Day One: Dublin

Next stop was lunch and our first beers in Ireland at Gallaghers Boxty. On the way there, we stopped by the Molly Malone statute but she was getting all polished up from being graffitied. Then we stopped by Temple Bar to grab a photo and take a look around before going to the Dublin Castle. Dublin Castle was the seat of British rule in Ireland from 1204 until 1922. During that time, it served as a residence for the British monarch's Irish representative. In 1922, the castle was handed over to the newly independent Irish state. Today, Dublin Castle is used for important national events, such as state dinners ad commemorations. From the castle, it was on to the Christ Church Cathedral. Christ Church is officially claimed as the seat of both the Church of Ireland and Roman Catholic archbishops of Dublin. Christ Church was founded in 1030 by the Vikings. It was originally built of wood, and was rebuilt in stone in the late 12th century. It was renovated and rebuilt in the late 19th century. Underneath the church is a large, medieval crypt that houses a mummified cat chasing a mouse and a rare 14th-century copy of the Magna Carta Hiberniae.Read more