The Joiners go Ireland: Day 3

After our large traditional Irish breakfast we hopped the public transit down to the center of Dublin. A quick ten minute ride. There we boarded the hop on hop off tour bus to St. Stevens Green. This lovely park in the heart of Dublin, is home to several bronze statues including the one pictured which was presented to the people of Ireland from the people of Germany to Ireland. Having still not bought a phone, we went shopping ion Grafton Street viewed several beautiful hops and bought a disposable phone for 30 euros. Back on the bus we could smell the Guinness brewery before we arrived. The tour was very informative and was topped off by a pint of Guinness and a spectacular view of the Irish sea and the Wicklow mountains to the South. Next was the tour of the Kilmainham Gaol. This ancient prison housed some of Ireland's most notable patriots and has been the set for several movies such as the original Italian Job, In the Name of the Father and lastly was part of the set for the Tudors. At this point we realized we were not going to get to the Jameson Distillery but were informed by the tour bus driver that the whiskey was no longer distilled there but at the Bushmill's distillery in Northern Ireland. So we returned to Temple Bar to find a traditional pub for dinner and after walking several blocks settled on Gallagher's Boxy house. Keeping with our plan we had boxy for dinner the house specialty. Our South African waiter was very friendly and informative and we left there feeling well satisfied. Back to Dublin center we caught the 46a back to our lodge where we are now sitting making this combined effort. "Slainte!"