May 25, 2024 (Friday) - Sight Seeing And Beer! (Daily Diary)
Our day started with the loud blare of the 6:00 am alarm. We sprang out of bed and quickly prepared ourselves for the day's exciting adventure! We showered, put on our cleanest dirty clothes, and went to have breakfast at our hotel. The breakfast options were great. I had dry toast, and Mary had a little of everything.
To catch the bus at bus stop #6, we had to be at the bus stop by 9:18 am. Despite the heavy drizzle, everyone seemed to ignore it as we walked.
As I age, I remember all the people I lost along the way, and I wonder if a career as a tour guide was the right choice.
If everything goes according to plan, we should arrive at Guinness about 30 minutes before our scheduled time.
The light rain/heavy drizzle was good because it allowed us to cool off from our speed walking activity. We walked to stop #6 again, this time without a map. Eight stops later, the bus dropped us off at Guinness.
The Guinness Brewery and Storehouse are the most visited attraction in Dublin. With a rich roasted aroma and a hue of midnight ruby, Guinness, an Irish dry stout, has been an emblem of Ireland for over two centuries, and a pint is a must-taste for visitors to Ireland.
It was lightly misting, so we hurried inside upon our arrival. I looked drenched, so they let us in early. Plus, it was time for a beer! The black stuff, Irish champagne, ebony nectar, black custard, and a pint of plain are all nicknames for this much-loved Irish institution. There's no doubt that Guinness is one of the most famous beers in the world.
The carriage would have been a great idea except it was raining.
"Come on inside... It's warm and there is beer!"
We did the self guided walking tour.
The building was amazing; it looked like a bomb shelter.
Did You Know? - The building in which the Storehouse is located was constructed in 1902 as a fermentation plant for the St. James's Gate Brewery (yeast is added to the brew). It was designed in the style of the Chicago School of Architecture and was the first multi-story steel-framed building to be constructed in Ireland.
There must have been 1000 tons of steel in this magnificent structure.
How barley is grown.
Did You Know? - With a stem that reaches between 30 and 35 inches it stands about waist high. The barley spike, the head on the top of the barley plant, is made up of 20 to 60 grains. There are 8 essential amino acids in barley, vitamins of the B group and minerals such as magnesium, phosphorus, iron and zinc.
Barley originated in Ethiopia and Southeast Asia, where it has been cultivated for more than 10,000 years. Barley was used by ancient civilizations as a food for humans and animals, as well as to make alcoholic beverages; the first known recipe for barley wine dates back to 2800 BC in Babylonia.
The display was quite interesting.
The display was wonderful but look at the video file below!
Beer is made of four ingredients: barley, water, yeast, and hops!
Talk about cold?
That is -320.8 in Farenheit.
The barley must be precisely roasted!
Exactly 232 degrees C or about 450 degrees F.
Michael was with us! Where is Linda?
Michael is the reason for beer.
We sat for quite a while and listen-watched the story.
Some of the original equipment remained behind to remind people how big the operation was even many years ago.
Looking down into the drums revealed more AV equipment.
Seven stories totally redone for the public to visit.
It was quite bright even on a semi-rainy day!
The campaign was in the 1960s.
Watch our for the Roo!
Who is this guy?
Guinness is served everywhere.
Cans and bottles over the years.
An oldie but a goodie!
At the end of the tour, we climbed two more stories. Above us were several restaurants, and finally, on the top floor, was a 360-degree enclosed observation deck. Perched atop the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland, the Gravity Bar is an iconic spot that offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the city while you savor a pint of the world-renowned Guinness stout.
Doubled in size in 2020, it provides you with unparalleled 360-degree views over one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A high point in Dublin, Gravity Bar must be experienced to be believed. With so much to see and do on the floors beneath it, it's also the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy your complimentary pint of Guinness.
A 360 degree view of Dublin as well as the plant!
The upper left hand corner is houses for the Guinness workers.
The writing on the glass points to the Dublin highlights.
Mary! Do not spill the black gold!
We had a couple of brews and then went downstairs.
Without question, beer is the greatest invention in mankind's history. Oh, I grant you that the wheel was also a fine invention, but the wheel does not go nearly as well with pizza.
We dined on the 6th floor and had Irish stew and a glass of the brew! But I digress.
Made with Guinness of course! It was the best Irish stew we had on the entire trip!
Mary loves her salad.
Oysters for the old man!
Oscar Fingal O'Fflahertie Wills Wilde (16 October 1854 – 30 November 1900)
We took the hop ON/Hop Off bus back to stop #6 and walked to our hotel for a power nap because at 5:30 pm, we had to be across town at Wilde.
WILDE promises a food experience that celebrates carefully sourced, seasonal Irish produce in much-loved dishes as well as classic cuisine from around the world. The stylish space offers great food that can be tailored to individual food occasions, be that alfresco dining of aperitifs and small plates on the terrace, express or long lunches, celebratory dinner dates in the chic, 1930's inspired dining room or the secluded corner snug overlooking the bustling neighborhood of Grafton Street and Harry Street in the heart of Dublin city.
We were the first there this evening.
Mary made the room come alive.
More oysters, I hope one of them will work!
We had a corner seat!
Mary found the bread, that's all she needs.
Mary says it was the best tomato soup she had ever had!
I have no idea but it was excellent.
Then, Mary reminded me it was beef!
It is easy to lose track of time whilst visiting Dublin.
Done the real way (no sparklers)
Adding the fuel!
The flame burns inside the lid properly melting the covering.
"Baked Alaska for M'Lady?"
Oh yeah!
...and her also got a birthday cake!
This drink is called a "Gender Reveal" - Ask Paul for details.
We walked for a few blocks to help in digesting our meal!
McDaids established in 1779!
Did You Know? - Established in 1779 on Harry Street just off Grafton Street, McDaid's Bar is a historic Irish pub with a classic Victorian interior that exudes timeless charm. Its dark wood furnishings create an intimate setting, attracting both locals and visitors seeking an authentic Irish pub experience.
It was almost 9:00 pm and starting to get dark.
We walked a few more blocks/
Mary met a guitarist!
There must be a thousand whiskeys in the Emerald Isle.
In front of the hotel we caught a cab to our hotel.
The had a load of all electric cabs in the city.
We are beginning to know the streets.
As we entered our hotel, a chap was setting up his equipment for tonights live music. We asked him to pay a few dance tunes and he did. We danced and got a standing ovation for our efforts.
Checking the incoming messages.
He even had some Johnny Cash!
Paul kept tasting whiskey!
Paul also sang which reduced the number of paying customers.
We have an amazing time together!
