In October we were able to take a trip to Ireland. This is the silhouette of a transport ship from the 1840s which is now tied up on the River Liffey in Dublin

Fall colors in Dublin

We did a pub crawl the same day we arrived in Dublin. We went to 3 different pubs to listen to traditional Irish music. Since I did not have to drive, there was beer involved.

We visited Trinity College and saw the Books of Kells. It was created in the 800s in either Britian or Ireland.It is a great treasure and not-to-be-missed. The exhibit, which does allow one to see a page or two of the book, does an excellent job of pointing out and illuminating things the untrained eye would miss.

This is the "Long Room" in the library of Trinity College.

This view shows how the room got its name. This is in the same building as the Book of Kells exhibit.

One of the other great finds we made in Dublin was the National Museum of Ireland - Archeology. We went there twice because there was so much to see. The building was purpose-built in the 1890s to house some of Ireland's archeological treasures.

We asked a taxi driver where locals eat and he recommended Fitzgeralds pub. We had a good meal there. More beer was involved.

These are but 2 of the gold items on exhibit.

St Patrick's Cathedral.

Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin

Kayakers on the River Liffey in Dublin late in the afternoon.

We drove to Kilkenny and stayed at an old hotel just across the River Nore from Kilkenny Castle.

The gardens at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenney were well-tended.

Kilkenny Castle from St John's Walk along the River Nore

Colorful houses against a dark sky on Patrick St in Kilkenny

Kilkeny is an old place and some of the streets--yes, cars and trucks drive along here, as I can attest--are quite narrow. At least this one is almost straight.

Inside the Dominical Black Abbey in Kilkenny.

One of the gardens at Kilkenny Castle.

We drove from Kilkenny to the Rock of Cashel (in Cashel). No roofs, but remarkably well preserved.