Dublin

It is great to be in Ireland. It is pretty much picture perfect; at least to our eyes. Maybe that is because it contrasts so vividly with what we have been used to in the last 18 months.

Two days in Dublin was not early enough to see anywhere near all the city has to offer but we took in some of the main parts; drink, music and beautiful buildings!

The weather has been perfect. Last night one of the musicians we were listening to said "I would like to dedicate this next song to an event that hasn't happened in Ireland for 87 years; summer time!" Another comment from a chatty local, said with a twinkle in his eye, "How are you enjoying Ireland? It's a pity about the weather!" 

The streets were stunning - one huge basket of flowers trying to outdo the next. The summer evenings are warm and long - still light in the sky at 10:30 pm and walking around in a tee shirt. 

The Guinness factory was of course a highlight for Andrew. They have turned an old part of the factory into a huge self guided tour. Seven storeys full of Guinness history. It was brilliantly well done.

Our wandering around Dublin took us to the beautiful Trinity College University. First set up in 1311 as a monastery but it became a university under Elizabeth the First's patronage. Then the art gallery, and beautiful city parks.

Pubs, music and food all seem to go together and every night was a feast of all three.

Andrew looking happy in the Guiness show/display/old brewery.

 

Dublin was full of flower baskets.

Loved this painting, Joseph has such a fatherly smile! ( it was ok to take photos of most of the paintings so long as you didn't use flash)

Temple Bar at night, always busy, lively, happy, such a good feeling buzz here.

Inside one of the buildings of beautiful Trinity College where one of our great greats went to uni.

Church in Nenagh from the restored keep of King Johns castle. 

On our way South we stopped at Nenagh and had a wander around this lovely town. When we came back we had  a parking ticket! We hadn't seen the parking notices! A friendly local (who has rellies living in Christchurch) spotted our concern and came to our aid. He whistled up the local parking warden who kindly tore up the ticket! No bribes needed here.

Now it's onward to Kenmare.