Alright, alright, alright! I just witnessed my first two Eddie Vedder solo shows in London at the O2 Arena. We then flew to Dublin for show number three. Let’s talk about how beautiful the views are flying from London to Dublin.
After landing mid-afternoon, we checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Dublin Custom House. Location was great because it was along the River Liffey, close to 3Arena and a short walk to downtown. We passed the Red Limo String Quartet as we were walking out of the hotel! They were playing with Eddie and Glen on this European tour. They were excited someone noticed them and mentioned we were the first to stop and ask for a photo.
On our search for food we walked by the Custom House and Ha’Penny Bridge. Can you see the rainbow?
Ha’Penny Bridge 
The Custom House 
Alongside River Liffey
It was an early night in preparation for tomorrows long day. The next evening I would experience my third Eddie Vedder solo show. With the show being at night, we were able to explore during the day hitting up the Guinness Brewery, Trinity College, The Temple Bar and a stroll around downtown.
The Guinness Brewery was not what I expected. I thought the tour was going to be at the Guinness Power House as opposed to the Storehouse but you can’t travel all the way to Dublin and skip it. Their gift shop was impressive! The storehouse has multiple floors and on the highest level you receive a free Guinness.
The Guinness Power House 
After the brewery we made our way to the Trinity College Library- the largest library in Ireland and home to the Book of Kells. Two of the four volumes are kept on display at the library. The Long Room of the Old Library is one of the most fascinating and prestigious places I have ever been. I would love to see it without the crowds but it is one of Irelands largest tourist attractions.
The Long Room was built in the early 1700’s originally as one level with a flat ceiling measuring 213 feet long. It houses over 200,000 of the libraries oldest books and it is considered a “copyright library” meaning they have the right to maintain a free copy of any book published in the U.K and Ireland, free of charge. With the need for more storage, they added the second level and trust me, it does not disappoint.
Here are two additional photos from the charming Trinity College.
Although we did not go in The Temple Bar (regretting it), we did walk by. Dublin is a gorgeous town with brick buildings, cobblestone streets and lavish flowers at every storefront.
Corner of The Temple Bar
Before the show we had an exquisite dinner at The Winding Stair– an Irish restaurant directly across the street from Ha’Penny bridge. The restaurant is upstairs with a bookshop occupying the lower level.
3Arena was a short walk along the river. With Ed’s fanbase and Dublin being Glen Hansard’s hometown, we were looking at a full house. 3Arena holds 13,000 seats! With a venue that size, the show was definitely less intimate but had lots of energy, similar to a Pearl Jam show. Ed opened with “Trouble”- one of my all-time favorite covers. The original artist is Cat Stevens. “You’re True” was dedicated to his wife, Jill. The crowd went nuts during Jeremy! Everyone was standing, jumping and singing. I think it even surprised Ed.
With the enthusiasm from the crowd, Ed continued on with the Bob Dylan song “Masters of War.” You can feel his anger and frustration towards the US government as he plays this. “Better Man” with my favorite tag- “Save it for Later.” We also heard “Heros” by David Bowie and “I’m One” by The Who. One of my favorite moments from this show is when Glen and Ed covered “The Auld Triangle.” This was a very special moment with all of the Irish locals. The crowd didn’t miss a beat and it was entertaining and beautiful to see everyone sing along. A house of 13,000 people singing… Yes!
