Day 14 Dublin Ireland Friday 13th July 2012

Well, here we are in Dublin at last. The drive down from Dungiven yesterday was wonderful given the sun was shining for most of the way and it took us just under 4 hours. My first impressions of Dublin is that it is well laid out with the streets much wider than in Belfast, the architecture stunning and the people talk much faster! It was great to finally meet Adrian in person who has been wonderful in researching Lord O'Hagan during his years spent in Dublin before he went to London to the House of Lords. The apartment we have booked is a little dated but it is right in the centre of the city so will make a sound base to explore. After settling into our digs and catching up with Adrian on our adventures so far we went and found a nice restaurant for dinner which was just downstairs from the apartment. Adrian has an exciting itinerary planned for the next few days here in Dublin.

This morning we are meeting for breakfast then going to see Sr Marie Feeley who is the historian for the Poor Clare Sisters for Ireland. Sr Marie has been helping us to learn more about Mother Mary O'Hagan (Lord O'Hagan's only sister and another first cousin) who started the Kenmare Convent in Kerry. The convent was founded in 1861when Mother O'Hagan and five other sisters travelled from Newry, County Down. Under the guidance of Mother O'Hagan in 1864 a lace-working industry was established and Kenmare Lace became noted worldwide with patrons including Queen Victoria.

After Sr Marie we are going to the prestigious Kings Inn for a private tour. The Honorable Society of King’s Inns is the oldest institution of legal education in Ireland. It was founded in 1541 during the reign of Henry VIII when the king granted the Society the lands and properties on which the Four Courts now stand. When the Four Courts were built in the 1790s, King's Inns moved to Constitution Hill. The primary focus of the school is the training of barristers and is where Lord O'Hagan studied the law commencing in 1836. This is a real coup and Adrian has done very well to get us in as they do not do tours! There is a portrait of Lord O'Hagan in the dining hall so that will be fabulous to see so VERY excited about the day ahead.