Day 6: Almina & Katie

Storytelling at Ireland's Oldest Pub

Today started off very early and very wet, but even the deluge couldn't dampen our spirits! Positive attitudes and excitement over travelling to Dublin kept us all afloat as we navigated our way from Cork via shuttle, bus, train, and bus again! After checking in to the lovely Parliament Hotel, the group was allowed a bit of free time to pursue a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, lunch, or a quick nap before regrouping for dinner. 

Philip 

Our dining experience was second to none as we enjoyed storytelling, songs, and excellent Irish fare at the oldest pub in Ireland, The Brazen Head. Our storyteller, Philip, shared not only legends of faeries but also historical details about the common man's life during late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth century Ireland, including the impact of the Potato Famine on the typical farmer. Philip even briefly described how the famine had impacted our own national history, as President John F. Kennedy was a third-generation descendant of an Irish immigrant. The musical entertainment for the evening was also very enlightening, as we discovered that the majority of people in the room could not follow simple directions for clapping along with the music. The two singer/guitar players had a grand time teasing the crowd, who received their jabs with good humor. 

It was a pleasant end to a strenuous day, leaving us all with full heads and even fuller bellies. Most of the group will be heading to bed early in preparation for another early morning, but the bravest of us have planned to do some light exploring before calling an end to the day. Wish us luck, as we set out for a day full of beautiful sites tomorrow!