Pack up began early this morning for the train to Dublin. We enjoyed coffee in the room and gotta say, even with all the complexities (or maybe due to 😉), we loved our time here. I think we both learned so much… but also realize we only scratched the top of what it means to be from here. Just one parting attraction on the way to the train station… St George’s Market.
Tip: There are still ”free” things to do that can be very rewarding. In Dublin, the Museum of Modern Art and National Gallery had no fee, as were The Ulster Museum & Botanical Garden in Belfast. Often churches, park spaces and, of course, walking instead of commuting are great sightseeing options. Google ”Things to do for free in…” and build them into your schedule as no risk options!
The market is a gorgeous turn of the century space… getting progressively busier from our time of arrival at opening. A little bit of everything for sure! No music during our time there as it was a “quiet time” for visitors that have more sensitivity to noise. Not really any purchases by us, but eye candy everywhere looking at the different stalls and wares. Janie did secure a “bap”… which we thought might make a nice lunch snack somewhere along the way today!
At Lanyon Place Station we found a sizeable line up… happy to have arrived ahead of schedule as it gave us time to navigate. Might be a good spot here to talk trains 🚆. Firstly, they run on time. You hear a whistle, the doors close, you begin moving. Depending on ticket, your seat will have light; assigned seat (Red Light), seat assigned for part of the trip (Yellow), open seat (Green). We found it trouble free, with several hours slipping by in a snap! Wifi is huge for us this trip (we usually don’t have as much demand but there was less at home planning) so we appreciated that service especially. Safe, economical, relaxed… better than driving with me on the ”other” side of the road! We managed a decent trip back to Dublin!
Upon arrival we enjoyed a lovely snack at a green space adjacent to Connolly Station, then secured a Leap Card to commute via tram across the city. Worked great. We also scored an early Check-In at the Marlin Hotel Stephens Green (used the fancy digital self check-in for the first time). The rooms are unique… I immediately felt as though I was taking a boat (the room had the same feel as a ferry berth)! Regardless, a bed for the night in a very busy Dublin.
So mid afternoon we landed at “Peter’s Pub”. Selected, in short, entirely on the name Peter. Well now… no music, no TV, nothing but ales and the people that surround you. And of course, you then have to talk. We met a lovely couple, our age, that befriended us for the afternoon and we had a wonderful yarn! Talked Scotland, menopause, churches, family names and places to visit. We moved through an interesting discussion that involved our mother’s maiden names… Doyle & Hanlon respectively! An ear close by mentioned there are corners (pubs at the corner of streets) in Northern section of Dublin named both Doyle and Hanlon less than a km apart. Perhaps a challenge for our final day in Dublin on Monday! Many thnx to the Clohessy couple for an afternoon of talk and drink. Never been called a feck’r before, but it was fun. Sláinte!
Before shutting down we decided on a walk and toured a very busy Temple Bar area… akin, I suppose, to bar lined streets we’ve frequented around the globe (Bourbon / Beale / George). Lots of hi-jinx for the youngsters. Then a nod and wave goodbye as we made for home! Cheers…