Kildare RTA enjoy an Historical and Cultural Day in Dublin
Stephanie Bergin
After the festivities of Christmas and a relaxing January , members of Kildare Retired Teachers Association were refreshed and looking forward to another trip. Dublin Castle was our destination as we journeyed back in time back in time to explore this historical site where Irish history has been made for over 1,000 years.
Our OPW Guide Audrey introduced herself to the group and a very informative and interesting tour ensued . We assembled and proceeded to journey through the years within the walls of Dublin Castle, a place where Irish history has been made for over 1,000years. The castle originates from 1204 during Norman times and it remained the central location of British rule in Ireland until 1922.The mediaeval castle had remained intact until 1684 when it was destroyed by fire and it was replaced by the stately building we enjoy today. Having visited The Chapel Royal with its unique ambience , created by the oak carvings and stain glass windows , we then proceeded to explore the palatial State Apartments , the scene of many social events , throughout the years.
Having ascended the Castle’s grand Battleaxe Staircse , adorned with many paintings and portraits of famous people associated with the Castle in the past, we entered The James Connolly Room which featured paintings of those involved in the 1916 Rising . The State Corridor ,featuring all the portraits of past Presidents , led us to the The State Drawing Room. This palatial room was particularly interesting , beautifully decorated in keeping its original design by the architect Jacob Owen ,dating back to 1838.Many informal and formal occasions took place in this lavishly decorated room. Having enjoyed the plush surroundings, we were then treated to the impressive Throne Room. One could almost visualise the annual array of debutantes presenting themselves and the actual throne was designed for King George IV for his visit to Ireland in 1821 while his niece Queen Victoria also sat on this throne during her visit to Dublin in 1849. We ambled along The Portrait Gallery , viewing all the viceroys who resided in the Castle in the past. History was recounted visually .The last State Apartment was certainly worth the wait, namely St Patrick’s Hall. This is Ireland’s most celebrated ceremonial room where the President of Ireland is sworn into office every seven years. The magnificent painted ceiling , the work of the Italian artist Vincenzo Waldré, looked down upon us as it has done for so many years as many Heads of State were entertained here , most notably Queen Elizabeth 11 in 2011. The tour of the Castle was a most enjoyable and interesting walk through our Irish history and it certainly whetted the appetite to return on another occasion .
On completion of the tour, it was time for lunch and we visited a charming French restaurant ‘ Chez Max’ located near the gates of Dublin Castle. We enjoyed some delicious French Cuisine , while relaxing and chatting about the extensive tour that morning. Our next port of call was the IFI, where some of the group enjoyed an afternoon film, the most popular choice of film was ‘ Complete Unknown’ an insight into the life of the famous singer Bob Dylan.
An action-packed day was had by all ,a blend of history and culture ,complemented by great company and a sense of camaraderie created by the group. The Kildare RTA members look forward to another trip in the near future and many thanks to Ann Enright who co-ordinated our trip to Dublin Castle.
