Waterford Crystal

 A memorial to Irish born, Father Mychal Judge, who worked hard with rescue workers during 911.  The NYFD was presented with a memorial, and a 2nd one is on display at the factory in Waterford. 

 During the economic downturn, Waterford Crystal changed.  It moved it's long time factory, and scaled back in size and number of employees.  Even so, everything is still hand made.

 As you tour the factory with your guide you're to watch the craftsmen as they work.

Our golf tournament, here in Columbus has a connection to Waterford Crystal.  We were surprised to see that.  You can tour the factory, and shop (if price is no object) in the show room.  We didn't get enough time to tour the town of Waterford at all, which was disappointing to me.  It's quite an historic town dating back to The Vikings.  A quick bite to eat and time to board our Insight Tour Coach again for another adventure.

County Kildare, The Irish National STUD Gardens

 Colonel William Hall Walker established The National Stud Gardens in the 1900's.  He believe you could tell how successful a horse could become on the racetrack by knowing their birthdate.  The grounds are quite pretty with flower gardens, water falls, serene bridges and lots of places to just sit and enjoy the countryside.

 Our tour explained how important breeding (covering) was throughout Irish history.  Currently their top stallion is Invincible Spirit.  Invincible Spirit was seeking protection from the rain so not in the picture.  He has fathered many champion racehorses around the globe.  At auction his offsprings can sell for millions!

 I'm sure the gardens would be prettier if you were lucky enough to visit on a day when it wasn't windy and rainy...though that's quite a trick in Ireland.  Though I did see a fairly sunny day in pictures when Queen Elizabeth was visiting.  She's a lover of horses, has been her whole life and has been here multiple times.

There's a nice gift shop and tea house to enjoy after your tour.  The hot pot of tea was just the ticket in an effort to dry off and warm up before heading back to our Insight Tour Coach.

St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin Ireland

 Eli Dillion

 George Bernard Shaw, known for many things, but I especially like several of his quotes:
"Life isn't about finding yourself, life is about creating yourself."
"Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds can't change anything."

 James Clarence Mangan

 Jonathan Swift

 And more

 Honored in St. Patrick's Park (Cathedral).  So many gorgeous old cathedrals throughout the country.

 Oscar Wilde

 Yates........so many influential people.  What a lovely way to honor and remember them in this pretty park.

A bit dark, chilly and windy as you can see how wind blown I am in the foreground.  Some of my travel companions walking about behind me.  We managed a few minutes here between the rain drops.  Would have been nice to spend a bit more time and read all the memorials, and enjoy the flowers on a prettier day.

Map of Travels, Dublin post I
Trinity College, Dublin and The Book of Kells

Trinity College, Dublin Ireland

Despite our being on The Trinity College Campus in Dublin, Ireland as part of a tour group with Insight Vacations and a local guide, there were really campus type activities going on.  These tent areas are for what they call Freshers Week.  Each area was set up so student could learn about activities and social clubs on campus.

I thought the students must think it odd, to see so many tourists day after day on their campus.  But, I suppose you get used to it after awhile.

The top of the gate/arch.  Gorgeous old buildings.

The arch, as you can see is quite large.  AND look how green the grass is, we were in Ireland after all.  A cool, windy day, as you can see from the sky.  Weather doesn't seem to stop people in Ireland from being out and about.  After leaving the campus area, we walked and toured more in the area via our coach. 

Pop back in, as we tour a beautiful park that pays homage to some of the Literary Giants who hail from Ireland.  And if you missed the previous posts about this Irish adventure, please click Here for a Map of the entire tour.