Yeats

Today was my first solo day in Dublin. Kat, and he who must not be named, (i'll have to explain that to you in person someday) live really close to the Tram. I walked down this lovely street catch it.

For 1 eruo, and a 10 minute ride, I was in the heard of Dublin at Stephens Green. It was a really nice day to hang in the park and watch the birds, and people, enjoy the park.

Stephens Green

I sat on a bench next to a lady with two dogs. The dogs were really well behaved considering the number of seagulls, ducks, and pigeons that were teaming around us wanting food. Maybe those dogs got there often enough not to care anymore. Come to think of it, the lady didn't seem to care much for what was going on around her either. 

I walked up Grafton Street, got some breakfast, and continued walking North over the Liffey.

The Liffey

I was headed to the Irish Writers Museum. The museum is located in the former residence of Mr. Jameson. You may know him from that wonderful tasting whiskey he makes. I believe Shane McGowan wrote a song about Mr. Jamesons efforts. Everybody sing! "Whiskey, whiskey, whiskey, whiskey...."

Stairway to heaven. Irish Writers Museum. Mr. Jamesons old residence.

The museum was very educational, and I enjoyed learning about the history of Irelands most famous writers. I learned that there was a period of time when writers were banned, and censored, of corse for political commentaries, but also for writing about sexually explicit material describing "dangly bits". I'm sure I don't have to tell you the importance of folks like James Joyce, WB Yeats, George Bernard Shaw, Oscar Wild, Samuel Becket, etc.on the world of literature. Lot's of wonderful first edition books to look at. It was a good time for sure.

I walked back down to Grafton Street for lunch, then over to the National Library where they had a wonderful exhibit on WB Yeats, and his family. They had rooms set aside where you could sit and listen to recordings of his poetry while looking at old photos and letters. It was really something. WB was a pretty interesting fellow. He had an unrequited love affair with Maud Gonne. She was the subject of many of his love poems, but alas they were never together. Sigh...

Here is a picture of a Dublin area lamp post. I like it a lot.

I must have walked for a total of 6 hours today, including museum time. My dogs are tired.