April 2, Road back to Dublin

Time to head back to Dublin.  Of course, a roundabout to start us on our way.

 Even a roundabout so famous it has a name!!!

 Another beautifully thatched roof

 Holy Trinity Abbey Church, Adare, Ireland.  The band gathered there to get a tour picture

I got this off Adare Heritage Center's Facebook picture

 This wall encircles the Abbey.  Jim and I wondered how on earth these stone walls were built with such precision.

 Next door to the church was the Adare Heritage Center.  More shops, restaurants, and this very interesting historical exhibit.  My pictures did not turn out, but the exhibit showed early settlers from the arrival of the Normans to the foundation of ancient abbeys in the Middle Ages. 

 Back in Dublin traffic.

Ireland's RTE Station antenna (Radio and TV)

 Remember, Gerry never drives in Dublin.  "Dooon't get me staaaarted on the traffic

 1866 Church of the Sacred Heart, Donnybrook

 This is the Bewley Hotel, the last hotel for the tour.  Really impressive.  It has to be because it is in Embassy Row.

Of course, an impressive building needs an impressive entry

The view from our room.

 The last event. We attended the dinner show at Taylor's Three Rock Irish Cabaret.

 The large dining room must have seated 200 people.  We were one of three groups, one other group of teens from Canada.  Dinner was the usual choice of 3 starters( appetizers), 5 main course choices, and a wonderful dessert.  Then the entertainment.  The opening group was this guitar singer, banjo and base players.  The first song they sang was "Country Roads" written by John Denver.  It was a rousing rendition sung with a lilting Irish brogue.  The banjo player was the star.  He could play so fast. He played the most difficult "Danny Boy"  I didn't get pictures of the 4 lovely River Dance Irish Dancers.  They were all in their 20s and had many ballet moves mixed into their dance. There was also a young man who flew all over the stage in his river dance moves.  The dancers and guitar/banjo/base players alternated.
We're all up dancing to the Irish music.  Aidan has the hands on the hips pose.  Then the announcer said, "We understand there is an American Choir in the audience.  Would you come up on the stage and sing for us." The choir kids scrambled up on the stage and sang this blessing beautifully.
"May the Lord bless you and keep you
May the Lord lift his countenance upon you
And give you peace
And be gracious unto you.
Amen, Amen, Amen, Amen."
It was a wonderful end to the Ireland tour!!