Monday May 23, 2011

Tour interrupted… we went on a walking tour of Dublin and started early to avoid conflict with the Obama security issues. Several roads, bridges, museums, libraries and bars (not really on the bars) were closed today in anticipation of Obama’s talk. So, we started the morning heading out to Trinity College to see the campus and view the Book of Kells. The Book of Kells contains lavishly decorated copy, in Latin, of the four gospels. It has long been associated with St. Colum Cille who founded his principal monastery on the island of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, in about 561. The Book of Kells was probably produced early in the 9th century by the monks of Iona, working wholly or partially at Iona itself or at Kells, county Meath, where they moved after 806 AD. Trinity College Library Dublin is one of the world’s great research libraries, holding the largest collection of manuscripts and printed books in Ireland. We also visited the Long Room. The main chambers of the Old Library is nearly 65 meters in length, and houses around 200,000 of the Library’s oldest books.
After leaving Trinity College we made our way to St. Stephen’s Green (1663), St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral and the Temple Bar District. We wanted to cross the Liffey River, which separated the North from South side of Dublin, and we noted that the road was blocked and Garda (Police) were lined up and down the road. We asked when we would be able to cross the street to which they responded with, “once the president of the United States comes through we will open the road and bridges back up.” Much to our surprise the Presidential motorcade crossed 8 feet in front of us with President Obama waving out the window. The excitement overtook the students and the distraction made it impossible to continue the Dublin tour. We decided to go listen to Mr. Obama’s address. Much to our surprise (not really) the wait was only about 3-4 HOURS in line to get cleared by security. Much personal space being invaded during this time. I will say on a personal note, the overwhelming positive enthusiasm for an American President made me proud, the crowd was chanting “OBAMA, OBAMA” and waving American flags… wow, tears came to my eyes.