The cruise berth for Dublin is some way from the city centre and the walk, although possible, would involve walking part way through a working dockyard. A shuttle was therefore provided and within 20 minutes or so we were pulling up in Merrion Square opposite a statue that looked remarkably like Jonathan Ross.
It was, of course, Oscar Wilde who lived at one time just opposite the statue.
We made our way to our first port of call, the GPO Witness History Museum passing another famous statue on the way.
It wouldn’t be a visit to Dublin without seeing dear old Molly.
We got to the museum just as it was opening and it was very quiet, which meant we could take our time looking at all the exhibits. The museum is very well put together and in addition to the various exhibits illustrating the background to the Easter Uprising of 1916 there was a major audio-visual presentation of the events. It also continued the story highlighting the different factions to the eventual treaty….
…that lead to the formation of the Irish Free State and thence the Republic of Ireland. Altogether a very interesting and informative exhibition that gave me an insight into this important piece of history.
In the courtyard a memorial to those who fell in the conflict can be viewed.
On the main GPO building there are visible signs of the uprising with bullet holes still showing.
A short walk along the banks of the River Liffey took us to another harrowing piece of Irish history, the Great Famine. Along the riverside is a memorial to all those affected by the famine with the suffering clearly showing on their faces. A very moving sight.
A walk back along the river, taking in the sights of the Custom House….
….and Temple Bar….
…..before settling down with some tea and cake at Bewley’s.
Suitably refreshed we made our way back to the ships shuttle passing the Department of the Taoiseach on the way.
The day had started a little cloudy but throughout the day the clouds disappeared and the sun came out giving some lovely views of the Aviva Stadium from the ship.
A great day in Dublin seeing and doing things we had not previously experienced - tomorrow Belfast.
