Stopping at "The Rock" and Kilmainhaim Gaol

In order to be sure we didn't have to worry about rushing to catch our flight we decided to stay another night in Dublin.  During one of the brief periods we found internet I was able to priceline a room at the Crown Plaza near the Dublin airport.  So on Thursday morning we packed up early and set off for Dublin by way of the Rock of Cashel.  We fed the girls bananas and the last of our loaf of bread in the car because we had a lot to fit in on our last day (of course). 
We planned to make it a quick trip to "The Rock," however once Gabby heard there was a tour we were in it for the long hall.  This time she got to learn about monks being burned up in a tower and pluralist archbishops who bounced from back and forth from Catholic to Anglican and had a few kids and wives along the way.  Truly I think the part she focused on was that the castle associated with this site didn't have a toilet.  And maybe the fact that eventually a bishop who didn't like walking all the way up the rock took the roof off and started having services at a church in the town below.  This was the second time we'd heard about roofs being taken off. 
We rushed back to the car following the tour and headed into Dublin.  The Crowne Plaza allowed us to check in early and was kind enough to upgrade our room since Priceline doesn't give you a place to mention having kids in tow.  Then we rushed to a bus and went to find Kilmainham Gaol.  This was our last tour in Ireland and it was a good one.  I wish we could've spent more time in the museum but we were barely in time for the last tour.  I'm glad that we got to hear the stories of Ireland's political struggles.  The tour guide was excellent and once again Gabby was always right at the front.  When you are walking through narrow prison corridors it makes it a little tricky to keep up with a 5 year old who pushes her way to the front. 
After the jail it was time for our last dinner out.  Because we were exhausted we went back to the Storehouse because we knew we liked it and they had live music. 

Everything about this building made me sad I didn't work harder in art history class

The abbey down below the Rock

The tower where monks occasionally got burned up

EXHAUSTION

Reading some Dickens.  This is a good reminder that just because you can say the words doesn't mean the content is appropriate.  I had to stop and think about what all that meant.

Kilmainham Gaol

This is where Gabby learned about the executions in the yard.  She had a couple questions when this was over.

Everyone loves smoked salmon!

Or not

Ginger Ale for everyone

Cheers to a good trip where we learned a lot!

Cheers to making it through all the tours and mountains!