Dublin Sights

Liffey Swim

So much to see but luckily so much time to see it! While our apartment was getting new locks we decided to get out and see some sights. We bought tickets for a hop on/hop off double-decker bus. Yes we definitely felt like tourists! We got a great overview of places we want to tour when people come visit us! Hint hint.

 

Time to get hosed off finishers!

Kilmainham Gaol

The city was bustling over the weekend with 3 big sporting events right in our backyard. It started Friday night with a big Ireland vs. Slovakia soccer match at Aviva Stadium. Then on Saturday was the Liffey Swim. The River Liffey is a few blocks from us and runs from the very east part of the city 80 miles towards central Ireland. We heard mention of this event by some locals and decided to check it out. There were about 200 men and 50 women (separate races) that swam from the Guinness Store House east 1.5 mi to Grand Canal Quay. People walking by kept mentioning they wouldn't even put their TOE in that water, let alone swim in it. John I expect you to join me the first Saturday in September next year! Break out your wetsuit!

In a jail cell wearing his new jacket

Sunday was the all Ireland Hurling finals. Think lacrosse mixed with field hockey mixed with rugby with no pads. We went to a local pub to watch and the regulars taught us the sport and snickered when we claimed Tipperary as our hopeful (where some of Shawn's ancestors are from). After a few pints we felt right at home. One man gave Shawn his jacket after hearing he only brought one from the States. Shawn offered to trade but was refused. We might try that trick all over Ireland!

We got back on our double-decker bus yesterday to tour Kilmainham Gaol. It's a historic jail used by the British from 1796-1924. Many Irish men and women suffered there and were publicly hanged. We were in high spirits after that!