Sandyford, Dalkey, Dun Laoghaire, Wicklow Mountains - Sept 27th

So it looks like I have been tasked with writing up another day. Apparently, my deputy would be short on detail if she did it.

We headed out just before 9:30 to Sandyford and the Imaginosity Children’s Museum. We went in and Liam had a great time for about 2-1/2 hours. The exhibits are hands on for children of all ages. On the first floor there were miniature versions of a grocery store, a diner, doctor’s office, garage, house, and garden. There was also a great train set that kids (and parents) could climb into the middle of. There were a lot of exhibits I wanted to try also. We did try out the Rally car in the garage. On the second floor there was a tv station, theatre, science stations, a music area, a fish tank and a construction area with balls and pipes and a working crane. Liam participated in the teddy bear picnic. Such a place would be great for Bermuda.

Following this, we drove to meet Dermot who took us to Martello Tower No 7, which overlooks Dalkey - just south of Dublin. One of his Royal Naval Officers Association colleagues , Niall O’Donoghue, has been restoring the tower for the last 6 years. He is still restoring the ammunition store and some of the details. We travelled around the defensive fortifications and he showed us how the various shapes and materials of construction deflected shells and other projectiles fired from the sea. Inside the tower the internal fixings had been restored as close as possible to the original. Several modern fixings had been added, such as windows over the musket ports and a stair for modern convenience and for health and safety for visitors. He also showed us a video of the forging and proofing of the replica cannon he had built for the top of the tower and the history and first firing. It was a superb private restoration and we were privileged to have been afforded the opportunity to visit.

After this, we travelled through Dalkey and Dun Laoghaire and had a late lunch at a shopping mall in Blackrock. Then I drove through some smaller roads back to the Merry Ploughboys Pub. This was the beginning of a trip up into the Wicklow mountains, this time over the Sally Gap. We were very lucky in that the clouds were lifted and the sun was partly out, so the visibility was excellent. We travelled over the top and then down the other side. At a particular crossroads, we went towards Blessington and drove along a valley, over the Liffey and around the north end of the Pollaphuca reservoir. It was quite a few feet deeper than last Sunday. We then headed back to the apartment to prepare for our departure tomorrow.

Dublin - September 26th

After breakfast we headed into Dublin and parked at the St Stephens Green Shopping Centre. We then walked to the Hop On/Hop Off bus and took a bus tour around the town. We saw a number of Churches (Christ Church, St. Patricks, St Aouden), Phoenix Park, the Guinness Storehouse, the Jameson Distillery and O’Connell Street and the GPO which featured prominently in the Irish resistance of 1916. We then went to Bewleys for a light lunch.

Following this and a bit of shopping, we took the car south towards Avoca. It was a bit late by the time we got there considering our 6:30 dinner date. However, it was great to see in person the village and environs, which are very scenic. We then drove back to the apartment.

A quick turnaround later we left for the bar where we to meet Dermot, Hugh & Rory (cousins) for a dinner. Due to some discrepancies between the address on the website and the actual address, it proved difficult to find. However, with some basic detective work and the assistance of a local taxi driver we managed to get there an hour late. We found Hugh & Rory, but Dermot was dealing with a vehicle breakdown problem and was even later still. So in real terms, we were on time.

We sat about and talked about various subjects, mostly dealing with Ireland and Bermuda, having some laughs and some interesting conversations, even on such subjects as rugby. Dinner was quite nice in the midst. Meanwhile, Manchester United was playing Newcastle United on the screen, and Liam watched the game on and off. Final score Man U 2, Newcastle 1. Maybe next time…..

Dublin - September 25th

So apparently I turned 40 today. There was a banner over the mirror in the living room, announcing that fact, and a few cards at breakfast. We had an earlyish start and went to Trinity College Dublin to see the Book of Kells, a 1200 year old book of gospels and some related books. Part of the exhibit showed how the books were illuminated and bound. We also visited the Long Room, the library above the Book of Kells Exhibit.

We then went to Bewleys for a light lunch. I had a sultana Danish and a mixed fruit crumble with ice cream. It was great! Liam ate most of his Grandma’s mixed berry scone. Marisa seemed to enjoy her chocolate croissant. Following this we all did a bit of shopping and Marisa and I went to the Irish Dancing Museum. Afterwards me, my dad and Liam headed back to the apartment while Marisa and my mom walked in the rain.

In the evening, we travelled to the Merry Ploughboy Pub for dinner. The Merry Ploughboys performed some traditional Irish folk music and there was also Irish dancing. The dinner was very nice. I had a vegetable soup and lamb shank, with potatoes and vegetables.  Liam enjoyed the first ½ hour and then got quite upset with something. However, he calmed down by the second half and was dancing and clapping his hands to the music. During the Merry ploughboys second set, they wished me Happy Birthday. At the end of the show, as the room danced past our table in a conga line, many people wished me the best. All in all a successful day.