Knowing about Marino Conference Centre, Sightseeing Tours, and General Observation of the Irish People

 by Caridad B. Fiar-od

Ireland’s transport system is systematic that following Judith’s instruction, one can get the bus, go to Dublin’s thoroughfare, and have fun and tours. Touring in Dublin is much more satisfying and comfortable to go around as compared to some European countries considering that the Irish are English-speaking and are always friendly and accommodating to give directions, to volunteer to take pictures, and much more, the places are clean all over. The only dissatisfying experience is that if McDonald’s in Philippines allow walk-in passers to use the toilet, not in McDonald in Dublin. The toilet has a security guard, who sees to it that only customers use the toilet. 

Marino Conference Centre is located in Drumcondra on the tranquil campus of Marino Institute of Education just two miles north of Dublin City Centre and five miles from Dublin Airport. Marino offers budget accommodation suitable for individual travelers, budget groups and sporting organizations. There are a total of 39 bedrooms none of which are en-suite, a mixture of singles, twins and doubles.

Sightseeing tours were done before the conference on May 16-17, 2007 and during the arranged tours by the organizers on May 19, 2007. Before the conference, Yvonne, Ruth, Caridad, Dono and Patrick went on coastal tours specifically at Powerscourt, Wicklow to view the scenic Powerscourt Gardens designed by Daniel Robertson completed in 1875. In its breathtaking location, no matter what the weather was, the Igorot tourists stayed for some minutes to imagine. On May 17, the same group went for a hop-on, hop-off tour around  Dublin and ended to pray at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. 

Claus and Rose Nabert also arrived early. On May 15, they went to Antrim, Northern Ireland to see the Giant’s Causeway.

During the guided tour on May 19, 2007, the tourist coach brought the delegates to Glendalough, Wicklow. Glendalough is a valley of the two lakes, renowned for its early Medieval monastic settlement founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Located in  Glendalough is the cylindrical Doonagore Castle built about 1500 A.D overlooking Doolin and the Aran Islands.  On the way back to the Marino Conference Centre, the coach driver took another route of the Wicklow mountain – through its vast forest and waterfalls.

Another amazing view in Ireland that we saw is the spectacular sights of Cliffs of Moher situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren Area. It stands 214 metres above the sea at its highest point and is eight km. long. The Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara.