Dublin and riverdance

Thursday 2nd Aug

Little concerned this morning when a car parked immediately behind us without leaving any space. Time 6 am. Nothing in front but it would only take one car to block us in completely. So Ian threw on some clothes and inched the Beast forward to a driveway. So now that we were secure in the knowledge that escape was possible, I too threw on my clothes and with all the problems of yesterday Ian managed to locate another 'park and ride' in Carrickmine. Knowing how busy these car parks get the decision was made to forego breakfast and head out to beat the punters. So by 6.45am, we were on the road and by 7.30am we had arrived.

Price for a 24-hour stay was just €2. But a ticket had also to be purchased for travel. For two of us return to Dublin was €12, not bad considering we were well away from the city.

Taking the Laus ( tram )into Dublin couldn't have been easier There was no problem in finding a seat being nearly at the start of the line. 30 minutes later and having to deal with the pushing and shoving of a, by now, full Laus we reached St Stephens square. Not two minutes from the Laus stop was the Gaiety Theatre.

After collecting our tickets it was off to find an information centre. Dublin is a typical city, full of buskers playing a good fiddle, famine sculptures and the 'living statues' which you were only aware of when a coin is added to the pot. Shops galore if you like that sort of thing. We don't so the information centre offered several alternatives. One the Hop on Hop off bus with its many stops was preferable to any others and would fill the day nicely. But first lunch, a burger each with a coke.

Top:- Yes they living statues. Bottom:- Molly Malone 

 It was decided to do the whole circuit first taking approximately 90 minutes. Our driver and narrator Cillian was a laugh a minute and one of the most entertaining guides we have met so far. By the way, did you know that there is no letter K in the Irish alphabet? So having done the tour we alighted at Dublin Castle.

Old entrance to the Guinness factory

Halfpenny bridge

Then back onto another the bus and this narration was awful. A pre-recorded tape in a very mundane voice and although things were pointed out it was done in such a way that by the time you looked for the building, the bus was already past.  We got off and went in search of the basin of the Grand Canal.

Narrow boats moored in the distance.

River Liffey

 By now it was too late to see the museum so a leisurely walk in St Stephens park before find a pub for dinner. One of the best pasta dishes was presented to us. Chicken and chorizo with a mustard and horseradish sauce. Strange combination but absolutely delicious. Then with the Gaiety Theatre doors opening at 6.30pm we showed our River dance tickets, ordered the interval drinks, took our seats in the dress circle and settled down to watch a show of wonderful Irish dance, flamenco dance, fiddlers, flautists, singers and drummers. A spectacular toe-tapping show and one we won't forget for a long time.

The Laus back was almost empty and took less time to get back at that time of night. By 10.30pm we were back to the Beast and was pleased to see no clamp on our front wheel. One poor soul would come back to their car clamped. I can't believe why they wouldn't have paid the car park fees. €2 for 24 hours. One can't complain to that.