St. Patrick’s Cathedral
Last night I e-mailed my new book to my agent. Yay! It’s such a nice feeling. My son wanted to know what I wanted Santa Claus to bring me this year. I told him another book contract would be nice. 
We shall see.
After we left the Guinness Storehouse, we rode the Hop On, Hop Off tour a little longer until we came to St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Interestingly enough, Jonathan Swift worked there (author of Gulliver’s Travels) as the dean. He went to Mass every day and made sure that Mass was celebrated every Sunday. His tomb is there also, along with some gory artifacts (his death mask). On the left here is the ambo where readings are done. I love the woodworking.
Jonathan also worked as the choirmaster. Here’s a quote about one of the choir members, which I found funny: “Mr. Fox— An infamous sot, who is daily losing his voice by intemperance and will become in a year or two more a burden to the church. Very negligent in his attendance, scandalous in his behaviour and conversation—if he will not endeavour to make himself serviceable and as useful as he might have been upon his admittance, he shall meet with the severity he deserves and be expelled.” Here is a full view of the church. It’s really large with some other fascinating artifacts. I saw two stones with symbols proving the existence of Christianity in ancient Ireland during the 7th and 10th centuries. Both had Greek crosses carved into the stone.
There’s another interesting artifact: a wooden door. Apparently there was a feud in 1492 between the Earl of Kildare and the Earl of Ormond. They fought in the cathedral, and one of the Earl of Ormond’s men, nicknamed Black James, was retreating in the chapter house. The Earl of Kildare did something pretty risky to try and end the feud. He cut a hole in the door and put his hand through. Black James opened the door (instead of cutting off the earl’s hand) and they ended the fight inside the cathedral. That’s where the expression “to chance your arm” came from.
Before you can enter St. Patrick’s, you have to pay an admission fee. It struck me as odd, paying admission to enter a church. Though I certainly believe they should take up donations to keep the church restored and in good condition, there’s something about the admission that feels wrong. I’m still glad I visited, because there were some fascinating stories.
Tonight I may take a short break before I dive into my next book proposal and watch the season premiere of Lost. Anyone here watch it? I wonder if Michael and his son really did escape (somehow I doubt it…).
Michelle posted in Ireland Tales @ 6:48 am | Viewed 4339 times
Bonnie Ferguson Says:
Cool pictures, Michelle
Suzanne Says:
Wow, what a cool and beautiful church. I guess maybe a lot of people DON’T make a donation and to keep it restored and maintained for visitors, they probably need the money.
Melissa Says:
That must be an awesome feeling to email your book to your agent. I hope to experience it someday soon!
Teresa Says:
Great pics! And love the anecdotes
I agree with you re the admission fee. Am trying to remember if it was the same at Westminster in ‘95, but seem to recall it was a donation box with a strongly worded suggestion 
I know in all the little churches we stopped at, I’d make a donation in return for the leaflet of the church’s history.
Tori Lennox Says:
Love the anecdotes! And, yeah, it does seem odd to charge admission, but like Suzanne said, probably enough people don’t leave a donation to cover the costs.
Stacy Says:
Very Cool!
Good luck with the new book!
LauraP Says:
Beautiful, fascinating church. Thanks for sharing the anecdotes. Love ‘em!
April Says:
Good luck, Michelle!
The pics are beautiful. But I’m with you on the admission fee. Donations are understandable, but a fee is sort of awkward. I mean it’s church…
mary beth Says:
Congrats on getting the book out Michelle. Good luck!
I hated that they didn’t show what happened to Michael and Walt. I figure they will eventually.
Peggy Says:
Good luck on the new submission!
Melissa Mc Says:
Wow, lots of interesting tidbits! Where are you going to go next? I’m learning lots:grin:
I watched LOST. A lot of stuff I didn’t expect. Curious about Juliet. And Henry is reallly Ben. it’ll be interesting. I just hope they start answering some questions. It’s not as good as the first season and I’m hoping they don’t pull an X-file and just pile on mythology and never tell the viewer anything.
Jamie Says:
Michelle, the pictures of the church are beautiful, as well as the items you mentioned — the knives, swords, spoons, etc. I can really tell that you’re a teacher — the detail in which you write is unique in itself. I really have enjoyed the pictures and your thoughts concerning your trip to Ireland. Thank you for your “travel log!” I’ve enjoyed it immensely.
I agree with the others about a fee to enter a church. Odd!
I’m thinking of taking my first ever “big trip” — planning to go to London, Paris and Rome in the spring of 2008. I just found out that it was a possibility financially for me. I thought it would cost a “true fortune,” but if I plan and save accordingly, I’ll make my first “trip of a lifetime!” Excited at the possibilities. Awe, to see things that I’ve only seen on the television or read about. . .I really would like to see the museums, the Palace and Gardens at Varsailles, and, of course, Norte Dame!
AnneMcAllister Says:
Clearly there is more to Dublin than the airport (which is all I saw when I was there last week — though Daisy has promised to remedy that next time). Thanks for the amazing pics. I am making note of all the places I would like to go.