Crochet Guild of America: Tour of Ireland and Scotland Day 3: March 31, 2003 Dublin: Phoenix Park, St. Patrick's Cathedral, St. Stephen's Green, Trinity College report by CGOA member Barbara Pretzsch

Monday, March 30^th looked clear and nice.

Papal Cross

We started our tour of the city at Phoenix Park.  We got off the bus at the giant cross that was erected in honor of a papal visit in 1979. As we drove along Chesterfield Way out of the park we saw the light in the window of the Irish President, Mary McAleese’s house, which signifies a welcome to all Iris hmen on their journey home.   The American Ambassador has his house in Phoenix Park as well and not with other ambassadors because America was first to recognize the Irish Republic as a country. 

St. Patrick's Cathedral

John told us a bit of the history of Ireland while we rode along until we arrived at the famous St. Patrick’s Cathedral.  Here we got off the coach and went in.  Inside the windows all around were spectacular.  Around the walls were numerous interesting history items.  

St. Stephen's Green

Next we came to the St Stephen’s Green area.  The housing in this area is Georgian in design.  Beautiful arches over the colorful doorways dot the street.  Each residential area had a “green” or a little park where one could walk outside.  This one happens to be enclosed and only open to the residents in the area.

Molly Maguire & Trinity College

We were then headed for Trinity College which was just down the street from Temple Bar and so were going to be set out on our own. Our first activity was to see the old library and the Book of Kells.  John took us into the “quad” completely surrounded from the hustle bustle of the city.  Many students were sitting around the area enjoying the sun.

From there we enjoyed the shopping and the walk back to the hotel.  We walked past the statue of Molly Malone of musical fame on the way back to the hotel.  She is depicted in bronze wearing a rather low cut dress.  She has gained a few nicknames over the years.  The Tart with the Cart!  The Dish wi th the Fish!  The Trollop with the Scallop!

I noted in my journal that I had seen several familiar stores, Pizza Hut, Subway, Burger King and of course McDonald’s.  I was to see more as the trip progressed such as Starbucks and KFC.  Other such things as Snap On tool truck, UPS trucks, Federal Express were also familiar businesses.

Updated:

©2004 Crochet Guild of America. Article and Photographs: Barbara Pretzsch Webweaver: Pam Oddi

CGOA Home Page