April 2013

My first Monday in Dublin was a whirlwind affair with lots of walking.

Sister Robin and I took the tram to downtown, then walked to Trinity College, where Gavin, a post graduate student in literature and history, gave a group of about 10 of us a tour of Dublin; with an emphasis on the historical aspects. He was extremely informative, but at the end we were tuckered out.

Trinity College was beautiful and interesting. It was founded in the late 1500s by Queen Elizabeth in order to establish the new Protestant ascendency; so that the English landlords did not have to send their sons to England for a classical education. We also walked through the Irish Parliament, which is now a bank. Ireland was unique in having its own Parliament, which lasted until the rising of 1798. Westminster took to heart the loss of America and the French revolution.

We also learnt more about Irish/English relations over the years; never very good.

The Dublin Castle, what Gavin declares as the worst castle in Christendom, is closed to the public. Ireland is currently the President of the European Union, and they meet here from time to time; so the entire Castle is closed. But Gavin is right; not much of a castle.

After the tour it was time for lunch at the Christchurch area Bull and Castle pub, where my lunch was the lamb stew.

After walking about and some shopping, it was time for the tram and home to the Cottage.

Tuesday will be the Hop-on/Hop-off tour during the day (save our tired feet!), and then the Literary Pub Crawl in the evening. This will take us round the worlds of James Joyce, YB Yeats, etc. Apparently of the top 50 walking tours in the world, this is no. 4.

Chapel @ Christchurch Cathedral, Dublin

Please see the photo gallery I am also building.

My blessings to you all!

RSP+

Somewhat recovered from serious jet-lag, Sunday morning saw sister Robin and I out the door by 10.00 for the Holy Eucharist at the Cathedral. This was a choral Eucharist.

We walked along the south Quay of the harbour and caught the tram into central Dublin. The tram operator approached us as we were attempting to purchase our ticket, saying that he was leaving and we'd miss the tram. So he covered for us, telling us to purchase a return on the way back.

We made it in time for the 11.00 Holy Eucharist. It was a lovely Mass, with the Missa Brevis by Palistrina, and a choir of about 20 persons. The Homily was well done by the Dean; in 8 minutes (I timed it) he hit all the high points of 'love one another' and had two touching stories to help remember.

I have heard it said that Irish Anglicanism is not too keen on the externals, but they put up a pretty good show nonetheless. There were three sacred ministers, (unfortunately) a lady priest (very trendy), so no reception of Holy Communion for me today. There was a full Gospel procession.

Many aspects of this high church Irish Eucharist resemble what we do at S. Bride's; especially facing East as often as possible. Of course, no incense, no chanting; but still a beautiful liturgy, where I felt like I'd been in Church; even if I wasn't at S. Bride's!

We made friends with the chief usher, gatekeeper, gift shoppe keeper, etc. Dennis. We must have seen him 15 times today in various capacities. This reminds me of what makes parishes run all the world round: good and faithful people who love God, love their parish, and will do whatever needs doing.

Sister Robin and I had a good hotel restaurant lunch at the Jurys Hotel; appropriate as the area is called the Four Courts area. Then it was back across the street to Evensong. I had a few minutes to catch some wonderful photos (some enclosed) and on to Evensong.

Being basically Low Church, there was no holy water stoups, no incense (am I repeating myself?) and the votive candles were cleverly hidden. Still, I lit a candle for all my people at S. Bride's, and for my cousin Pete to be wed this next weekend.

After Evensong, and shopping in the Cathedral gift shoppe (which Dennis ran, of course), we walked down the road through Temple Bar to Trinity College. The owner of our cottage just got his PhD there in James Joyce's literature.

There we found a Starbucks and (no surprise) I suggested to sister Robin that we stop for a cool refreshing beverage of hot coffee. I bought a couple mugs (Starbucks Dublin mugs to add to my collection), and we pressed on to Trinity. Purchased our tickets for the hop on/hop off bus, and wound our way home, via the tram.

Tomorrow we are taking a historical walking tour of Dublin from 11.00 to 14.30; perhaps a musical pub tour in the evening.

This evening, we are relaxing in the cottage, getting ready for tomorrow's outing.

Pictures to follow.

Had a bit of a fright. The plane to JFK was nearly an hour late in departing, and I was going to miss my flight to Dublin. Instead, Delta rerouted me on a later flight, and direct, good job, Delta!

On Monday I started on my sabbatical, at least officially. But the first stop was not Dublin, but Phoenix!

The youngest of my three sisters was getting married, and the entire family was gathering together to support her celebrate this.

Tomorrow Monday I flight back, and am home for a few days. Then it is off to Dublin! Been playing the chieftains to get myself in the mood.