We were getting into the rhythm of the Connamara and Mitch wanted to continue touring the west coast but Joanne had her heart set on seeing the Neolithic tombs of Bru na Boinne and the Book of Kells. That meant driving across the country to Dublin. It took only 3 1/2 hours on the motorway, but Dublin is a big city with traffic, noise, and tourists. Mitch was not keen but off we went anyway. We were booked at a B&B in the Rathmines neighborhood of Dublin, a 30 minute walk to the city center. The guest house was lovely with a beautiful garden but our room was on the third floor and minuscule, and the wifi didn’t work very well. The host fiddled with the booster and like Basil Fawlty (the innkeeper on Fawlty Towers)  announced that it was now working and like Fawlty Towers, not quite right. The first night we walked to the City Center and The Temple Bar, hung out at some pubs, drank “Smithick” which we prefer to Guinness, listened to traditional music, and made the mistake of eating Chinese food in Ireland.  Tired and with plans to get up early the next morning, we called it a night.

Dublin Street Scene with St. Annes’s Church in the background.

Ha’ Penny Bridge over the Liffey River, which bisects the City.

Homelessness, a growing problem in Dublin and all of Ireland.

Brawlers playing Cowboys and Indians.

The Temple Bar. These folks know how to party day and night.

Bloom’s Hotel. Dublin’s rich intellectual heritage is present.

The Winding Stair bookstore and restaurant.

Wonderful entertainment. Just pop into a pub.

Patrons enjoying the music.

Night was falling. We headed back to our little room.