Dublin City Walk (Continued)

Here are couple of additional landmarks that I visited and photographed: Dublin Castle, Dublin City Hall (unfortunately did not enter as there is a wedding event), Christ Church Cathedral and Molly Malone Statue. 

Dublin Castle:  As you enter the courtyard, walked through a grand courtyard surrounded by buildings of various architectural styles, from medieval to Georgian. The courtyard is spacious, bustling with visitors.

Dublin Castle interiors: Record Tower (This is the oldest surviving part of the original medieval castle, dating back to the 13th century); State Apartments and Throne Room (you'll find the Throne Room, where the British monarchs' representatives once held court. The room is ornately decorated with chandeliers, rich tapestries); St. Patrick’s Hall (This is one of the most magnificent rooms in the castle, with a stunning painted ceiling that depicts scenes from Irish history. It’s used for state functions, including the inauguration of Irish presidents; Drawing Rooms (These opulent rooms are furnished with period pieces, including elegant sofas, fine art, and intricate chandeliers. They offer a glimpse into the lavish lifestyle of those who once inhabited the castle).

Dublin Castle Courtyard

Dublin Castle Interiors

The State Apartment

Throne Room

St. Patrick's Hall

The Portrait of the inauguration of Mary McAleese in the St. Patrick's Hall

Christ Church Cathedral

Dublin City Hall

Dublin City Walk

Walking along the River Liffey in Dublin is a mix of the city’s vibrant energy and historic charm. The river, flowing gently through the heart of the city, is lined with a series of iconic bridges, each with its own unique character (see my post earlier)

On one side of the river, you might see the historic buildings of Temple Bar, with its cobbled streets and colorful facades.  As you continue along the quays, you'll pass the Custom House, a grand neoclassical building with its impressive dome. Across the river, the modern financial district contrasts with sleek glass buildings like the Dublin Convention Centre, their contemporary designs standing tall against the skyline. 

Noticeable Landmarks are: The Spire of Dublin (the Monument of Light); The Famine Memorial; Liberty Hall; The Custom House; Jeanie Johnston tall ship; International Financial Services Centre. On O'Connell street after cross the O'Connell bridge: The O'Connell Monument, The Spire of Dublin (also know as the Monument of Light); Dublin Portal and James Joyce Statue.  In the morning, I also saw homeless people's tents set up along parts of the river.

Dublin's Colorful Bar Streets and The Temple Bar

Just as Starbucks is on every corner in Seattle, bars are everywhere in Dublin. You can’t miss them—they’re all colorfully decorated, both inside and out. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll see while walking around the Temple Bar area.

Bars in Dublin open early in the morning and stay open until late at night. I visited three of them: The Bank on College Green, The Oliver St. John Gogarty's and Temple Bar.  During the day, you might find a seat for a drink, but in the evening, it’s much harder. I had heard that the Irish are fond of beer, but it wasn’t until I saw the number of empty bottles on their tables that I truly understood.

I enjoyed a classic martini at The Bank, which is said to be the most beautiful and elegant bar in Dublin, and a Guinness at The Oliver St. John Gogarty's during the daytime. There was a two-man band playing at Gogarty’s, and I managed to find a seat at the inside bar area. While sipping my Guinness, I chatted with a couple visiting from England who were in Dublin to support their daughter in a tournament.

I visited the Temple Bar early in the morning just to take some photos of its many mini bars and colorful deco and the staff were very friendly and welcoming.  At 11 am, there were people drinking and band playing. Life is good.

The Oliver St. John Gogarty Pub

The Bank

The Temple Bar