Croke Park

Croke Park is the home of the GAA. Gaelic games such as Hurling and Gaelic Football have been played here for many years.

It has undergone a huge renovation project over the years which makes it one of the most modern satdiums in Europe and the fourth largest.

One area of the ground is smaller than the rest.It is called Hill 16 which was originally made from some of the damaged rubble of O'Connell Street after the uprising of 1916.

In the GAA Musuem you can see the story of the Irish uprising and how the playing of Gaelic games developed.

In recent years,Football and Rugby have been played here during the renovation of the Landsdowne Road Stadium.

As you can see in the pictures,the pitch is covered up following the recent Republic of Ireland v Bulgaria game - it hadn't been snowing!

Walking Around Dublin 2nd April

Dublin is a beautiful city.As well as the fascinating history to look at,the old buildings and the open spaces are great to walk around.

The Brazen Head pub is reputedly the oldest pub in Dublin and Inchicore is where the famous Paul McGrath of Aston Villa,Manchester United and Republic of Ireland fame lived.

Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzie fame was also a Dublin Man and is revered countrywide.

St.Stephens Green is a lovely open space in the City and you wouldn't know that there is a busy noisy city outside it.

Guinness 1st April

The Guinness Storehouse at St.James Gate is a must see experience.The world famous Guinness is made right next door with water from the nearby Wicklow Mountain spring waters - not with Liffey water - a popular misconception.

It tells the story of Arthur Guinness who signed a 9000 year lease on the land at St.James Gate back in 1759.

You move up through the various stages of brewing and see the wide variety of advertising which has become famous over the years. There is a tasting area (yum) and at the very end of the tour - seven floors up - you can get a complimentary pint of Guinness which you can enjoy whilst looking at a great view of Dublin.

Back down to the bottom of the Storehouse is a huge shopping area where you can buy anything which has got a Guinness label stuck on it - would seem rude not to after the free pint!

Wednesday 1st April - Jamesons

John Jameson started up The Distillery which bears his name in Bow St,Dublin back in 1780.The place produced whiskey until the 1970's when production moved to Cork.

You can go on a tour here which shows the history and the methods used to produce arguably Irelands second best export behind Guinness.

They also give you a free sample at the end of the tour which is very welcome!

Wednesday 1st April

I didn't have any internet access whilst in Dublin,so apologies for writing after the event.

My first thoughts on arriving here were - "let's have a pint".

The bus dropped me at O'Connell St right beside what is known as "The Spire".It's a great big lump of metal which was erected to commemorate the millenium or something.The locals I talked to weren't that impressed considering the amount of money which had been spent on it.

After walking down the River Liffey I chanced upon the area known as Temple Bar.Funnily enough,I found the actual pub called The Temple Bar and had my first sip of Guinness - was well worth waiting for!

Next stop The Jamesons Distillery!

Early Start

An early start at Birmingham Airport for my trip to Dublin.

I have now got a better camera which allows me to take the odd picture here and there without a flash going off.

An hour before my flight,I am enjoying a pint and a sausage sandwich. Some people are having Tea and Toast - how strange!

Next stop The Emerald Isle.