Here are some of the sights and sites that have caught my eye. Some of these are a look backstage from Dublin's movie-set beauty.
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News and updates on the July 2009 Choir trip to Dublin. During the second half of July 2009, the Choir of Christ Church of Hamilton & Wenham did a one-week residency at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. We did five sung Evensongs and a sung Sunday morning service.
DublinWith the tour completed by approx. 11.45am., drop group with vestments and music at St Patrick’s cathedral. Time to see the vergers and store music and vestments
Even in 140 A.D. Ptolemy observed that Eblana was a place of note. Ptolemy refers to the river Liffey as Oboka, meaning a delta. It was however not until 840 A.D. that Norse sea rovers landed here and built a base for their maritime expeditions that the area really began to develop as a town. The history of the area is really tied to the history of Ireland, never really settled, just like the name, the Irish called it Duibhlinn, the Norse called it Dyfflin, and the Anglo Normans Dublinne from which the present name derives.
A city steeped in history, it as fine wide streets, squares and parks with wonderful examples of Georgian architecture.
St Patrick’s CathedralAfter arranging storage of vestments etc coach will return group to the Harding Hotel, leaving St Patrick’s at approx. 12.30pm
Dedicated in 1192, the cathedral was originally built by the Norman, archbishop Comyn. This early Norman church was rebuilt in the first half of the 13th century, the building we see today.
Many interesting aspects to see, including the medieval chapter house door with an hole in it dating from 1492. It gives rise to the English phrase "chancing your arm". The earl of Kildare cut the hole and through it stretched out his arm to grasp the hand of his enemy the earl of Ormond. By taking the initiative peace was restored between them and ever since the door as been known as the door of reconciliation.
Handel’s Messiah received its first performance in Dublin in 1742 sung by the combined choirs of St Patrick’s & Christ Church Cathedral's.
National Museum of IrelandLunch own arrangements
Opened in Kildare Street 1890, the museum contains many artefacts dating from 700 B.C. The archaeological collections consist of the treasury, featuring outstanding examples of Celtic and medieval art.
The famous Ardagh chalice and the Tara brooch dating from the eighth century, the twelfth century cross of Cong, said to contain a fragment of the true cross, the Derrynaflan hoard, a collection of 8th & 9th century silver objects found in Co Tipperary during 1980.
Look carefully at the Tara brooch, see the intricate filigree work on the front and back. When you view the Book of Kells do consider it is from these patterns that it is thought the manuscript illuminations are derived.
Ireland's gold, features the finest collection of prehistoric gold artefacts in Europe.
Trim Village & CastleReady to depart from the coach park at 12.15pm. Short journey to the village of Kells to arrive at approx. 12.45pm at the heritage centre. Light lunch arranged of homemade soup and a roll (cost inc in trip). Audio visual display arranged in the heritage centre followed by a guided tour of the crosses in the town.
Plenty to see in this little village on the banks of the river Boyne.
The castle used as a location for the Mel Gibson film Braveheart. The first castle on the site was a simple mott & bailey type in 1173 but this was replaced in the 1190s and eventually grew into the finest and largest anglo-Norman castle in Ireland
King John did stay at Trim in 1210 and Richard II incarcerated his ward Prince Henry of Lancaster (later Henry IV) here for some time.
The curtain wall of 488 yards encloses an area of approx. 3 acres. There are 10 D shaped towers and a square keep of over 70ft in height and walls that are over 11 feet thick.
Much in ruin now but the look and feel is very much of a typical English medieval castle.
Town of Kells
Is a place of history, the original monastery was founded by St. Columba in the sixth century and from the early ninth century it was probably the leading Columban monastery in Ireland.
The monks from the original foundation on Iona fled here after repeated raids by the Vikings on their Scottish home. It is thought they actually made The Book of Kells on Iona and brought it with them when they moved here.
By the 12th century continued raids by Vikings and then Normans eventually made up the minds of the monks to move again and they left Kells and made their way to Derry where they set up a new headquarters. Eventually by the time of the dissolution very little remained at Kells.
But do look round the village and church yard, many monastic antiquities remain including some very special crosses dating back hundreds of years.
Trinity College
The 90 mtr frontage was built between 1755 and 1759. Founded as the university of Dublin by Queen Elizabeth 1st of England in 1591. At present the number of students is just over 7,000. It admitted female students as long ago as 1903.
The old library contains some 5,000 manuscripts and among its most treasured possessions is the magnificently illuminated Book of Kells.
This treasure dates back to the 9th century and is designed by unknown hands.
Book of KellsLunch own arrangements. Afternoon own arrangements
The library houses one of Ireland’s real treasures, an illuminated manuscript called the Book of Kells. Illuminated manuscripts are derived from the Celtic ecclesiastical tradition of Saint Columba, whose teachings spread not only through Ireland, but Scotland and northern England, together with areas of mainland Europe. No one is quite sure if the book was copied and illuminated in Ireland. It may have been completed in Scotland on the isle of Iona or even in England at Lindisfarne.
What we do know is that the book was taken to the monastery of Kells in Co Meath for safe keeping during the Viking raids of 9th century.
After this unsettled period in Irish history the book spent some time buried underground, lost some 30 of its pages and was not bought to Dublin till sometime in the 17th century.
The book now consists of some 680 pages written in Latin and follows the four gospels of the New Testament. It was rebound into four separate volumes in 1950 and one now has the chance to see at least two volumes on show at any one time, one showing an illuminated page and another a page of text.
Guinness StorehouseRest of the day free time in the city. Lunch & evening meal own arrangements
The storehouse was a Guinness fermentation tank from 1904 to 1988, it is now a 7 storey visitor centre, located in the heart of the world famous St James Gate Brewery. If full this tank would hold 14,300,000 pints of the black stuff.
CashelOn completion of your visit return to the coach ready to leave at 12.40pm. Short journey to the town to arrive in the coach park at 12.45pm. Time to wander and get some food. Lunch own arrangements in the town.
Originally the fort of Munster and once capital of the southern province. The town is completely dominated by the very famous rock of Cashel which rearing up from the plain dominated the land routes to the south. Kings of Ireland came to this spot together with St Patrick who preached here.
The Rock of Cashel
On this limestone outcrop stands the most beautiful and complete Romanesque church in the country. A medieval cathedral, a castle tower house, a round tower and a 15th century hall of vicars. All of the finest medieval Irish architecture.
Hall of Vicars
Built in the 15th century to cater for eight vicars who assisted in the cathedral services
Cormacs Chapel
Built circa 1127, a superb Romanesque church. The architecture has clear continental influences.
Cathedral
Built circa-1227 anglo Norman in conception, it as Gothic arches but without doubt it is a purely Irish built unit. The central tower is excitingly grand but did not appear till the early 14th century
Round Tower
Without doubt the earliest building on the rock probably dating back to the 12th century although locals suggest even earlier circa 10th century. Guided tour of the rock arranged for 11.10am.
AdareReady to leave at 4.40pm.
Famously picturesque, this village with its rows of road side cottages, sitting neatly beneath quaint deep brown thatch seen over hanging the walls in what looks like fringes.
The cottages represent the ideal of the then landlord 3rd Earl of Dunraven (1812-71)in an effort to improve the lot of his tenants. Today the village is regarded as one of the prettiest in all Ireland.
Castleisland
Set in the province of Munster, in Co Kerry this small but very busy market town has a population of approx. 2,000 people and is renown for the width of its main street. Once described as “not so much a town as a street between two fields.”
The town got its name from “castle of the island of Kerry” from a local castle built in 1226 (no longer remaining)
The island was created by diverting the river Maine into a moat surrounding the castle.
In medieval times this area was the chief domain of the Desmond family.
Ring of KerryContinuing via Glenbeigh onto the town of Cathersiveen.
To obtain a really panoramic view of Kerry’s most outstanding scenery, this tour is a must. Extending for 112 miles and usually done in an anti-clockwise direction, it follows the coastline of the Iveragh peninsula, along the banks of the river Laune to Killorglin, via Glenbeigh, along the southern shores of Dingle Bay to Kells and Caherciveen where Valentia island comes into view. The tour continues to Waterville and along the coast via Coomakista pass and Derrynane and onto Sneem. From Sneem up the mountain road to Moll`s gap, then Ladies View and back to Killarney.
Departing from Castleisland ready to join the road at Killorglin
(described by many as the gateway to the beautiful Iveragh peninsula).
Famous for its Puck Fair held during mid August each year
Commence journey round Dingle Bay, the mountains of Macgillycuddy Reeks standing high on the left.
Cathersiveen
The capital town of the peninsula situated at the head of Valentia harbour on the Fertha River, the town is the main shopping area for this end of the ring. In 1867 the great Fenian conspiracy led to an abortive rising here against the British. It was planned to occupy the barracks and then the cable station in Valentia and from there inform a startled world that the Irish Republic had been proclaimed in Cathersiveen, but circumstances proved adverse.
Passing through the town the Isle of Valentia can be seen in the distance.
Valentia
The island is approx. 11kms long by 3kms wide and is one of the most westerly points of Europe . The surface is rugged and rocky but does provide good sea angling. The first telegraph cable (now superseded) across the Atlantic from U.S.A. came ashore here in 1858.
WatervilleLunch own arrangements
The town nestles between Lough Currane and the Atlantic and is a world famous game fishing resort. Fine scenery and many good beaches in the area. Well loved by artists, archaeologists, botanists in fact everyone. Also claims a world renown 18 hole golf course.
CatherdanielThe road now takes the coach along the Kenmare River estuary to arrive at the village of Sneem at approx. 2.45pm, dependant on stops for photographs.
This whole area contains evidence of occupation dating back 6,000/7,000 years. From Beaker Folk coming from Spain to mine copper in 2,000 B.C. right back to prehistoric graves from Neolithic times 4,000 B.C. Invaders landed several times including the first military invaders from Greece on the 14th May 2680 B.C.
SneemDeparting from the village at 3.50pm
Situated in a beautiful location on the estuary of the Arsheelaun River, Sneem is a past winner of the Irish national tidy towns competition.
A colourful village and last resting place of Cearbhall O`Dalaigh a former president who his buried in the local churchyard.
KillarneyTime to wander and get some food. Evening meal own arrangements
Renown for its beauty, famed for the splendour of its scenery, Killarney is one of the world’s best loved tourist spots. It became a significant town about 1750 when the local magnate, Lord Kenmare, developed the tourist business and four main roads were built to the outside world. The present population is approx. 9,000 and the main economic base is tourism.
The great assets of Killarney are the lakes, mountains and woods, although scattered and difficult to get around so very beautiful.
Situated in the south western corner of Ireland with its three great lakes reflecting the ever changing skies, it has been an inspiration for poets, writers and painters for centuries. Plenty of places to get a nice meal.
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