been used as the location for movies quite frequently. (“Italian Job”, “In the Name of the Father,” “Michael Collins”) The jail and the museum were quite sobering, but good for us to see. We learned the Irish flag’s meaning: orange for Unionist, green for Nationalist, and white coming in between to signify their coming together; peace and unity.
Kilmainham Jail
Singing in the east wing of jail
Irish flag
PJ then gave us a coach tour around Dublin to acclimate us before we were turned loose. He has been a marvel as driver and tour guide. I’ve never seen anyone handle a coach so smoothly. Ever seen a giant coach parallel park with only one try in between two other coaches? Or execute a perfect 3-point reverse turn in a narrow residential street? He has become particularly adept at recognizing LDS chapel spires in new towns. He’s learned our names and our personalities, and keeps us hopping with his quick wit and remarkable knowledge about Ireland. He has attended every concert, and even led the standing ovation. PJ has been a tremendous addition to the Ireland part of tour.
PJ Hammond
Phoenix Park (10 times larger than Hyde Park in London)
Old Parliament-no windows due to glass tax. Glass ceiling!
Once we were on our own, we all took off in about 15 different directions, though most people’s first stop was lunch. Our own second was at Trinity College to see “The Book of Kells,” an illuminated manuscript in Latin, containing the four Gospels of the New Testament together with various prefatory texts and tables. It was transcribed by Celtic monks about 800. The exhibit explaining it was great. At the end of that exhibit we saw The Long Room in the Old Library, a truly magnificent and impressive room. We had to simply sit down and take it all in. Cameras were not allowed, to my great distress. It’s about 65 meters long, and houses over 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books. The shelves must go 6 stories high to the beautiful vaulted ceiling. Marble busts of prominent men through history line the shelves. Probably one of the most impressive rooms I’ve seen. Please Google it.
Monument in entrance to Trinity College
Trinity College
After that were several hours of just walking and looking and admiring and (for me) taking photographs. I’ll let them tell the story.
Dublin street
Colorful building
Live Irish music
Sign in pub
View of River Liffey
Pedestal on street lamp
Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral
Looking across cathedral park
Satellite dish atop old part of Dublin Castle
Beautiful building with shops on ground floor
This is just a small selection from today. This is such a beautiful city, with its own distinct personality. We have quite enjoyed our day wandering around looking, eating, buying, and walking lots. An absolutely perfect day.
We ended with a Family Home Evening with the Young Single Adults of Dublin Stake. All wished it could go on longer, but the time to meet back up with host families came too quickly.
8 comments
This is just so awesome every day. I can only imagine what it must be like for all of you!
Someday, someday I will go to Ireland….
Meanwhile, I have enjoyed the vicarious visit more than I can say. My heart is full to overflowing.
Great pictures, Sandefur! I bought a huge book of Ireland from Barnes and Noble before Singers left on tour and I’m having a wonderful time comparing shots. But now I’m begging for more pictures of the Singers in each of those pictures. Faces please! I think I can speak for those of us at home… we scroll to the pictures that have the people we miss so desperately in them. And don’t forget to get some with you in them, too. Thank you from all of us!
What a wonderful journal, Sandefur! An excellent writer you are. Thank you. And thank you PJ for taking such care – knowing our Singers and going to every performance – amazing. No doubt each Singer will hold a special place in his or heart for you!
Thanks to all for your comments and updates. It is really fun to read how things are going on your tour day-to-day. Wish I was there! (but will see you in Liverpool ; ))
I am so impressed with the excellent writing, so descriptive with such few words, and the gorgeous photographs. What a wonderful guide in words and pictures for those of us not there. Thank you so much! I am also thinking of those who are being blessed by hearing your testimonies through your beautiful music and the spirit you carry with you. God bless you all, and love to Jared.
Carolyn Mietus
What an amazing place! Thanks to all who are caring for our kids. Love to Dani and Michelle.
I’m hooked. I need my Singers Blog fix every day. Sometimes I check twice to see if there is anything new. What a beautiful day!