St. Stephen's Green TR

“I just finished taking a stroll through St. Stephen's Green in the heart of Dublin. "This urban oasis was originally a piece of common land used for public hangings among other things but, by 1880, it had become a public garden thanks to the benevolance of Lord Ardilaun, a member of the Guinness Family." The park forms a loop (about 1.5 miles), that includes massive elm, oak, cedar, and maple trees. I can see why they used it to hang folks, these are some of the largest oak trees I've ever seen.

The park also boasts a nice lake, with several waterfalls, one of which was donated by the Germans after WWII in thanks for the help of the Irish people in rebuilding Germany after the war. Nice gesture, I thought. Another interesting thing was a statue donated by the USA, commemorating Emmitt something-or-another. There were also several monuments toward labor leaders and women's sufferage leaders of the 20th century.

My favorite part of the hike was exploring Lord Ardilaun's Cottage. It is well preserved, with intricate carvings on the facia baords, tile roof with mossy cracks, and ivy encrusted walls. It looked like something you'd see out of Ireland.

Lastly, there was a nice bust of James Joyce, who strolled thru the park often. Joyce is somewhat of a hero out here. The guy frequented quite a few pubs, all of which remain in business to this day partly because "James Joyce once drank here". I think after they finally let me check in, I'll be stalking the ghost of Mr. Joyce, and visiting a few of his pubs, many of which are in this area of Dublin (nice job Tara!!!).

Stay tuned, if I'm bored enouygh, I may post a TR of my St. James Brewery tour.

Slainte'!”

“I am so totally green with envy! St Stephen's Park was on my list b/c it was so close to the hostel.

Trinity College isn't too far away. The campus is supposed to be beautiful.

Merrion Square isn't too far from St. Stephens. Oscar Wilde frequented this place. Supposed to be a fantastic example of Georgian Architecture around three sides of the square.

Whatever you do w/ the rest of your day... have fun! See ya in the morning.”

“dublin is for losers!”

“If Dublin is for losers, I'll be getting on a different plane tonight...”

“What's the deal, is Buddha there by his lonesome?

I thought you gals weren't going to let him out of your sight!!”

“Henry and I spent a night at the Trinity Arch Hotel in November '04.

It was a Friday night in a college town with a rugby match against South Africa the next day.

Those people were partying past 3:00 AM when I zonked out on the top (6th) floor.

No smoking in the pubs helped to make it a street party.

We saw some gypsy women being rousted by the Garda.

Don't tangle with the Garda they were as fit-looking as soldiers.
I don't think they eat donuts over there.”

“We stayed at a B and B near Merrion Square when I went to Dublin. I loved the rows od Georgian style homes!

Unfortunately, Guiness was closed due to worker strikes back in '93.”

“This urban oasis was originally a piece of common land used for public hangings among other things but, by 1880, it had become a public garden thanks to the benevolance of Lord Ardilaun, a member of the Guinness Family.

See? Another reason why beer is good. I always say, "Drink beer. Love one another." In Lord Ardilaun's case, "Let's quit the hangings and get to drinkin'!" Now there is a park where a tall Guiness drinkin' American strolls, waiting for two American blondes, who will drink anything, to show up. Life must be good.”