June 4, 2022 - Dublin and Killarney

 This morning I headed out early to see a couple of “last things” before getting on the train for Killarney.  Stopped at Murphy’s for Eggs Benedict - again disappointed in Irish food.  It just isn’t there!

Grabbed my luggage and head out for the train station, even though it would be another 3 hours before I needed to board.  I figured I’d “waste” some of the time discovering a few places.  One of those places that I wanted to visit was St Patrick’s Cathedral.

The following pictures are from items on display within,

There are relics throughout the church, but oddly, I didn’t have the same feeling of emptiness that I had when I was in Spain at another church with many relics on display.  Here they felt integral to worship and part of the church.  Special Note - Johnathan Swift, a famous writer and Irishmen, is buried in the church.

Continuing on, I finally noticed that most of the older buildings in/Dublin are made of red brick.  I wonder if that is why the Irish found Pittsburgh to be so welcoming because of its brick buildings or whether they made Pittsburgh into a welcoming place by building so many brick buildings.

Passing a number of other churches, I just took quick snapshots of them.

St Andrews Catholic Church - Deo.Optimo.Maximo. (Which means “To God, most good, most great”)

St Mary’s Catholic Church

Saint Catherine’s Church 

I have no idea what this is, but thought it was an interesting building.

I’m very interested in learning more about this church.  Parish of St James.  The sign in the front says that the Camino begins here; referencing a pilgrimage walk called the Camino Santiago.  I thought this walk went from Italy through southern France into northern Spain.  So, I’m a bit confused how it begins all the way up here in Ireland.

And this church is now part of a whiskey distillery where tours and tasting take place.  They also have a tea room.  Take note of the glass spire!

I ended the day in Killarney after nearly a 4 hour train ride.  Here are two churches that I took pictures of and a picture of the street.  I’m already in love with Killarney!

I’m staying at a hostel called The Black Sheep.  The desk staff are wonderful and I’ve already had some fantastic conversations with them.  I’m in an upper bunk, though (This should be fun for a nearly 60 year old who needs to use the bathroom frequently during the night.  Ugh!)

And finally dinner….best meal I’ve had in Ireland so far.  It was lovely, as they say.  

Fish Chowder - Ok the Irish know how to make a proper Chowder.   I will definitely give that to them.

And two mini Irish Potato Cakes stuffed with pieces of chicken in a mushroom sauce, accompanied by a light salad of pickled cucumber slices, carrots and lettuce.

Tomorrow I’m headed to an area called The Ring of Kerry.  I’m told it is amazing.