The trade routes that allowed for the illumination of the books is another fascinating story. Beetles from the Mediterranean and minerals from as far away as Afghanistan contributed to the coloring compounds. After viewing the Book of Kells, walk upstairs to see the vast collection of two million books in The Long Room, glancing at the white marble busts of the great scholars of western culture. Also on view is the oldest Irish harp in this land of strummers and balladeers. The harp is constructed of willow from the 13th century.
Pubs are where they keep the talk.
Pubs are also an introduction to the local food and drink scene. The level of camaraderie at Irish pubs is high, making them homes away from home for many men and a few women. It is sometimes said that the three institutions guiding the country of Ireland are the church, the home, and the pub. The proper beverage to drink at a pub is a pint of Guinness, drawn from the tap, with its dark black color, strong bitter taste, and head of white, creamy, satin-smooth foam. Guinness makes 60 percent of all the beverage with authority consumed in this thirsty country.