Without Anchor: Dublin 2015: The Easter Rising 99th Anniversary Celebration

The GPO

This past Monday was a big anniversary here in Dublin--it was the 99th Anniversary of the pivotal Easter Rising, which left the city in ruins but propelled the country toward independence. In celebration, O'Connell Street literally went back in time to 1915, the year before the rising and gave people like us a glimpse into life was like in Dublin in 1915 and what led to the Rising.

Covered by one of Ireland's top television networks, RTE, and aptly named "Road To The Rising" this was one event that was not to be missed. As I said before, O'Connell Street, home of the General Post Office (or GPO), played host to numerous displays and exhibits, complete with actors in period costumes.

I had so much fun at this event, it was so cool getting a chance to step back in time and really feel the atmosphere around that incredible time in Irish history.

Among the displays were various models of cars from the era, along with motorcycles and steam engines. Spectators like myself were also treated to a protest march and even a c. 1915 wedding.

The most moving thing to me were the memorial wreaths laid at base of the GPO in honor of those that were lost as part of the Rising and the Irish fight for independence. It was such a beautiful and quiet tribute to all those that lost their lives fighting for some bigger dream.

If you pass through Dublin, remember to stop by the GPO, where you can still touch the bullet holes from the Rising. You can literally put your hand on a piece of history, which is incredible to me.

So, take a few minutes and scroll through some of the pictures I took from that day, including the recipe for a Gur Cake (which, I have to add, was fantastic!).

Until next time! Cheers!

Or, as we say here in Dublin, Slainte!