Quick stop and then back to Dublin

We drove over a stone bridge and then stopped at a small parking lot right outside the ruins. 

This area is apparently called Newtowntrim. We walked around the massive ruins of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. This cathedral was one of the largest and most sophisticated medieval cathedrals in Ireland. The Cathedral is part of a large Priory that was founded in 1202 by Simon De Rochfort, Bishop of Meath for an order of Augustinians. De Rochfort petitioned the Pope to move Cathedral status from Clonard to Newtowntrim as it would be better protected by the stronghold of Trim Castle. This was a very important ecclesiastical site but again fell victim to Henry VIII. 

This is inside the cathedral looking at would have been the alter area

Sadly large parts of the transepts and nave of the Cathedral no longer exist

Next to the Cathedral was the cloisters and domestic buildings, but only a portion of the refectory and partial walls of a tower remain. This whole area was once part of a busy medieval market center that also included a hospital, parish church, and mill. 

You can see whats left of the parish church

This is the Refectory

Then the children all saw the sheep and wanted to go see them, especially my K who we all know is obsessed with SHEEP!

My animal loving 3 year old!

After we were able to pull the children away from the animals we got back into the car to drive back to Dublin. We drove into the city so that the R family could check into the hotel which was in a perfect location right next to O'Connell Street. We all walked down to The Church restaurant that I love bringing people too. But unfortunately everything was booked on the main level so we had to eat in the basement. It ended up being fine we just did not get the neat atmosphere. Afterwards we walked down to a little ice cream and crepe place. Since KR promised all the children dessert! What was she thinking? ;-) All the girls got ice cream and T got a crepe with nutella on the inside. It was HUGE...and typical T did not even eat half of it and passed it on...but it was delicious!

Then KR had to stop in Starbucks to get her fix for the night! They were all going strong and they did not even take a nap when they arrived that morning...so I definitely give them all credit. 

KR at Starbucks!

We walked over the Ha'penny Bridge and then over to the Temple Bar area. It was packed...but it was Friday night. They had a some bands playing on the street. We walked around for awhile and then headed back to the R's hotel where our car was parked. We all needed a good sleep since we were getting up the next day to head to the west coast.