The Dublin Experience

We've now had three days in Dublin to get acquainted with the place, so I suppose that we can comment better on the general atmosphere. Unfortunately, the Youth Hostel has not been... wonderful. Although the actual beds are adequate, and the breakfasts have been sufficient, the lack of any hot water in the place is rather disappointing. We are both missing the ability to have a hot shower. We are in a room with 4 other people, two of them Spaniards, one of whom is living in the Youth Hostel because of his frustration with the Spanish government. Talking to him has been quite interesting, although he seems very eager to get into an argument. Last night, apparently, he had a big argument with a Spanish girl (which he lost, according to... sources), and he was in a bad mood this morning, sleeping in until about mid-day.
Yesterday we visited the Guinness Storehouse. For some reason, there was an enormous queue when we left; it would have been at least 100m long, which was surprising, since the Storehouse had nothing that would seem to attract such crowds (other than a free pint of Guinness at the end of the tour). Following the Hop on, Hop off bus tour around, we visited Kilmainham Gaol, where the leaders of the (final) Irish Revolution were imprisoned and shot. Due to its limestone architecture, it was a few degrees colder than the rest of Dublin (which reached a peak of 4 degrees- what luxury!). To finish our day, we visited Trinity College, Dublin (which is the alternate name for, and only college of, Dublin University). Of particular interest was the lavishly illuminated "Book of Kells," which is a latin bible dating back to c.800AD. The University Library was also accessible; it was a wonderful collection of old, leatherbound books, in an equally old, traditional library (with ladders to reach the top shelves etc.)
We went to a pub for dinner, and the steak sandwiches weren't too bad. Another morning with barely super-zero degree water was not appreciated, but at least the lack of real showers will soon be over. We are leaving for Wales soon.

Some photos of Dublin:

Dublin