DUBLIN SIGHTSEEING – castles & Molly Malone

Friday – today we discover Dublin with a local guide which is included in the cost – so we will all endeavour to make the most of it.  Another big breakfast and the day is lovely and clear so off we go to get on the coach so that we can head off to see all over Dublin.  The guide seems to be a very knowledgeable lady – but then again who is going to question her – not this little black duck that’s for sure.

She shows us the Irish President’s House and Georgian Square with ornate doorways that are, so we are told, different colours because when the ‘gentlemen’ came home from their night’s fun they were not too sure which house was theirs so they painted the doors different colours and that way they could tell.

Let’s just hope that they were sober enough to remember the colour of their door. This is a very interesting square and we are allowed to have a litle wander to take photos and also appreciate the workmanship that has gone into some of the doors, not to mention the pruning of the wall coverings which is very precise.

We also see Customs House and O’Connell Street with the Ha’Penny Bridge. Apparently in earlier days you had to pay a half penny to go over the bridge. Hence the name ‘Ha’Penny Bridge’.

Unfortunately, due to the amount of traffic there is no good Kodak moment as we zip past and only get a quick look.  Our tour also includes a visit to Dublin Castle.

There is a sand modelling display right in the middle of the castle forecourt. This must have some significance but I don’t know what it is.  Maybe it is because it is Summer holidays?  Dublin Castle was built in the early 1200’s and the building was for centuries the seat of British power in Ireland.

Wonderfully ornate would describe a lot of the rooms.

The photo above left is that of a couple of the Waterford Crystal chandeliers. We are told we can take photos everywhere in the castle (so I do) except for where there is the Gainsborough picture.

There are security cameras all around – but I manage to get a quick photo of the Gainsborough without being carted off to an Irish gaol. We leave the Castle and can wander around Dublin by ourselves for the afternoon.

There are hordes of tourists. Lots of interesting little shops so of course I do a bit of shopping – nothing exciting only T-shirts and fridge magnets.

Coming around the corner I see the statue of Molly Malone and there are at least 50 kids climbing all over her, poor woman. Even if I waited for an hour there would be definitely no Kodak moment here so I do the next best thing and buy a postcard.

Remembering that we have not had any morning tea break and it is now time for lunch, being adventurous I get Subway – bit more shopping and back to the hotel to have a bath and relax.  Dublin is a very on-the-go city that’s for sure.  I would have liked to investigate more of it.

After a bit of a rest we don’t have to worry about dinner – because – – – it is time for – – –

#12 OPTIONAL: Dublin Irish Cabaret. Cost ₤43.50

Typical touristy show in a huge auditorium at Jury’s Hotel.

Called ‘The Burlington Traditional Irish Cabaret of 2003’ – I think it’s a bit like a third rate Lord of the Dance with a comedian – who we are told is the best in Dublin (?) and singers.  In my opinion – overpriced, over packed and over-rated.

Dinner was: Cream of Fresh Vegetable Soup with Pouring Cream and chopped Parsley; Herb Crusted Prime Irish Beef with Red Wine Sauce, Pearl Onions, Wild Mushrooms and Green Peppercorns; Vegetables tossed in Almond Butter; Fitzwilliam Chantilly served with Dark Caramel Sauce; Traditional Irish Coffee with Double Cream.

I must admit the food was great – pity about the show. Maybe if we weren’t crammed in like sardines – there must have been at least 500 in the place. Oh well – can’t have everything – and I suppose I did have a good time – though not great.

I am glad to get out of there and back to the calmness and quiet of my room.

Highlight of the day: The Georgian doors.