Dublin Visitors: Round 2

Three weeks after my parents spent time in Dublin, it was Naber time! B's parents came over to spend a few days in Dublin, then we spent back-to-back weekends in Munich and Madrid (will cover those next). It was a jam-packed 10 days and even I was exhausted afterwards, so I can't imagine how they felt! However, it was, as always, well worth it. 

I know it's a common sentiment to be wary of the dreaded visit from the in-laws. Well, I'm extremely lucky in that sense, because I married into an amazing family (and I'm not just saying that because they read my blog ;) ). Since day 1, B's parents and siblings have treated me like part of the family and I am 100% myself around them. It's a wonderful, disarming feeling, and I have never experienced any dread; in fact, it's the opposite. I look forward to any visits because I get the same relaxed, recharged feeling I would experience around my immediate family. But enough brown-nosing, ha, I'll get to the trip... 

Similar to my parents' visit (Dublin Visitors Round 1), Karen and Dave arrived on a Thursday and I, still languishing in the work permit approval process, was able to be take them on my traditional walking tour of Dublin.

First, we walked through St. Stephen's Green, up through Grafton, to Trinity College, Dublin Castle, and made a pit stop in Temple Bar for some lunch and their first pint of Guinness in Ireland. Next, we toured the insides of Christ Church and St. Patrick's Cathedral - a first for me!

Above is Christ Church, located in the former heart of medieval Dublin and first founded around 1030. It contains the largest cathedral crypt in Britain or Ireland, which has been renovated and is open to the public today. 

Below is St. Patrick's Cathedral, whose timeline dates back even further, to around 450 AD. As with many sites in Europe, the history is unfathomable, especially coming from the States.

Both tours were fascinating and the interiors of both were beautiful! It was also a treat for me to be able to do something new in the city, so it was a first for all of us.

Next was the Guinness Storehouse, the famous brewery where Arthur Guinness signed a 9,000 year lease for £100 in 1759. I won't go into the detailed history, but it's definitely worth a visit. The museum layout is designed well and it's self-guided, so you can choose what to see. Of course, you get a free pint at the end -- you can pour your own OR go to the Gravity Bar. I always opt for the latter for the 360 views of the city. 

Such a photogenic beer, huh?

Gravity Bar - Guinness Storehouse

The evening consisted of a casual dinner at Foley's and some live Irish music. The next day, the three of us did the ever lovely Bray to Greystones day trip.

Start of the Cliff Walk - Overlooking Bray

Upon returning to Dublin, we had another relaxed meal with B and a pint at O'Donoghues. A lot of ground was covered in a couple days! Then, we packed and geared up for our trip to Munich for Oktoberfest...