After a late shift change for +Niamh, she was able to get the train home with me, on the Saturday morning 21st for one of our quickest ever visits home. The journey home itself was quite funny and interesting with our chat with an american about american politics, sitting with us. After our initial confusion over mishap over the seats, the journey was enjoyable. Our dad collected us at the station in Ennis, where we then visited our mum and some essential drink shopping. Later that evening, we met our mum, in the Poets Corner, in the Old Ground for dinner, the hotel I previously worked for on a number of occasions. It was great to catch up with the folks that night, as it had been a few months, since we all were home together. After the crisis with the printer ink was sorted, after a panicked drive into Ennis to find a store still open to buy the inks, the flight tickets could finally be printed. The following lunch time, we had Sunday dinner, some times you just can't beat, a good home cooked meal prepared by your mum. Before our train journey back up, we both got to visit and see our granny for a few hours, who actually came with us to the station, to see us off. The journey back up was not as eventful, as the one down, which at that time of day was quite nice for a change. When we finally arrived in the door at Niamh's, we sorted our packing and relaxed before bed. With a 6.30 am start, we prepped ourselves, and made the stroll to the Airport Hopper pick up stop for 7.30. At least this time around, there was no issue going through security, unlike the last time with the issue over our iPads, I did however had to bin a tube of hair product. Going through duty free, we went aftershave shopping, at one stage I was nearly covered in different types of aftershave, before I actually decided which to buy. We had a surprisingly tasty breakfast over near our gate 103. We both made the joke about our plane, that Ryanair must be renting planes as our plane was an Air Explorer one. The journey it self over to Manchester from Dublin was uneventful, short and smooth. We arrived on time 11.30 am and managed even to be on the 11.55 am train into Piccadilly. The cost of the ticket was 4.10 pound which included use of the Metrolink trams within the City zone.
After getting off at Piccadilly Gardens, and wandering around for a while, including getting lost for about an hour, we finally got on our tourist way, with our first stop being the Central Library, located at the St. Peter's Square, which had one of the most high tech interactive study desks and decorated ceilings and stained glass windows. Strolling around the corner of the construction next to the library for the Metrolink extension, was the Victorian, Neo-gothic municipal Town Hall, which was an architectural delight. As the tourist office located in the area, was closed due to the construction, we attempted to find the Urbis building on our own. Luckily enough we came upon a tourist information guide, who directed in the right way and a detailed map of the city, which ended up been a life saver on a numerous occasions over our stay. On route to the Urbis building, we passed and had a quick peek inside of the Cathedral, before making it finally to the Urbis building which houses the National Football Museum. This museum spread over 4 floors gave the evolution of the sport, with several sections covering the game itself, managers, stadium, use of media in the sport and section dedicated to world football which houses memorabilia from the first ever World Cup Final to even Maradonna's famous "Hand of God" shirt. The current temporary exhibition on floor 3 is Game Changers, depicting the 125 year history of the football league. At the end of the exhibition, there was a fun element where they wanted you to tweet a selfie with a sculpture, which was so funny taking to take it, having both myself and Niamh in it. After our visit, we made our way to the free Metroshuttle bus stop, which brought us near to our next stop, the Coronation Street Tour.
After getting off at the stop, making our way to Granada studios, we got lost, luckily enough we hopped into the MOSI (Museum of Science and Industry), and got directions, we were closer than we thought. We got our tickets at the box office after slight confusion, luckily had the credit card I paid the tickets with, on me. The tour itself commenced at 3.20 pm, right on time with a group of about 30 people. The tour doesn't allow photography within the interior of the studios itself, but you are allowed to take as many as one likes, on the exterior or on the cobbles. The interior section of the tour, showcased several essential aspects of the set, from hair/make-up and wardrobe, to the living room sets of some of the residents on the street, such as the Platts, the Duckworths, the inside of underworld and of course and most importantly the interior of the Rovers Return, which felt surreal to be sitting in the rovers. During the walk through the sets, we saw various costumes/props such as Carla Connor's Wedding dress, the classic Deirdre Barlow glasses, to the recent casket used to bury Harley. The highlight of the tour, which it always was gonna be, was the ability to walk on the cobbles. It was mad to see the exteriors of all the houses, the Kabin, Rovers Return, and underworld. We were free to roam around the cobbles for as long as we wanted. Before we knew it, we had been for over 45 mins. We both were delighted with the tour and glad we did it. From the studios, we got the metro shuttle and then the connecting one back to Piccadilly Gardens and finally check in.
Travelodge couldn't have been located any more central, and as we learned later, was only opened a few months, which showed. Once we got settled, the first fight of the trip happened, over what to do for the night. After the tiff was finally sorted, we strolled the 10 min walk to the Printworks entertainment venue. After what seemed an eternity, we somehow picked somewhere to eat, Peachy Keens, an all-you-can-eat buffet restaurant. Something we didn't know was Monday was voucher night, but thanks to Niamh's student card got a discount that way. We both were stuffed after that, and had to go for stroll to walk it off. We ended up on Canal Street, which is the Gay Village, and in a bar call Via Fossa, where there was Karaoke night on. It was closing time before we knew it 1am, the time flew by with the entertainment, with the usual tone deaf singers there was a few diamonds in the rough. Both agreed was a great laugh and fun in the end. We were back in the hotel before we knew it.
We were up, out and off the tram just after 11 am, as we had got on a different route, than I had originally planned, we somehow managed to pass by the Lancashire County Cricket Club with a game in play, on route to Old Trafford, the stadium for Manchester United. After a quick stop off at the membership building, I managed to get a membership priced for the stadium tour and museum, thanks to a friend and student one for Niamh for the next available one at midday. As we had some time free prior, we explored around some of the museum beforehand. The tour of the stadium took approx. 90 mins, bringing us into the stands, the side line, directors box, dressing rooms and to the oldest part of the stadium 110 years old. The tour guide, even joked how like any tour, it finishes in the gift shop, which got a giggle from everyone. In the gift shop, you get to collect a souvenir cert of your visit to the stadium. We decided to go finish off the museum before relaxing over a coffee in the Red Cafe. The tour was worth the money and we both had a blast.
On advice from someone, we decided to give the Imperial War Museum a visit, we didn't know what to expect. The museum free entry and it explores the impact of modern conflicts on people and society. Worth a visit and don't forget to take the lift, up the 55 m high air shard to the viewing balcony above the city skyline. We then got the tram from Media City to Deansgate to go visit the MOSI, however we managed it, we took a wrong turn and got totally lost, luckily we arrived 15 mins before closing. We managed to get a quick flying stroll around various different elements of the museum, which highlights development of Science and Industry, in particular Manchester achievements in these fields. We somehow got about 30 mins within the museum, which wasn't too shabby. From here, we went on the search for the roman fort remains known as Manucium. The tram at this stop was closed, however the route back this time was better signposted to Deansgate stop. Once at the stop waiting for our tram, we saw where we went wrong, both started laughing. Once back at the hotel, we changed and got ready for our night out while watching the World Cup. When I noticed a 10 pound voucher off at Frankie and Bennys only for that night. Over the meal which was gorgeous, we finalised plans to meet up with Giulia and Mikey later, 2 we met on a kiwi tour in New Zealand almost 2 years ago, how time flies by.
After our meal, we strolled towards Canal Street via the unknown, almost getting lost but noticed a familiar building, which saved the day. We relaxed waiting for the lads in a bar called the Molly House, a quirky old school type bar. It was great to meet and catch up, before we knew it, it was gone past midnight, the lads had to head home, being a school night and all. Whereas we decided to make a night of it, I was surprised how far the remainder of cash went during our pub crawl with particular highlights being the vibe in G-A-Y and almost squealing at the sight of a TARDIS cloakroom in a bar called Kiki. It was almost 4 am before we got back to the hotel. We were both wrecked after the jam packed day and night we had. After check out the next morning, we got some last minute sightseeing done, we attempted to get to the Manchester Museum, half way there, it was just not feasible because of transport and time. However got to see the late-Victorian neo-gothic John Rylands Library, Chinese Arch and Cenotaph. We finally managed to get the tram to Piccadilly station, where we got the express train to the airport for same price. We decided to head straight for security, so we could get through and relax, with the exception of a bottle of water which I drank. We passed through with no issue. Now with time on side, we got food in the Italian in food court, waiting on our boarding gate to be called. Despite the flight itself leaving a tad late, we still arrived on time. The visit to Manchester was fantastic, one will have to organise a re-visit sometime soon.
Typical the second we disembark off the plane, its pouring out, after lovely few days prior. When we got back into the city, we were in time for the premiere of Mrs Brown Boys D'Movie. As the premiere got into full swing, the whole cast arrived, with the biggest cheers for Brendan O' Carroll and Rory Cowan. There was a great atmosphere at the premiere despite the rain. We both needed a drink with that weather, so soon as the premiere was over, we strolled to Panti bar for a drink. Which ended up being a few, after a Mate joined us, we just about made the last bus.
The following morning, since in touristy mood, we trekked out to Glasnevin Cemetery, somewhere we both for years said we must visit. I had a groupon voucher for Glasnevin, 2 for 1. We had time before the 1 pm tour to visit the City of the Dead museum downstairs and the Cumann na mBan temporary exhibition upstairs, where the tour was to commence. Our guide was Bridget, who throughout the tour was very funny and informative. Because of convenience, she had to alter her tour, so our final grave to visit was that of Daniel O'Connell, the founder of Glasnevin. The O'Connell round tower and his vault itself were quite impressive to see. Our guide informed us, that rubbing the coffin is meant to bring one good luck, so fingers crossed so. The tour finished just in time, to witness the re-enactment of Padraig Pearse's Oration at the graveside of O'Donovan Rossa at 2.30pm. After which we went exploring around the cemetery after a coffee in the cafe, located next to the grave of Michael Collins. Before we knew it, we'd been in the cemetery nearly 5 hours and it was closing time, so we dashed for the bus.
As it as free entry in to the Little Museum on a Thursday evening, we decided to get the Mrs Brown Boys D'exhibition, which showed the influences for the character of Mrs Brown and the show. After our visit to the museum, it was time for dinner at Captain Americas, where I had a voucher for 2 for 1. Dinner was followed by drinks in the Front Lounge to see how the table quiz was going and see Slap and Tickle perform they're usual comedic duets. It was a fun night and seems a good bit of money was raised for GCN. We had to literally run for the bus, I managed to hop on the bus before the door closed, thinking Niamh was behind me, poor Niamh missed it but got the bus driver to stop to let her on luckily.
Friday Morning, another early start, for another day tour, this time to Glendalough and Powerscourt gardens. After a last minute panic of me forgetting my keys at Niamh's, I ran back to get them and we walked to the next bus stop and waited. I went ahead to collect the tickets for the tour at Dublin Bus, when I realised the Living Social vouchers were both the same, ran looking for Niamh and showed her the problem. After a chat with the clerk and his manager, it got sorted, we ran onto the bus before they changed their minds. From the onset, our driver and guide Michael, was hilarious with his personal antidotes about the city along the way. Once outside the city, we passed Sandymount beach where Leopold Bloom kissed Molly in James Joyce's Ulysses, along the coast through Dun Laoighre, Sandycove where the James Joyce Museum can be found in the Martello Tower and Dalkey where we had a quick pit stop to stock up on supplies. The first main stop of the day was in Glendalough, although we were here recently, we had a plan to see the waterfall and such. However because of the 1 hour time restraints, it meant we had to literally sprint at a fast pace to Poulanass waterfall, to make it back in time. On the route down, took a wrong turn, got tad lost, so meant had to do slight downhill hill walking to get back on track. Once we got back down safely, without some how falling or repeating my last visit ripping my chinos, we were able to enjoy a gradually slower walk back until the very end, when we had to sprint. Once back on the bus, and on our way, we made the 45 mins journey up through the Wicklow mountains with panoramic views along the way, we arrived in to beautiful village of Enniskerry, which ironically enough was also the bus driver home town. Enniskerry is where the Powerscourt Estate and Gardens are located. The tour ticket included the 8.50 entrance fee into the gardens. The walk around the 7 different areas of the gardens at a pleasant stroll like pace took about an hour, with particular highlights being the Japanese Gardens, Triton Lake and Tower Valley. The Pet Cemetery is believed to be the largest pet cemetery in Ireland. After completing this pleasant stroll, we went for lunch in the Avoca gardens, over looking the gardens below and Sugarloaf Mountain in the distance, which was just end to the visit. On the way back to the bus as we still had time, we got a large 99 ice cream cone each as the sun had just come out to play. Niamh joked to me, as our tour guide gave our a brief history of the estate which was interesting, that I was struggling to finish mine. The tour guide said to me after the talk, that he noticed my tweet about the tour and he actually had retweeted it, as did Dublin Bus and Powerscourt, which was nice. The journey back to the city was infused with music, and local antidotes which completed the tour off nicely. We both had such fun on the tour and couldn't recommend it highly enough. After almost nearly a week, I finally got back home to mine.
The following morning, with finally a slight sleep in, meet Niamh in town before meeting people at the spire, for food and drink before the pride parade. After refueling, with a cool refreshing pint, the tone of the day to come had been set. We found our spot on O Connell street to watch the parade. Approx over 40,000 people took part in the parade which started at the Garden of Remembrance and finished at Merrion Square. We followed the route, to make our way to the square. We stayed around for a while before exiting to find the nearest pub for drinks. We got food at a BBQ place called Pitt Bros on South Georges St, although I only had Fries, Niamh said it was tasty. Once everyone was finished, we made our way to the street parties over on Capel St. Niamh at this stage, made her journey home, a wise choice I think as the remainder of the day and night got drunker. Despite my drunken state, the day was a great success, everyone seemed to have a fantastic time. Thanks to Niamh's keen eye on Facebook, I managed to get a 5€ promo code for Hailo that they were offering exclusive for Pride, which helped with my taxi home.
Woke with a hangover or maybe was just thoughts of going back to work after a week off. Think pure luck, that it wasn't crazy busy. After work mate collected me, and we got supplies for our trip to the powerscourt waterfall. Not sure how but between us, we somehow nearly got ourselves lost. Luckily enough I remembered how to get to the powerscourt estate from my trip there that Friday. As the sun finally came out for a while, we were able to enjoy a picnic as planned by the waterfall. The waterfall itself which Is Ireland's highest, was a beautiful sight. It was nice place to walk around and to relax by. After our peaceful trip to powers court, we went up to Johnny Fox's which is highest pub in Ireland, for a bite to eat. The food was tasty especially the dessert, Irish whiskey cake. It was up here in the overflow car park, my mate attempted to teach me to drive, after trying to in powerscourt earlier. It was quite funny and could have done disastrously wrong. I managed to move the car few feet without causing any damage. From here drove to the viewpoint in Killakee which has an amazing view of the city below and where we could hear the Marley concert in the distance below. A great end to an amazing week.
After getting off at Piccadilly Gardens, and wandering around for a while, including getting lost for about an hour, we finally got on our tourist way, with our first stop being the Central Library, located at the St. Peter's Square, which had one of the most high tech interactive study desks and decorated ceilings and stained glass windows. Strolling around the corner of the construction next to the library for the Metrolink extension, was the Victorian, Neo-gothic municipal Town Hall, which was an architectural delight. As the tourist office located in the area, was closed due to the construction, we attempted to find the Urbis building on our own. Luckily enough we came upon a tourist information guide, who directed in the right way and a detailed map of the city, which ended up been a life saver on a numerous occasions over our stay. On route to the Urbis building, we passed and had a quick peek inside of the Cathedral, before making it finally to the Urbis building which houses the National Football Museum. This museum spread over 4 floors gave the evolution of the sport, with several sections covering the game itself, managers, stadium, use of media in the sport and section dedicated to world football which houses memorabilia from the first ever World Cup Final to even Maradonna's famous "Hand of God" shirt. The current temporary exhibition on floor 3 is Game Changers, depicting the 125 year history of the football league. At the end of the exhibition, there was a fun element where they wanted you to tweet a selfie with a sculpture, which was so funny taking to take it, having both myself and Niamh in it. After our visit, we made our way to the free Metroshuttle bus stop, which brought us near to our next stop, the Coronation Street Tour.
