Saturday we all got on one of the big red city tour buses, just so we could orient ourselves with the city and get a better understanding of what everything was about. We got off at the Jameson distillery and went on a tour. The tour was pretty cool in that we got to see how Irish whisky was made and how its different compared to Scotch and American versions. Yours truly was one of the lucky eight selected for a taste test, in that I got to sample Jameson, Jack Daniels, and Johnny Walker Black and tell which one I liked best. As this was Ireland, I of course said Jameson was the best. But really I preferred the Johnny Walker. After the Jameson tour we walked over to the Guinness factory, which is really quite massive. The building consisted of seven levels, each one giving different information about Guinness including how it’s made, the different kinds of Guinness, and Guinness marketing campaigns throughout the years. Finally we got to the seventh floor where you get your complimentary glass of Guinness. I’ve heard Guinness doesn’t travel well and therefore that a glass at the brewery is the best that it gets. Turns out that’s true. Compared to Guinness I’ve had in the states it seems to have a little more flavor and taste, and not seem as bland.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Jameson tasting.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Found outside the Guinness brewery.
From Manchester + Dublin
Inside the Guinness Brewery on the tour.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
The purpose of the tour. A pint of Guinness seven floors up with a wonderful view of Dublin.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
The bar area.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Sunday I went with Jeff, Clinton, and Kay to take a day long bus tour of Wicklow. We left pretty early and made a few stops along the way for some photo opportunities. This was a German cemetery for airmen who were shot down during WWII and crashed in the Wicklow area of Ireland.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Apparently this bridge was used in the filming for a scene from ‘PS I Love You.’ I haven’t seen it so I have no idea, but it looked cool.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Great view overlooking a lake.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
It was pretty windy.
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
 |
| From Manchester + Dublin |
Overall it was a great side trip and a good break from the urban setting of Dublin.
Oh my gosh Beau...I can't believe you haven't seen P.S. I Love you!
ReplyDeleteOn a second note...the tours look interesting (bleecchht towards the Guinness) Nice effort in international good will at the whiskey factory!