Curiosities Abroad

During our recent trip to Ireland we were treated to spectacular scenes right out of the travel guides and tourism brochures. The lush green colors of the countryside, amazing views from castle towers, historic pubs, and local musicians in nearly every bar and on most every street corner. It was a feast for the senses. I have the photographs to prove it. But that's not what you'll see here. This is about a few things that probably won't make the cut to be included in the photo album you may find on our coffee table or bookshelf, but that you may still find interesting or entertaining.
I'll start with The Little Museum. It's located in a small house near Stephens Green and dedicated to the history of Dublin. Among the old newspapers, photographs and original furnishings was one rather large room located on the second floor dedicated entirely to the band U2. It was complete with one of those 60s style round egg chairs (which I couldn't resist trying out), an oversized guitar and half of a car covered with a wild design, but of which I was clueless as to its significance. Cool looking, though.

On the main floor was an entire wall covered with drawings by young girls who may have visited as part of a school tour. The children were asked to draw a picture on the subject of "Who will you be when you grow up?" I thought this was a great idea and really enjoyed seeing the contributions. A footballer, primary school teacher, a righteous woman...and many more. Every one was positive and hopeful. 

Art of all kinds was everywhere, and displayed in many different fashions. On a building in a small country town -

Inside the Guinness beer storehouse was this display.

Lining the halls of the Ireland National book depository at Trinity College were dozens of busts depicting ancient philosophers as well as historical scholars and writers. Even Socrates was represented. (Pronounced "So Crates" according to Theodore "Ted" Logan and Bill S. Preston, Esq.)

At the National Gallery of Ireland I was stunned by the work of a little known emerging artist named Saoirse Wall. Right there in the room next to paintings by Mauve and Monet was her video self portrait piece. It was hypnotizing watching her slight movements as her eyes looked straight at me like she was there in person. Incredible visual concept art.

Just a couple other items of note - Irish antique stores are the real deal. They are not second hand consignment thrift stores. They are packed with actual antiques and fascinating relics of all kinds.

Apparently being poisoned is not all that uncommon in Ireland. 

And if you ever find yourself in Dublin looking to do something slightly out of the ordinary - take the Ghost Bus tour. It was a hoot. Also informative about Ireland's dark side. But mostly just a lot of fun.

 

There's more. Like a small cafe we wandered in to one morning after seeing the sign in the window offering a "Traditional Irish Breakfast." Once inside we discovered the owner and most of the staff were Middle Eastern and the music coming out of the speakers above us was jazz. Not the experience we were expecting. But we appreciated the cultural diversity and the breakfast was actually very good...in a traditional Irish sort of way.

Roger O'Dea     5/20/2018