Dublin Day, Irish Sea Ferry Crossing and Chester

Aug 6 - Dublin

We were able to sleep in late because we are in Dublin for two days and didn't have to have our luggage packed and ready to go. So, after our 8:30 breakfast we boarded the coach for a quick circle of Dublin and we also picked up Mr. Michael Ryan, the Limerick Scout leader who coordinates our Irish exchange scout program. Mr. Ryan took the bus up from Limerick to spend the day with us.

 

We passed sites like the Dublin Cathederal and Phoenix Park, where we stop and saw the Papal Cross, an oversized cross that towered over us. Also in the park were the homes of the US ambassador and Irish President.

 

From there the coach dropped us off at Dublin's center where each group split off for a free day of sightseeing and shopping. Most groups started with shopping and lunch, one group visited Trinity College and the Book of Kells, one group then set off to play football at the park and they also rode tandem bikes in the rain. Another group decided to spend their day doing laundry. My group however, went to the Guinness Brewery for a tour. Inside we learned how to brew Guinness beer and all the history of the company. The tour was seven stories and at the top was a complimentary soda and beer for the adults, served in the top room which was a room with windows providing a panoramic view of the entire city of Dublin.

We walked back in the rain and stopped in an Italian restaurant for dinner not far from the statue of Molley Mallone.  Today was the first day it had rained and it was only on and off showers so no one really got too wet. After dinner we walked back in the rain and hung out in the hotel. Some people went out to see a real Irish production of River Dance, they said it was wonderful.

At 10PM everyone returned to their hotel rooms for bed. It had been a long fun-filled day in the Dublin rain. By Matthew Poppa

Aug 5 - Irish Sea Ferry Crossing & Dublin

From our departure of Wales we went to a harbour to board upon the Ulysseus of the Irish Ferries to make our way across the Irish Sea to Dublin.

When we first got off the coach once it was parked on the ferry we make our way up to the main passenger level. We were astonished by the fascinating decor and elegeant style of the ferry, it was like a mini cruise ship. Most of use had fun seeing the Simpsons Movie in the on board movie theater, then playing cards and sleeping during the 3 hour trip. Some even ventured to the top deck, which was quite wet and windy.

After we departed the ship we drove into Dublin and checked into the Jury's Inn hotel. We then broke up into our groups and headed out to town for dinner. My group (Team Freebird) joined the Team America group and went to a pub called "The Quay" located in the Temple Bar section of town. The food arrived very fast and was very good. Some of us had fish and chips and others had burgers. It was then good to get back to our hotel and get some sleep.

By Alex Oppel

Aug 5 - Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

After a short stay in Chester, England we made our way to the country of Wales. Wales was more of a rural area. For lunch we stopped in a town with the longest name in the world, called Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch. This name means St. Mary's Church in the dell of the white hazel trees near the rapid whirlpool, by the red cave of the church of St. Tysilio.

 

During our stay for lunch we did not see any of these whirlpools and caves or such things It was a long day to travel. We travelled from Liverpool, England to Chester, to the town with the long name in Wales to the port city of Holyhead to take a 3 hour ferry ride to Dublin, Ireland. That's 3 countries in one day!

By Alex Neuendorf

Aug 5 - Chester, England

After we left Liverpool we drove to Chester, England. Chester is in the county town of Cheshire, England. It is located on the River Dee, close to the border with Wales. Chester is one of the best preserved walled cities in the United Kingdom and is most notable for its successive historic uses and occupations.

When we arrived we walked around the city with our guide and then ventured out in our groups with our chaperones. We walked around on the city walls and found a the remains of a Roman amphitheater and an ancient Roman garden, which we explored, it was fun!!

   

While we were waiting at the pick up point for our bus I got to eat some donuts (*o*) (I like donuts) and call my mom back home in Connecticut. When we left we headed to the city with the 56 letter name in Wales. Along the way we saw ancient castles, but I miss Scotland (~-~).

By John Murray (Cosmos/Owls group)