Edinburgh & Dublin
November 2024
Holyrood Park and Palace…
The Scholar was the first hotel we stayed at in Edinburgh, which is on the university campus with Holyrood Park access right from the hotel. Aurther’s Seat is the highest peak in Holyrood Park. We did not know it at the time, but we hiked the much steeper backside (the trails nearest the hotel) but then took the more gradual route down to Holyrood Palace.
We were lucky to have Allan and Catherine (Deb’s cousin) join us in Edinburgh. They were great tour guides and great fun.
Dublin, Guinness, Jameson and the Book of Kells …
We only had a couple quick days in Dublin and only our feet to get us around. Of course we did what all good toursists do, and toured the Guiness Brewery and Jameson Distillery. We really enjoyed both, indulging in a pint (or two), several samples of Jameson, and an Irish Coffee. Our evening would not have been complete without a stop at The Temple Bar for some oysters and another pint.
We visited Trinity College to see the Book of Kells, a 9th-century manuscript of the four Gospels. Exploring the Old Library was impressive, even though many books were away for restoration. The tall dark oak shelves and winding staircases were still fascinating. At the end of the room was Gaia, an illuminated globe by artist Luke Jerram, creating a striking contrast between the new/bright and the old/dark.
We wandered through town exploring the sites of the 1916 Easter Uprising (like the General Post Office), shopping for Aran sweaters, and wandering through the gardens.
Leith
We returned to Edinburgh and spent our last nights in Leith, the port town just north of Edinburgh. We both came down with a touch of the flu, so we laid low the last couple days. We did venture out for a day trip to the Craigmiller Castle and enjoyed a Monte Python moment.
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