Thursday Oct 22

Dublin. It is hard to think that we have been away for almost 5 weeks, and that tomorrow we will be heading home, back to friends and family, and of course Maggie and Lilli! To those of you who have helped by keeping an eye on our house and looking after M&L, even going to visit  them, a huge THANK YOU, we couldn't have done this without you.

Deb elected to spend her time at the NLI (National Library of Ireland) today to further her investigation and research into her family history. Jon hopped on the local bus (double decker) and headed off to tour the Guinness Storehouse. Both had a great day.  Deb had a very full and productive day with her research and Jon had a great day at the Brewery. 

Halls of National Library in Dublin

The Guinness tour is very complete and well done. This brewery was started by Arthur Guinness back in the mid 1700's at the St. James Gate site, and has remained there all through the years. Impressive! The tour encompasses all aspects of the family, the brew components, water, hops, barley, process, barrel making, advertising, shipping (then and now) and the introduction of new and different variations. It concludes with a pint, complete with shamrock profiled in the head. The view from the Gravity Bar at the top of the Storehouse is great.....but I still think the rural views and scenery that we have experienced as we have travelled through England, Scotland and Ireland have far surpassed this.

Guinness with a shamrock

Then it was out for an early dinner near our hotel. Then back to the hotel and try to get everything into our bags.....and then zipper them up. Awesome...we did it....check our flight times....figure out when we have to leave, keeping in mind that tomorrow will be a work day here and goodness knows what the early morning traffic may be like. Then to bed .....and lie awake thinking of what we have missed in our planning!