Pride of Ireland

Not long after our parents left on the bus back to Clare, I was wondering what will I do with my week off. After a suggestion from +Niamh, I emailed Enniskillen Hotel about a prize I won in the Rte Guide a few months ago, just hadn't the time to use previously. As I still hadn't heard back by lunchtime on the Monday, we decided to organise backup plans in case. Just as we were finalising plans, and heading to book a tour, I get a reply back saying the Bronte Suite was available for the nights I wanted which was great. I confirmed the booking immediately. Now only issue was, was what to pack. I met Niamh after her meeting the following morning, and we quickly got few bits before getting the 13.30 Bus Eireann bus towards Enniskillen. After a slight delay we finally arrived to the hotel just before 5 pm. The Bronte Suite was fabulous no wonder it is the hotel's best room. As part of the 2 night stay, I also got a nice bottle of white wine and dinner. I kept wine for later in the week to use to celebrate Pride. That night we had dinner at the nearby Wethespoon's Linen Hall, which was exactly what we needed after all that travelling on the bus. After dinner we went exploring around the town on the way back to the hotel, which I had arranged for a Bushmills whiskey tasting with the hotel's whiskey expert Alex. Throughout the tasting he was so funny and made the whole experience quite fun. We called it a night after that as we were both wrecked and wanted to do and see a lot the next day.

We went down for breakfast a tad later then we planned, and decided after the nice breakfast to make the effort to really enjoy it properly the next morning. After breakfast, we set out to see what sights the town had for us. Being me of course I visited the two main churches within the town, before paying a visit to the headhunter barbers which is home to the railway museum. This museum within the barber impressed both myself and Niamh, as it told the story of the railway in the area until it closed and the amount of artefacts was quite extensive. From this museum we strolled down to EnnisKillen Castle before walking towards Portora Castle via the Portora Royal School which in the past had been Home to both Samuel Beckett and Oscar Wilde at different times as students. On the way to and from the castle we saw the playing fields which was used for General Eisenhower's visit to inspect the American soldiers stationed there before Invasion of Normandy. 

 

After exploring around the castle, we made the trek back towards Forthill Park, as I wanted to climb Cole's monument to see the view from the top. I nearly winded myself climbing up the 108 steps to the top. Although after the run up those steps I was out of breath, and the wind which I was greeted with was unexpected , the view from the top was breath taking especially seeing all of Enniskillen and River Erne. We took a few mins to recharge our batteries, after which we started the trek to try and find Castle Coole which was about a 40/45 mins walk away. As we found the wrong entrance, the nice guy at the pedestrian entrance was very nice to let us in, although we hadn't any cash on us, we both think he felt sorry for us, as it looked like it was about to start pouring, luckily enough was only a very quick passing shower. To be fair on the young lad, he tried to sell us the National Trust passes, although we had no interest we listened, as he let us in for free and the fact he was cute did no harm either. We ended up doing nearly all of the walks around the estate, from around the lake, down to the ice house, around the house before we left through the same entrance again. The long walk back to the hotel for dinner was made via a visit to the local ASDA, where we stocked up on low cost meds and few treats. We had the complimentary dinner in Wilde's bar, as it was off season for the hotel, the meal it self was lovely except for my Risotto which I personally found very bland, although the hotel staff were great about it and I got sorted which was nice. After dinner we were both exhausted as it was such a long day with all that walking. 

 We did actually get up early for breakfast, and it was even better than the previous one. We even had time for a post breakfast snooze before check out. The receptionists at the hotel throughout our stay were all very friendly and helpful. As we had some time before next bus, I wanted to get few vegetarian products at ASDA which I had never seen before and wanted to try. Like the bus up on Tuesday, the bus back to Dublin was late in this case nearly 30 mins. The journey back itself was very uneventful and relaxing. Once we arrived back, on the way back to the apartment, we stopped off at the Wild Rovers office on Bachelors Walk to book our tour to Belfast and Giants Causeway for the following morning. We were able to both get students tickets which saved some money which was great. We then had to rush home to quickly change and put the food away before heading out to Miele Gallery in Citywest for the Neven Maguire Demonstration evening. I must say I personally was more impressed about the event then I thought it was going to be. We got some cool recipes and even got chance to talk and get our photo taken with Neven. After this event, we had to wait for bus back into town, where we were meeting cousins from Australia who had met our parents and other members of our family previously in the week. It was strange yet interesting meeting Jamie and his wife Josie, before we knew it hours had passed and was time to leave the Brazen Head as we all had early starts the next day. It was great to finally meet them after the emails and calls.

Friday morning we both were up before 6 am to get ready for tour, it was great that the pick up spot was only about 15 mins away and we knew where to go. I was happy out that had prepared a packed lunch and drinks for the day as I knew it was gonna be about long day and we could buy sandwiches at the morning coffee break before we crossed the border. After we boarded the brand 151 bus and got settled and everyone was picked up, we made our way up the motorway passing through the Boyne Valley, our tour guide Robbie told us all the itinerary for the day beginning with Belfast, where you had the option to do a Black Taxi political tour or the Titanic Museum. We chose the Black Cab as we had done Titanic before. We made a coffee break at Applegreen where we got a 5 euro sandwich deal which sorted food for later on the trip. We arrived into Belfast about 9.40 where we got into the Black Taxi with 3 others with our driver Pat. Pat was brought up on the Falls Road, he brought us on a personal political tour of both the Falls and Shankhill Roads, bringing up close to some of famous murals on the Peace Wall, where we got to sign our names on to the Peace Wall. It was quite an interesting tour especially from someone actually who grew up in the area. We met the rest of the tour group at the Titanic Quarter, with even time to have a quick glance around the building. 

Once everyone was back on the bus, we departed Belfast and started the Coastal part of the tour, beginning with a stop at the Dun Luce Castle used as a film location as House of Greyjoy for The Game of Thrones. During this pitstop, the sun finally decided to make an appearance and the rest of the day was sunny and warm. During the coastal drive, Robbie and the Bus driver Ritchie, highlighted other film locations used for Game of Thrones such as Ballintoy used as Village of Pike and Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge as House of Baratheon. We stopped for our lunch at the Giant's Causeway, just before we disembarked Robbie told us the 3 different stories about how the Giant's Causeway were formed, the Creationist, Scientific and of course the famous Mythological Fionn Mac Cool which got the biggest reaction on the bus which was funny. We had about 2 hours stop here for lunch, Niamh and myself decided to walk and explore about first and eat after. Luckily  we decided to do that, as we got distracted by walking further and further enjoying the coastal landscape. By the time we actually got down to the Giant's Causeway itself which is Northern Ireland's only UNESCO World Heritage Site, time was going against us, we still were able to enjoy it fully and make it back on the bus with time to spare and then able to eat. Our last stop of the day was at the Carrick-A-Rede Rope bridge which was only about 10/15 mins down the road from the Giant's Causeway. The rope bridge from the main land to the island is connected by a rope bridge over a 30 m deep and 20 m wide chasm. Poor Niamh who has a slight fear of heights was unable to attempt the bridge, I felt the steps down the bridge itself more unnerving than the bridge itself. Once I crossed the bridge I was able to walk around the island to enjoy the cliff top views, before queueing back to cross the bridge again. After leaving this spot, we started the long drive back to Dublin, on the journey back Robbie was telling everyone about fairy trees and fairy rings and stop the bus at one stage to show a fairy tree which historical is always a hawthorn tree. We finally made it back to Dublin just before 8.30 pm although it was an extremely long day, it was worth the money, effort and the tiredness and it was capped out by the banter and expertise of Robbie and Ritchie.

After a slight sleep in, I got up with an air of excitement for Pride. We made our way to my mate Colm's place for a Pre-Parade Brunch via a quick stop off at smithfield. Whilst in Fresh in Smithfield, and at the ATM I got distracted and left the money behind me at the machine, I luckily got it back. After a tad confusion, we finally found Colm's place, there was a great atmosphere and buzz. There was a steady flow of people coming and going which kept the party atmosphere. Niamh left after a while to get her spot to watch the parade. The rest of us helped Colm tidy up before making our way to the parade, before joining the LGBT Helpline banner, as some of the group knew several of those behind that banner. After a few mins who did I see in the crowd but Clare, her brother and her cousin who were joining the same banner,  the people I met at Dublin Castle on May 23rd for the Referendum Result, which was so random and fun. Then literally a minute or two later, I saw Niamh along the route on O'Connell St. I rang Niamh after I reached the finishing area at Merrion Square, who was telling me the Parade had no sign of finishing. I heard after that 50,000 were out for the parade and lasted for almost 2 hours which is amazing. The atmosphere at Merrion Square was quite laid back and chilled. The Speeches and music got the crowd going. When I finally met Niamh, we had a good walk around Merrion Square to get back in as there was only one entrance. I met some people in Merrion Square throughout the day, who hadn't seen in years which was unreal. Niamh and myself finally met up with our group, and made our way towards Front Lounge where we spent most of our evening, getting quite merry and enjoying ourselves. We topped off the night, trying the new bar called Front Door where we remained until closing time. When I finally got home about 4 am, I was exhausted and quite tipsy when I realised was up for work in 4 hours. I think I have never been so hungover and my shift at work couldn't finish quick enough. However as the day processed I started to feel a lot better and the Chinese takeaway that tonight was the perfect way to finish off the weekend.

Pride on the Cobbles

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.