Dublin

Céad míle fáilte! A hundred thousand welcomes!
First proper day in Dublin – exploring begins. On today's docket: Dublin Castle and a good wander around the city and Saint Stephen's Green.

Dublin is actually a bastardization of the Gaelic word for the city, Dubh Linn, meaning black pool. In Gaelic the "bh" gives a sound of "v", thus it should actually be pronounced "dove-lin", not Dublin.

Dublin Castle was founded in 1204 by the Celts and is of a typically Norman design, however earlier Viking settlements were found in the same location dating back to the first century AD. Two of the castles boundaries were the rivers Liffey and Poddle, the confluence of which formed a dark or black pool (Dubh linn) under what is now the castles gardens and coach house.

Throughout its history, it has served as the seat of the United Kingdom's government's administration in Ireland until 1922 When Ireland gained its independence. It switched over to a government complex but

not the seat of government after independence. That said, every presidential inauguration since independence has taken place within the castle. There's a room in the castle called St. Patrick's room. Contrary to popular belief that St. Patrick's colors were green, they were actually navy and gold. It appears Notre Dame got something right when picking their school colors ;)

The castle's guide – didn't catch his name – a friendly fellow I'd place in his late forties/early 50s – quickly decides that I am to be his confident, singled out for his special commentary. It's flattering and makes the tour that much more amusing. The part about the sleeping water monster who hates tourists and eats them if disturbed as we are standing above the water was particularly juvenile, but fun.

Next up is a stroll around the city to get my bearings. St. Stephen's Green is up next. It is a lovely park in the midst of Dublin that has winding paths and discoveries at every turn. On a fine day you can find local Dubliners lounging in the grass, sitting on park benches, sipping their tea or coffee and simply enjoying being outdoors. It is a perfect place for a sit-break into enjoy some people watching. And oh how I do love the people watching.

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My time in Dublin flies by and I can't believe that 3 days have past

and it is almost time to move on. There have been sites revisited, such as the statue of Molly Malone, and new sides discovered such as the Kilmainham gaol (jail) where many of the convicted of the 1916 uprising were held. The Guinness storehouse was thoroughly enjoyable and I even learned how to pour the proper pint of Guinness,all six steps. You have the option of having one of their barkeeps pour it for you at the gravity bar, or you can choose to learn the proper process yourself. Obviously, I chose to learn. And man, was it a delicious pint!

Dublin is a fun city and a nice welcome, particularly as I have not been here since I was 11 years old. The music scene is wonderful and gives a great introduction to the fabulousness that will lie head. Or so I hope.