Yesterday was probably one of our most touristy days. We slept in (me until 7:30am- my latest sleep in since forever – that is why my blog has fallen behind – I didn’t have time yesterday morning + we had some trouble with the internet).
After a much-needed ‘light’ breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and cornflakes, we walked the three km to Kilmainham Gaol. Such an interesting tour – learnt so much about Irish history. Our guide, Mick was a Geoffrey Rush doppelgänger. Not only did he look a little like him, but he spoke theatrically and passionately, with lots of hand flourishes .
On the way back, we popped into the Guinness Factory – we could have spent a day there. Wayne declared his lunch, beef and Guinness stew, as the best on tour so far. He also had a Guinness and by the end, said he liked it. Needless to say, both Mark and I enjoyed our Guinness. Donna has her first beer, an IPA with her lunch and then had a mini Guinness taster later. This factory is a total recommendation for anyone who visits Dublin… but allow time.
In the afternoon, Wayne and I met up with our two friends, Jeanmarc and David from our Vietnam tour two years ago. We met them at the Trinity Bar. It was so surreal catching up with them in their home country. Donna and Mark joined the four of us and we got lots of good advice from our Irish friends, including how to pronounce gaol (g -ail).
In this bar, he who shall not be named (what happens on tour stays on tour) made the faux pas of commenting on the way our waitress ‘glided’ through the bar. Many references have been made to that comment since then, including Donna asking if she and I glide. We were likened to clod-hopping like the horses that take the visitors along the cobbled streets. Hmmmm!
We stayed at the Trinity for awhile after Jeanmarc and David left us, listening to a young singer and then went to the Porterhouse Temple Bar (recommended by Jeanmarc and David). Heard a fantastic Irish band and enjoyed dinner and a few more ales/Pimms.
A great day in Dublin. Wish we had longer.
2019 UK Trip 