We made it to Dublin

Up early in Kenmare and breakfast at the bnb, we flagged down the bus to Killarney and there took a train to Dublin. We arrived to this.....thank goodness we aren't hiking.

 Caught a bus to city centre. We tried to catch the one recommended by our air bnb but no luck so got a taxi to our new abode for the next three nights. It is perfect! Clean, small but big enough for two, in the Portobello neighbourhood and approved by Yellow Bunny.

 Out we went to discover the city. First stop, St. Stephen's Green.

 

A wonderful oasis in a busy city. Around the park is information about the 1916 Easter uprising. A lot of the fighting took place in this park. Revolutionaries dug trenches in the park and barricaded the entrances; the British set up machine guns in two hotels beside St. Stephen's Green. Hard to imagine gunfire in such a green and tranquil place.

 

 

And the sun came out.

A Famine memorial is also in St. Stephen's Green park.

 

We crossed the O'Connell bridge where it is wider than it is long -- 50 metres versus 43 metres -- as we headed to the Abbey Theatre.

 

 This statue is Daniel O'Connell, an Irish politician of the late 19th century who led the Irish MPs at Westminster, when Ireland was still an Irish province. Construction is going on everywhere so sometimes it is hard to see the details. The bridge crosses the River Liffey. Norm says that Dublin is repairing their transportation system.

We picked up theatre tickets for Thursday night at the famous Abby Theatre, for an Edward Albee play which won its cast third place in the latest annual theatre competition, but was picked by the Abbey Theatre as best for its studio stage. (Hint: there are five O'Neills among the actors and behind the scenes. Maybe some are related to Mary.!  Should be exciting.

 

The gentleman selling the tickets gave us great suggestions for things to do in Dublin. Off we walked to the Marker Hotel by Dublin's old docks for a rooftop bar with a view of the city. By now we were very hot and looking forward to that drink and view. It was not open today....but we managed a satisfying drink in the lounge.

 

This is a classy area, lots of offices and out door gathering spots. You can see the Marker Hotel in the background and imagine what it must be like at the top. As we walked through the open space the skateboarders were showing their skills, room for all. 

 

Another Famine Memorial, quite moving.

 

 Did you know there are canals and locks in Dublin along the old Grand Canal? Neither did we but we had a wonderful walk along the canal to Sophie's, another rooftop bar with a view across the rooftops.

 Sophie's a recommendation for rooftop views and pizza! We weren't disappointed with the pizza, or the chips with tarragon and Parmesan, almost like nachos. Some gravy would have made poutine.

 View looking towards St. Patrick's Cathedral.

 Ready for home with one last stop to say good night to George Bernard Shaw who was born in our area, the Portobello.