April 29


Our first stop today was Christ Church Cathedral, of the Protestant Religion. Here we ventured around the grounds and even spoke with one of the clergymen, who shared his vast knowledge about the history of the church.  This was Irelands first church to be made out of wood.


  • Christ Church Cathedral, more formally known as, The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the cathedral of the United Dioceses of Dublin and Glendalough and the cathedral of the Ecclesiastical province of the United Provinces of Dublin and Cashel in the Church of Ireland. This is the older of the two medieval cathedrals in Dublin, the other being Saint Patrick's Cathedral.




Connected to the Christ Church Cathedral is Dublinia, the museum of Viking history. Inside this interactive and hands on museum the group had a great time while also learning about the culture and time period. 



We then set foot for Saint Patricks Cathedral, the official church of Ireland. First we stopped right outside the front doors to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Once inside we were able to take in the beauty and architectural values of the grounds. We found it interesting that although the dominant religion of Ireland is Roman Catholic Christianity, this church is of the Protestant denomination. 
  • Saint Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin, also known as The National Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Patrick, Dublin, founded in 1191, is the largest church in Ireland and one of Dublin's two Church of Ireland cathedrals. It has a 140 foot spire.


Next came the Royal Hospital Kilmainham which is now the Museum of Modern Art. Here we took a  quick tour of some exhibitions the museum has to offer. Also here we stopped for a quick bite to eat in the museum cafe. 


The Irish Museum of Modern Art  also known as IMMAis Ireland's leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary artThe Irish Museum of Modern Art was established by the Government of Ireland in 1990. It was officially opened on 25 May 1991 by Taoiseach and Charles J Haughey.



  • The Irish Museum of Modern Art is housed in the 17th-century Royal Hospital Kilmainham. The Royal Hospital was founded in 1684 by James Butler, the Duke of Ormonde and Viceroy to Charles II, as a home for retired soldiers and continued in that use for almost 250 years.

Back on the Hop On- Hop Off bus, the weather took a sudden turn from sunny skies to a complete down pour.




Our last stop of the day was the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History, the official museum of Ireland. Once inside we focused on the Easter Rising of 1916. The group enjoyed being able to interact and view artillery of the time period.

 Julia and Professor Wolfe are seen here looking up Julia's family history using old recorded Irish artifacts. 



  • The main focus of the galleries is on arts, craft and wares, including exhibits on: Irish coins and currency, silverware, furniture, folklife and costumes, ceramics, glassware, etc.



Our group wrapped up the day with dinner at Sheehan's, a local Dublin pub with authentic Irish cuisine. We enjoyed meals from bangers and mash, to corn beef and cabbage, and even Guinness pie!  Professor Wolfe then treated us to gelato where we made a new friend!



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