The ferry experience is similar to crossing from Vancouver to Vancouver Island.  The ship has the same assortment of services.  This particular ship was heavily laden with children, there was no escaping them.  Noisy little creatures... best thing to do if you are every\ on this trip is to prebook the private lounge.  There you can get adult beverages and snacks in relative tranquility.  We tried to get in, sadly it was sold out.  Clearly the regulars know what is good for them.

The ferry terminal is conveniently located on the doorstep of Dublin's downtown core.  We arrived at the peak of rush hour, which was awesome, as it gave us the opportunity to see the city unfold around us while we were stopped in traffic..  Dublin is cool.  There is a grand canal called the River Liffey that runs through the heart of the city, one way streets proliferate both sides of the canal.  At least in part, sometimes they are two way streets, you really must pay attention or you could find yourself in a bullfight with cars as the bulls.  Thankfully, the traffic made it relatively easy to navigate.  Since it is after 5pm, we will reserve a full investigation of the city until tomorrow, tonight we have a 3 course dinner awaiting us at Arthur's Bar  within The Courtyard Hotel.  The hotel has a connection to the Guinness brewing empire.  Arthur Guinness, founded his brewing empire on this site in 1752.  A fantastic location just 15 minutes out of Dublin in the heart of the village of Leixlip.  This will be the starting point of the 8 day trip.  The hotel has a terrific pub and outdoor courtyard,  and a fine dining restaurant.  Dinner was delicious!  Fresh, and local.  The menu changes regularly based on the season so you will always be able to look forward to something new.

Dublin has history dating back to pre-historic times, the Vikings had a settlement here in the 9th century.  In spite of regular rebellions by the native Irish, it remained under Viking rule until the Norman invasion on 1169.  The city prospered until the Black Death in 1384.  Most of Europe suffered during this time and Dublin was not immune.  The population dwindled until the 16th century when, under Queen Elizabeth Ist, things began to happen.  Trinity College was established in 1582 strictly to establish the Protestant religion.  Trinity College is where we began our tour.  The campus is in the heart of the city and contains the Book of Kells, an illuminated Gospel believed to be dated from 800 AD.  It is Ireland's finest national treasure.

 After completing the tour of Trinity College, O'Connell street is a must.  All the action during the day happens here.  Even the Vikings thought so....at least the tourist Vikings.  They ride around with horns on their heads in a floating bus which goes from street to river boat as they tour the city.  We chose the more conventional method...walking.

 These guys were so good I really though it was a statue, even the dog is real.. or is it?  What do you think?  Street performers are everywhere, each performance seems to have it's time.  As one finishes the next one starts.  The street is alive.

 We even had a Leprechaun sighting, we asked for our three wishes..... time will tell if they were granted.  Anybody recognize this particular Leprechaun?  We spent a few hours exploring the area's shops.  Dublin has a nice mix of old world charm and new world style.  Of course, no trip to the city would be complete without a stop on the south bank of the River Liffey in an area known as Temple Bar.  The medieval cobblestone streets offer up pub after pub of live music throughout the day.  We found a table at a pub by the same name as the area.  Temple Bar pub was opened in 1840 and has been serving beer and food ever since.  They have a daily line up of entertainment starting at 1pm and running continuously until close.  As many as 6 acts a day.  Irish music mixed with current day favourites.  The place was packed with all ages singing along with the music.  The food menu contains over 25 sandwich choices, all freshly made and huge!  We shared two amongst the four of us...delicious.

 No visit would be complete without a tour of Guinness.   Just west of the downtown core at St. James Gate is the world renowned brewery.  This Irish institution offers up an excellent history of the brewer, the process and finally a rooftop taste of the Black Stuff.  They will even put a shamrock on your beer if you ask....luck of the Irish!

With only one day to visit Dublin, we feel pleased with our visit.  We saw the highlights, clearly there are many other options to add to the list.  But if one day is all you have then I recommend this plan.  It will provide you with culture, shopping, city views, food and drink.  What else could you need?  Tomorrow we will be heading north to visit the roots of the Belford clan then to the Wild Atlantic Coast.

Be Well

Slainte(Cheers in Irish Gaelic)