I begin my last dance in Dublin, figuratively speaking, on O'Connell Street with my head tilted back and my eyes pointed skyward. I am looking at object that I am told for many Dubliners has become an eye sore. It is an artistic piece (Spire Of Dublin, the world's tallest sculpture) in the middle of one of Europe's widest street, O'Connell Street. However, I guess the locals just don't get the point.
From O'Connell Street, I cross the River Liffey and end up at 14 Temple Bar Square. I'm feeling like a senior citizen from Boca, Florida as I arrived at Old Mill Restaurant still in time for the Early Bird Dinner Special. However, with the exchange rate of the dollar to the euro this is not necessarily a bad thing as I can have a full meal for about E$7.
Old Mill has a nice atmosphere and dining here gives me a chance to discover a few more interesting things about Ireland. I guess like most, I associate the Titanic with South Hampton, England. However, a display here reminds me that “The Largest And Safest Steamer In The World” was built in Belfast, Ireland. At Old Mill, I also discover the reason God created alcohol, “To stop the Irish from ruling the world”.
To top this all off, I am pleased to learn that there's another way to enjoy Ireland's most famous stout. I am not disappointed with an order of Guinness Beef Stew with mashed potatoes topped with a cute puff pastry. A fresh warm cup of tea and I am happy to be a senior citizen from Boca!
After dinner, there is still some “dancing” left to do in Dublin. A short stop at my hotel and I am roaming the city streets again for one last time. Headed toward St. Stephen's Green, I pass through some quaint neighborhoods with still closed for the holidays restaurants and pubs. I am a bit thwarted as I had a few of them in mind to visit.
As the night wears on, I find myself back at the Temple Square area where most of the senior citizens have already retired for the night. At The Quays, I savor my last pint as two guitar strumming musicians offer a nice rendition from a sort of famous local band. It's a sleight of hand or maybe just a twist of fate but I really enjoyed hanging out at The Quays. Some may consider it a tourist trap but they are probably the ones who are already inactive for the evening or who shop at JC Penny.
I am a bit sadden as I realize that in less than ten hours I will be climbing miles above the earth headed back west. Walking back to my hotel, I find one more good reason to put a smile on my face and maybe come back to Dublin.
Video:
http://youtu.be/6eSRk1qnzfc
Dublin Last Dance
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Thanks, love Dublin. Did you see the bullet holes in the angels as you crossed O'Connell St bridge? Yum, Guinness beef stew.
flpab,
Bullet holes were pointed out on my Hop-On Hop-Off. Ditto to your Dublin and Guinness Beef Stew comments
Loved your post, and as I was reading it I had to laugh, as I am sitting here in Boca reading about Ireland. I will be in Dublin, Ireland for 3 days at the beginning of August. I'm traveling with my 15 year old daughter to England first, and then stopping in Dublin before flying back to the US. Do you think that I would have a problem stopping in to one of the pubs in the evening for some music and a pint? I don't know if there would be a problem for my daughter to enter a pub. We are both music fans and would love to sit in to hear a local band ( even if they are doing U2 covers ). Thanks DMBTraveler!
Memories of Dublin, from O'Connell St. and across the Liffey to Temple Bar area for grub and music. In our case Temple Bar, Harvest, Oliver St. John Hogarty. Lively pubs. Nice video.
Bill in Boston
(One of those senior citizens)
LES22,
I think you'll have no problem enjoying some local music and a pint with your daughter in Dublin
Although there is a fee for admission and I am not sure if your daughter would enjoy it but the Guinness Storehouse gives you a "Taste Experience" and a free pint of the "Good Stuff".
I did almost the same trip that you are doing except it was Scotland then Ireland.
Don't forget to take advantage of the "Early Bird Specials" especially since you're from Boca!
Ozarksbill,
At least you are still young enough to remember it all
Dublin, what a great city!
PS. I'm probably not too far behind you in the senior citizen department. I am almost ready for my AARP card!