Dublin

Wow! What a day. Had such a cool day. Up early and off with Mick to a lovely modern cafe to meet up with Niamh Griffin and her 2 half year old daughter Sadhbh( pronounced Sive) for breakfast. One of the best breakfasts we have had. Left them to do the Kilmainham Gaol tour. It was amazing as the wonderful guide led us round the gaol and through the history of Ireland. Visiting the site of the 1916 executions following the Easter Rising was incredible and very moving. We departed the gaol and met Angela at the Irish Parliament buildings. Her brother John Lehart is an Irish MP ( TD) currently in opposition and his parliamentary assistant met us and escorted us into the members restaurant for a lovely lunch. We were joined by John before heading to the viewing gallery. We were fascinated to see a debate in progress with the prime minister, Leo Varadka in action. Interesting discussion about how much support children with special needs need in schools and the shortage of housing in Dublin. So lucky and such a privilege to be there. We then had a quick trip around the buildings before leaving Angela and Mick for a coffee and then to catch the Hop On Hop Off Bus which took us all around Dublin. We disembarked at Temple Bar and found our way back to the bus stop to make the return trip to Mick and Angela’s. We then left for a half hour drive up through the most beautiful hills on the outskirts to a pub called Jonnie Fox’s, where we enjoyed a lovely Irish meal and music in a truly Irish pub. We carried on at 9 for another pub down the road called The Blue Light. It was the true Irish experience as we huddled in the smallest of rooms listening and singing along to a 5 piece Irish band (average age was at least 70). We just loved it and the view down over Dublin city was amazing. Mick finally drove us home at midnight. It truly was one of those days you just want to savour forever.Read more