Last day in Dublin

It’s our last day to explore Dublin. First we realized that breakfast was not included in our stay. We were actually glad since for €15, it was not what we really wanted. 

I found a lovely spot with a better and cheaper start to our day! 

Caffe Creama was perfect! And only €10.

Next stop I wanted to see St Patrick Cathedral. 

As I wander through the cathedral, Evelyn checked out the green space and found plaques on famous people, Yeats, Shaw, Wilde, and more…

St Patrick Cathedral was built in 1191 as a Catholic Church but with the Reformation, it is now Protestant . 

As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Ireland, St Patricks’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for over 800 years.

And I lit a candle for Lucy.

Next Evelyn wanted to check the Art Gallery to see the  William Blake exhibit and enjoyed relearning about Blake and the romantics.

Yellow Bunny was curious too….

Meanwhile I went shopping! 

Next lunch at the art gallery. Delicious.

Time for more exploring. The Famine Memorial is a sad history in Ireland. Rowan Gillespie in 1997 unveiled this haunting tribute.

As we walked along the River Liffey, a look at sailing ships, seagulls and the water.

This ship is a replica of the ships that took people to North America. 

By now Evelyn is ready for her latte! We almost gave up looking for a place for coffee and pastries. We happened upon the most delightful cafe, 

The gentleman in charge made great conversation as we ordered our snacks. Asking if we were sisters, who is older, younger must pay… Evelyn agreed 

On our way we got into conversations again with the “boss” about Canada, US, politics, Middle East….

He is from Algeria and has definite opinions on the world today. One thing that he mentioned as have many others when they know we are from Canada, is how impressed they are with our Prime Minister and they all know his name! It s a good feeling! 

And a few young females when knowing we are from Canada, want to come here….because Justin Bieber is from here.🙄

Back home to pack but once last meal.

It has been a really good adventure. Mostly sunny, lots of walking, enjoyed new places, especially the Cliffs of Moher and the Giant’s Causeway. 

Thanks gadventures! 

Leaving Belfast

No group breakfast since most of the group are off in different directions. So we packed up, left our bags at the hotel and headed out to explore Belfast for a couple of hours.

First stop St. George’s Market. A huge building full of food vendors, artists, objects to buy and more. It was loud, busy and fun. 

What I found was Baps! An extraordinary sandwich you have to see to believe! I stood for quite some time watching him put it together and pass it to the customer. 

When I asked the gentleman how he would eat this, he had no idea but smiled.

Off we headed to find the waterfront and fresh air.

This is the Lagon River. No swimming, too fast and deep.

But there is a large fish to see…

Maybe it is only in NFLD where you have to kiss the cod…

We found Albert’s clock which seems to lean a little, 4 feet, because it was built on marshy soil.

We were looking for a place for lunch. I was surprised what I found….

Tim Hortons in Belfast!!! No we didn’t go in. Instead went around the corner for Pret.

Time to head back to get our luggage for the walk to Belfast’s new Central Station, newly finished.

But along the way I just had to look at the amazing Gin Palace. It is known as the Crown Bar. Badly bombed during the troubles since it was across the street from the Europa hotel which was attack at least 40 times. It has been resorted and is like walking back in time. First built  in 1826. 

You get your own private booth for your drinks. So cool! 

We are now leaving Belfast by bus….we were too late to book a train. Oh well, it’s an adventure. The bus ride to Dublin was fine and we got lots of leg room (no wheelchairs)😊

We got off at the airport and transferred to a city bus. This is Sunday evening and it is packed. It is so crowded that we are wedged into our seats with luggage. Just one more thing to add to the adventure. 

Now back at our hotel, same as our first stop when we started the holiday.

Nice dinner of tacos and super salad.

Tomorrow we get ready for one last day of our holiday in Ireland. 

Whiskey and UNESCO

Breakfast here at the Ibis hotel has been quite good. Check the amount of food they offer.

Off we head to our first stop, Belfast Castle. Beautiful gardens.

It seems that some in our group are excited about the beech trees found in The Game of Thrones! Evelyn and I had no idea but it was interesting …but Yellow Bunny found a place to hide

Next,  Bushmill Whiskey Distillery first distillery licensed in the world in 1608.

We toured the facility (no photos allowed) and ended with samples.  I gave mine to the sweetest man in the group, Sealan and wife Jean. 

Lunch at the local cafe.

Next, the Giant’s Causeway. We have been so lucky with sunny weather! So we hiked down with some sun!

The pictures don’t really show size and scale. 

As we headed back up the rains came but only for a short time

Back to Belfast for our farewell dinner. We all will head in different directions tomorrow. Classy dinner at the Fish City

Fish and chips and Prawn taco.

Bonus…….I had to take this photo as we were leaving the Giant’s Causeway. Can you tell what is in this back pack? 

Meow 🐱