Day 4: Our second look at Dublin

Much better today, feeling more comfortable with getting around and asking for help. We don't always understand the answer, though: 'How much?' 'Turdy euro' ... oh. Wait, what? The accent can be somewhat difficult, with our tour guide Richard (free walking tour) explaining the walls of Dublin Castle were 'a meter tick', which he 'sympatised' with us about the decline of the 'teatre'.
The tour was really interesting, we saw the first castle of our trip, and found out some interesting history, including the numerous rebellions of the Irish against the British - the key word for these is 'unfortunately'. "The led a fierce rebellion, but unfortunately were not successful.' Or 'This was the most famous of the rebellions, but unfortunately it was not successful.' We were told that the Brits translated many of the traditional words such as Dub Ling, or black pool, (note we have no idea how that should be spelled, as Richard's accent was rather tick) was translated to Dublin, as it was easier for the Brits to say.


Back to the Dublin Castle, in the 18th century there was a rebellion of the Irish people against the castle - normally held by around 800 soldiers to protect the stronghold. The rebellion consisted of 18 men and women. Unfortunately it was not successful. The plan was to hold the rebellion on Easter Sunday, which the garrison prepared for by calling in all the soldiers who would normally have the day off. This was a bad idea, as the plans went wrong with the rebellion and it had to be put off until the following day, Easter Monday. The soldiers were unhappy at being called in on their day off for a rebellion that never happened, and so demanded the Monday off. Thus the castle was empty for the 18 strong rebellion that came in the following day. When they stormed the castle and found it empty, they thought it must be a trap, and ran back out to conquer the next nearest building, City Hall. Thus the rebellion was unfortunately, once more, unsuccessful.

Another interesting fact is the world's 2nd oldest copy of the Q'uran is held in the Dublin library.

We also made it to the whiskey distillery - Jameson whiskey. No, Josh, we didn't get your souvenir there. Our tour guide was very funny - instructing us to put our phones

on silent - he had a 'tree (3) strike policy' - "if your mobile rings I'll strike you tree times."
Actually, the whiskey process was very similar to the Guinness one, but still very interesting, and with a free drink at the end, which we had this time. Bek had coke with hers, and I had cranberry juice, which is apparently very popular with the Irish.

After that, Bek insisted on trying the 3 types of whiskey, all Jameson but different flavours. Apparently. All were very burny. We have discovered we're not whiskey people. Not neat, anyway. Embarrassingly, Bek was unable to finish the 3rd shot. :D

Our tour starts tomorrow - looking forward to it!

Love,
Bek and Belle