Armagh to Dublin

Yesterday we were in Armagh.  We spent the morning checking out St. Patrick's both the Catholic and the Protestant.  The cathedrals were gorgeous!  (Pictures to follow.)  We also got to see the Public Library.  I was in absolute heaven.  All of the volumes there were ancient, and they even had a first edition of Gulliver's Travels that had been edited by hand.  After the morning tours we headed to a hotel to meet with the North South Ministerial Council.  They talked to us more about what they do and how they are helping to bridge the gap between the North remaining under British control and the South being self-governed.  We also had an incredible lunch there.

Next we left Armagh and headed for Dublin.  Once in Dublin we went to the Dail.  There we got the tour and saw where both houses sit.  It was really incredible.  After our tour we met with Eamonn O Cuiv (grandson of Eamonn De Valera).  He was very interesting and was really interested in what we're doing.  Finally we headed to the Ginger Man pub for a pint and some fish and chips.  I had a pretty good time considering I was in Dublin.

Today was our big day--meeting the President.  We headed out this morning for Collins Barracks where there is a branch of the National Museum.  We went through the military history exhibit with Colonel Harvey Bicker.  He was very interesting and knowledgeable about the exhibit.  We also walked over to Arbour Church to see the graves of those involved in the Easter Rising.  There is a very nice memorial set up for them there.  After the museum we headed back onto the President's coach and drove into Phoenix Park and the Presidential Residence.  I've seen it from afar before but it was absolutely amazing up close.

President Mary McAleese was wonderful.  She was so genuine and really seemed interested in what we were saying.  She asked questions and was very easy to talk to.  We got some pictures with her as well.  After she retired, we were given a tour of the residence.  It was amazing and our tour guide was captivating.  I cannot imagine getting that kind of reception anywhere else.

After meeting with the President we headed to Nassau Street and went shopping and then headed back to Belfast.  I'm definitely happy to be out of Dublin, but meeting with the President was absolutely extraordinary!