Dublin

DUBLIN, IRELAND

27.05.2018 – 01.06.2018

We try to take advantage of any opportunity Parker has to travel with work (see moving to a new continent). While Parker did a weeklong work exchange in the Dublin offices (which he very much enjoyed), I got to tag along and explore the city. There is such a rich history in Ireland and it was really interesting to learn so much. I particularly enjoyed their affinity for bookshops and scones (I got hooked on both while there). Slàinte!

P1040875 — Start of the city walking tour at the Dublin Castle

20180531_141013 — National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology

P1040967 — Materials used for inks in the Book of Kells (My calligraphy self loved this exhibit)

Excerpts from the Book of Kells, an illuminated collection of the four gospels in latin completed in 384AD. More information here

The Hill of Tara and Newgrange

I spent a day going north of Dublin to visit the Hill of Tara and Newgrange. I had never heard of either before, but was interested in visiting a place older than the pyramids (so cool, right?). It was far and away one of the coolest things I have ever done. I learned so much and was awestruck by the historical significance of this place. I cannot recommend this enough if you have the opportunity – go!

Our first stop was the Hill of Tara. It is difficult for photos to explain this site. It’s essentially a series of curving and circular hills that contain a number of ancient monuments. This former seat of the of power in Ireland is where 142 kings ruled from in prehistoric times. It was a touch misty when I visited, but we were still able to get a sense of how far reaching the views are from there. Amazing.

20180529_134223 — Lunch on a nearby farm

This is the 5200 year old passage tomb of Newgrange. It was believed to be founded in 3200 BC making it 500 years older than the pyramids of Gyza or Stonehenge. Its purpose is still not definitive, but it is believed to have been a site for worship. There is a light box at the top of the entry door that aligns perfectly with the sun on the winter solstice. On this one day a year, the interior of the passage chamber is illuminated. If you are interested, I would encourage you to read more about this UNESCO World Heritage site. I can’t even do it justice, it was so fascinating.