Arrived at Google HQ with plenty of time to spare, after checking out the new U2 recording studio down at docklands. We met with the beautiful Nicole and she gave us a grand tour of the Google offices before catching up for lunch.. Now, isn't that an incredible place, each floor is decorated in differing themes, the top floor of the Engineering Dept has a mock Irish Pub, the Shaven Yak, complete with wood panelling and velvet snugs.. I was amazed at each twist and turn of the corridors,at how the office space changed, the collective imagination in that place is amazing. The food is prepared by Michelin Star chefs, and each day they feed more than 4000 people. The visit was one of our highlights..
Walking back into the city centre, we checked out Dublin Castle, and a quick burst of rain sent us into Trinity College to visit the Book of Kells, or more correctly, the page of Kells.. I was disappointed having paid about $15 to look at it, I was surprised to see all the hype was not worth it. We wandered up into the long room, the library of Trinity College, and were amazed at the size of it. The smell of pages long ago written by hand, the wooden ladders and rails, the gold lettering on beautifully polished timber. Being an avid book reader, Ah, I was in heaven.
The rains had cleared and allowed us a walk to St Patricks Park and Cathedral. It was 5.30pm and we made it in time for Evensong. A 35 minute service, complete with choir, it was fabulous. The acoustics and timbre of the choir gave me goosebumps. We didn't get too much of a look around the church, but the service was quite an experience.
Back to Temple Bar, quick change and out to the Temple Bar Pub. That's one thing about Ireland, is the music. Every pub has music, differing singers with varied styles, it's a cultural delight. From the serious buskers, the drunken tin whistle players on the streets, to the pub scene, to U2, opera and classical music, Ireland has it all. I will miss it.
Had a light dinner tonight at Gourmet Burger Kitchen, a NZ burger chain, created by three Kiwi's annoyed that they couldn't find a decent burger in London, so created their own. It's now a chain, and it's easy to see why. Rhe burgers were great, and hit the spot.
Next morning, up early to fit in breakfast before undertaking a See dublin by bike tour at 10. It was fabulous. Weaving in and out of the crazy Dublin traffic, having lorries and double decker tour buses pass inches from us, it was crazy fun. Hugo rode behind, poor bugger had to watch me wobble my way through cobblestone streets, malls of people, peak hour traffic. We took in the Guiness Store, the cathedrals, Parks, Squares, St Stephens Green, the Spire.. All kinds of monuments that we would never have found otherwise. There was a reservoir we stopped for a break, right in the middle of the city, with wildlife and flowers like you've never seen.. Complete with a complete of drunks that yelled, oi, put another shrimp on the barbie,Aussie.. And gave us a great wave. It was 20 Euro, and the best value for money tour we had seen.
Walking back into town, we stopped at Dublinia, a history tour through the ages of Dublin. From Vikings, to the Normans, to the English and present day. It was really interesting. There is an archeological floor, complete with skeletons and all the information regarding the Viking settlement that were uncovered in the 1970's but covered up by new city council buildings, such a shame.
Heading back into Temple Bar, we 'accidentally' came across Queen of Tarts, one of the iconic stores in Dublin for afternoon tea. And it did. It disappoint. Lemon Meringue Pie and Aplle Tarts bigger than your hand... Along with a big pot of Irish Tea. Fab. It was in Cows Lane, an arty fatty area of town, complete with handmade craft, jewellery, clothing stores. A hour of two easily whiled away making our way along the streets toward home. We stumbled across an incredible black and white photography exhibition, all photos from the 70's from around Limerick. Kids, men, workers, very old women, the lines in their face and the stoop in their backs showing a lifetime of hard work. There were photos of school fires, of youngsters caught in the Gangland wars, the fear and desperation caught in the expression of their faces. I'm cross now that I have already forgotten this fellows name, I would have loved to read more about his stories, and seen even more of his photos.
Dinner last night was at the Elephant and Castle, which had been recommended to us, it was tasty, but not anything to rave about, we have been blessed with fresh food, fish straight from the boats on island jettys, local vegetables and salads, this trip accidentally turned into a gourmet food trek around the country.
Another few pubs, another few bands playing folk, modern, and traditional music and songs.. Not a big night, due to having to be on a Irish Sea crossing early tomorrow morning, but an evening stroll along the river ending the evening. It's official, I'm in love with Ireland, not Dublin so much, but the county towns, the people, the music, the food, the passion for footy and fun, and of course hurling.
Wednesday 01st October, 5-30 am came way too quickly for me, and it's with sadness that we pile the bags into the cab to make our way to the Docks to ferry to Wales.
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