Croke Park & Gaelic Games

First thing in the morning we went to visit the third largest stadium in Europe, Croke Park, which can seat  82 300 spectators.  Croke park plays host to all the Gaelic games such as Gaelic football and Hurling.  The tour took us through the players areas, media centres, the field and the magnificent stands.  A real must visit when in Dublin.

After the stadium tour we made our way to the Gaelic Games Experience to go and try our hand at Gaelic football, Hurling and Handball.

Our kids took to these games quickly (some more than others) and had lots of fun!  These games are very close to the hearts of the Irish and one could quickly see how it holds their communities together.  These sports are all amateur (yes folks, they don't get paid a cent).  They play for the love of the game and their communities.  For example, if you are born in a particular area, you will play for that specific club.  You are not allowed to move clubs at all unless you are transferred for work etc and then you still need to obtain permission and approval.  Kids start playing from as young as 5 years old and the impact it has on their hand-eye coordination is incredible.  We definitely have massive respect for all those who play these games.

It was time to say goodbye and thank you to Damien, our bus driver who was absolutely amazing.  The girls did a little song and we gave him some gifts from the school.  To Damien, you have been incredible, thank you for all your 'pearls of wisdom' and being like a dad to everyone on tour!

We ended the day off with Dinner and a show at the Belvedere Hotel.  This included a three course dinner menu and traditional Irish music and dancing.  It was a great evening!  We even had two of our own volunteer to try their hand at some Irish dancing, Seth Pietersen (who was surprisingly good) and Jaime Van Der Walt.

As all good things, this too is coming to an end.  We will be spending our last day in Dublin, doing some last minute shopping and sightseeing.  This will be the last blog entry in Dublin....