Still stinging a bit from losing the football game, we woke up and headed out and about on a day of sightseeing around Dublin. (We noticed the understandably subdued nature of Florida State fans the entire day.) We walked to City Centre and stopped at O’Donoghue’s Pub on Suffolk Street — not the O’Donoghue’s made famous by the Dubliners, which is also a favorite stop — and met a charming guy who told us about his 10 Guinness Saturday and 10 Guinness Sunday ritual. I also talked with two women who were making their way back home to San Diego having seen Taylor Swift in London. Once again, the pub was a place to meet people and share stories. 

Book of Kells Experience

Following a pint at the pub, we headed to The Book of Kells Experience at Trinity College. As a lover of words and language, this experience further convinced me of Ireland’s connection to my heart. The Book of Kells is a 1,200 year-old manuscript written and protected over the centuries by those committed to preserving the Christian faith and the written text. Ornate and beautiful, the Book tells the Gospel story. The Experience includes seeing the actual Book of Kells, a walk through Trinity College’s Old Library Long Room, and several interactive exhibits that bring The Book and the Library’s historically and culturally significant collection to life.

Guiness Storehouse

Everyone told us to not miss the Guinness Storehouse and they were not wrong. From a beautiful building filled with artifacts from the Guinness operation, a wonderful description of how Guinness in made, live music and restaurants, to the best possible views of Dublin, the Storehouse does not disappoint. We soaked it all in, made more friends, and tried different Guinness products we had not even heard of before this trip.

Sunday Session at The Brazen Head

The Brazen Head is Ireland’s oldest pub. There has been a hostelry in the space since 1198. It has appears in documents as far back as 1653, and the present building was built in 1754. We fortuitously made our way to the Sunday Sessions, which occur in the pub every Sunday from 3:00 — 6:00. This was a peak life experience. Full stop. As the most wonderful Irish musicians, sang and strummed the most authentic and heart felt songs, tears flowed. (I was not the only person in the room crying.) The Session ended with every one in the room wrapped arm-in-arm singing The Monkee’s “Daydream Believer.” I can now die complete.

Hawksmoor

Dinner was at The Hawksmoor. We walked into the amazing space and were immediately greeted with attention and care. When we happened to run into friends, they accommodated a table switch after we had ordered. (That flexibility was truly appreciated.) Our dinner was delicious. We shared a bottle of Sancerre, Domaine la Clef du Recit, Anthony Girard, 2022, roasted currach scallops, and half a native lobster in garlic butter. I enjoyed a Kylemore Caesar, Dublin Bay monkfish, and strawberry hibiscus cheesecake. Greg had a fillet mignon and Peanut Butter Louis.