Walking Tour

The sun was shining for the second day in a row - actual blue sky was visible! Craig took us down to a cafe that he proclaimed had reasonable coffee if you have low expectations. It was cosy and warm and did a great breakfast and the coffee contained an adequate amount of caffein. We walked along the water, ruing the fact that we'd not put our sunnies in our bag for the day. Never mind...surely the clouds will come in at some point.

Strolling through the burbs we enjoyed the first blossoms of spring and the cheery array of bulbs popping up their heads sprinkled amongst the neighbourhood gardens. Heading off to the local shopping centre we picked up local sim cards so that we could locate David if he got lost. This was closely followed by a trip to Lidl - the competitor to Aldi - Dad went straight to the weekly specials board and studied it quickly to see whether the cement mixer he'd been waiting for was on special. Alas, it was not meant to be! 

Dropping the groceries back at our place we headed off, armed with our Leap cards (opal/miki) and caught a bus into town. We passed by the 5 lamps, district famous for a number of lamps, although its really one lamp with 5 lights not 5 lamps with 1 lamp each - technicalities! 

In town we passed by the GPO, still baring the scares of the 1916 Easter Uprising. Went over a bridge and through Temple Bar.

One of Dublin's famous exports was James Joyce. These large murals celebrate his works, which according to the local guide book, lack any hint of a plot.

Bunnings hasn't quite made its mark on Europe yet but Mary's may prove to be somewhat competitive if it was to come to Australia. What man wouldn't love Bunnings to be a licence pub as well! Drop saws and a fine drop - I couldn't possibly see what could go wrong!

We dropped into Falon and Byrne for a another cuppa and then accompanied Craig most of the way to a very important appointment to see whether he knew who he was marrying and Amy likewise. Apparently the fact that they shared a common language was a good start. 

While Craimy were being interrogated we investigated Merrion Park. Surrounded by classic Georgian Architecture the park was once a private garden but has been opened to the public. 

We spotted a number of birds including the fancy magpies we had seen in Canada, a robin, some doves and a tiny bird the size of a mouse with a stumpy tale. None of which are in this photo below.

Merrion Park is also known for its Oscar Wilde memorial. I'm pretty sure it may be a Stephen Fry memorial, such was the likeness. 

 Mum and I enjoyed some browsing in a few shops while poor old Dave held up the parking metre.

We were to rendezvous to celebrate Craimy having passed the final hurdle to getting married however Carol seemed to have a run in with the local Garda. 

We initiated Operation Rescue Carol and met the happy couple at a local pub - our dinkie die Irish pub experience.