6/11/12

Dublin

Today we find ourselves back in Dublin. Our hotel is actually about 25 miles outside of Dublin, but we spent the day sightseeing in the city. Tomorrow, we will be visiting St. Kevin's Monastic Settlement (I'll be on the lookout for hunky monks) and then we'll be on to Avoca where I think we will be treated to a weaving demonstration.

There are a few images on this post that were left over from the quilt show. Those will be obvious. Today consisted of a bus tour of Dublin. We stopped to do some shopping, which was somewhat disappointing because the shops all seemed to be the same sorts of things we would see in the states. I've already spent plenty of money, so Karla and I just enjoyed strolling the streets. We both enjoyed the flower vendors very much.

We had plenty of time, and so we spent the last half of our shopping time visiting the public library. The library was adorned with stained glass panels, each representing a different writer. I recognized most of the names, but not all of them. You'll see an image of the reading room as well. It all reminded me of our own Library of Congress in Washington, D.C., on a less grand scale, but no less ornate.

Then we all got back on the bus for a short ride to St. Patrick's Cathedral. St. Patrick's is an Anglican cathedral, rather than a Catholic one. The stained glass there was incredible, as is always the case in Europe. What made St. Patrick's unique was the floor, which was any quilter's delight.

I don't have much more to say about the day, and so I'll just get on with the pictures. Here are a few comments I have about them:

I can't resist a cat, no matter what the form. The "town cryer" was a man at the quilt show who went around ringing his bell and calling out scheduled events. On Sunday, even he had his face painted like a cat.

I have taken approximately 10,004 pictures of doors. The doors in Ireland are such fun. They are all different colors and styles of architecture. I've resisted posting them up until now. I thought you would enjoy the one I saw today. When I get home, I'm going to gather all the doors into one computer folder, pick out my favorites, and make up a "Doors of Ireland" quilt. Sounds like fun, huh? I've also been delighted by some of the little shops and cafes, if for no other reason than their chosen name.

Oh yes, the sanctuary at St. Patrick's Cathedral had helmets and coat of arms banners on the walls of the sanctuary. Very interesting.

The picture taken looking through the window is one of the windows of our hotel room tonight. If you look out across to the opposite hillside, you can see sheep grazing. This is a very common sight in Ireland. Many people have livestock, especially sheep, cows, and horses. Since we are generally driving by in a bus, I rarely get them in focus.

Jonathan Swift must have gone to the quilt show. Either that or he was a visionary. Or maybe it was both.

Enjoy. One more day in Ireland. After that I'll be boarding a plane to come home.

9 comments:

Teresa in Music City said...

Oh I love your idea to do a Doors of Ireland quilt! That would be superb!!! I just love all the pictures - have I said that before *wink*

Just cannot believe that floor in the Cathedral - amazing!!! And I'll bet the stained glass windows were stunning in person. It's so hard to portray the kind of beauty that comes from light in a picture. I can certainly see all the colors and the design, but I bet they are breathtaking when the sun shines through :*)

I need to make that "furry alarm clock" pillow for my friend whose cats wake her every morning =^..^=

WoolenSails said...

So many wonderful photos, love traveling with you.
I love that kitty pillow, the saying is so cute.

Debbie

Debbie said...

Those floors are amazing and an absolute treasure trove of ideas....especially for borders. I also love you quilt idea of doors....and maybe a few names in the border??? thanks so much for sharing.

quiltzyx said...

Aaahhh, I feel better now, after another dose of Ireland & quilts!
I love that quilt with the fields of flowers, just lovely!

"Doors of Ireland" - definitely something I'll be looking forward to. :D

Lynda Halliger Otvos (Lynda M O) said...

Thanks for the pictures, Barb. I am truly enjoying the views of quilts, windows, kitties, doors. flowers.... So glad you have had a good trip.

Linda Coleman said...

Barbara
so glad you are enjoying Dublin. I worked in the city for 20 years and our office was near Christchurch just down the road from St Pats and in all those years I was never inside it. Looking at your photos of the floor tiles I will now have to visit it.

Dana Gaffney said...

I can't believe it's almost over. This trip really flew by for me, LOL. I'm loving these pictures, so I like the thought of lots more even when you're home.

Kathy Felsted Usher said...

The floor is amazing- will you incorporate some of those designs into your doors quilt?

Snoodles said...

Do you know how hard you are making it for me to get any work done at all? LOL I am enjoying all of your photos (and the commentery) and can't wait for more!
The doors are great, but I'm crazy about the floors! Awesome!