We went back into Dublin by train today, getting off at the station near Trinity College. Our first visit was to the Book of Kells – we knew nothing of what it was but found it entirely interesting once we were there.

It is actually a number of very old books written over a thousand years ago by monks in a language called Ogham. It was the message of the life of Christ and the four apostles, Matthew, Mark, Luke & John. It was probably produced in the early 9th century by the monks of Iona. The book was later sent to Dublin around 1653 to keep it secure during the Cromwellian period.

We then had a good look at the long room at the college which was really impressive – you begin to realise that Australia has very little history when you see things like this of such an age. The old library had a massive collection of very old books, but you couldn’t get to look at the titles of most of them as they were roped off to visitors. There were many books open on display in glass cases though for visitors to view.

We went for a late morning tea at a place called Kilkenny’s – I had to take a photo for my friend Anita Kilkenny. They had deliciously wicked chocolate cakes in there and coffee – definitely my kind of place to visit. After that we went to National Gallery of Ireland where we saw many magnificent paintings, of Irish Painters and then painters from other countries. The building just went on and on and up and up – there were so many rooms.

After about a couple of hours we decided we’d had enough and continued on our way to Fleet Street to visit a good old fashioned Irish Bar with traditional music. But the one we wanted to go to was packed out (it was after 2.30pm) so we wandered along the street till we could find a bar that served food and wasn’t too full – no Irish music playing, hopefully we’ll catch one in Kildare when we’re there. But it was nice to just sit and enjoy the food, drink and relax whilst it rained outside. Eventually we left there and wandered back to the train station to come back to our hotel.

Graham and Kathie at an Irish Pub.