Slept like rocks for 12 hours. These head colds are not going to keep us down so we showered, grabbed breakfast at the hotel, then bundled-up and ventured out into chilly grey Dublin.

Stopped at Paddy McCool’s for tea and tuna melts and people-watching, then we hopped on a guided hop-on/hop-off bus for an informative hour-long tour of Dublin. Our driver, Derek, kept us informed and laughing. Worth every Euro.

We hopped off at St. Stephen’s Green and walked to Bewley’s on Grafton Street where we sat and sipped tea and rested and recharged. Our head colds are taking their toll on our energy.

Walked around Grafton Street people-watching and window-shopping, then found ourselves at ancient Trinity College. Founded by Queen Elizabeth I on lands confiscated by her father, King Henry VIII, Trinity College is the first and oldest college in Ireland. We enjoyed a very enlightening 30-minute tour by a knowledgeable and witty last-year student named Kieran. We ended a tour with a view of the Book of Kells, comprised of 4 of the Gospels.

Next we walked four blocks from Trinity College to Temple Bar where we sat at The Auld Dubliner for Guinness, fish and chips, chowder, and authentic live Irish folk music.

After the traditional pub dinner and music, we walked around the Temple Bar area for a while, then at 9:00 pm we decided to call it a day. Our head colds are still going strong and the sleep will do us a world of good.

Next Day