Ireland, Dublin Last Dance

 

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 an 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.

 

 

 

 

River Liffey

 

 

 

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.

 

 

R.M.S Titanic

 

 

 

 

 

At Old Mill, I also discover the reason God created alcohol.  “To stop the Irish from ruling the world”.

 

 

Guinness Beef Stew

 

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, however, I really had a great time hanging out at 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.