Birthday & Marathon Shenanigans

The excitement for the Flora Women Mini Marathon, all started when Clodagh came up on the Saturday afternoon, we spent the rest of the day and night, shopping and catching up on all the gossip. It was really when +Liam met us in town after work, when things got fun, as we all had to trek out on the bus, to the RDS to collect race numbers and goodies and sample the food on offer. After all that, decided to check out the Dublin Port Riverfest, in the docklands. All 3 of us, were a tad disappointed, how badly it was organised and lack of excitement about the place. Despite this lacklustre event, we strolled happily back into town for some grub, before the big arrival of my mother. We collected her off the coach, before making our way to the George, for the show and bingo. Somehow we aren't still sure how, but my mother managed to get a chair off the barman. Despite the place being packed due to the Bank Holiday. It was Clodagh's first time to the George and playing bingo. The show was hilarious especially as Aengus Mac Grianna, the RTÉ News presenter, was having his stag do there. The drag queens poked fun at him including showing the infamous blooper clip.
Myself and Clodagh left and got the last bus home, as we were tired and needed our sleep for the 10 km the next day. Liam and my mother stayed on until after the show and got home after 2 am, Liam told me. It seems I missed, one of the drag queen's Victoria Secret, fell on stage and sprained her ankle.

     

The following morning, myself and Clodagh met up with Liam and my mother in town for some breakfast. We ended up in brewleys at about 11.30, where they were offering all participants free hot beverage with their food. Once we were all refueled, we trekked out towards the Conrad hotel, cutting through St. Stephen Green, for  the Heart Children Ireland reception and bag drop, where we left our belongings except our phones, which Liam minded for us. It was time then to go to the starting area around Merrion Square. There was in excess of 40,000 women and men in drag. Liam told us after, that it took over 48 minutes to get everyone through the start line, by the time he got to the finish line, the elite runners had already began crossing the line, with the first one doing so in under 35 mins.  I crossed the line in 1hr39 mins which was thrilled with. We were all waiting for Liam back at the Conrad, who had all the phones. We were wondering where he was, when I phoned him from the hotel, telling we being there for 30/40 mins, he ran to meet us there. Where he told us, that he had been waiting for us at the finish line but couldn't see us and after waiting for so long decided to walk back the route towards Baggot street and back when I phoned. Once we were all together again, we crawled back to Grafton street, with medals in toe, where we bumped into my Godmother Anne-Marie outside BT. My mother managed to get a lift back on the bus with all girls to Ennis. Before saying goodbye to Clodagh the next day, Clodagh, Liam and myself, went for lunch at Luigi Malone'.

As shift on Saturday got cancelled, I decided to keep my fitness up and do the 5km parkrun in Griffeen Valley Park and my time was 43.57 mins. The following Sunday, I met up with Liam as usual after work for Brunch, which started off my Birthday celebration in Gotham Cafe followed by dessert in KC Peaches. This gotta us thinking maybe it was time for some cold beverages, so a small stroll over the river to Panti Bar, was in order. After relaxing for a small while with our drinks, we departed for our reserved front row in the George. Everyone got served a lot quicker at the bar, which was a great start. I got presents and cards from everyone which was really nice and sweet. Even the DJ, Karen took a photo of the group of us, which was great of her. From the onset of the show, Shirley Temple Bar commented about my birthday, saying that we'd be back to me later, which had me a tad worried.

 It was Martha and Sara first times, both to the G and playing Bingo. Although the jackpot itself wasn't won, everyone had a blast playing it, I came so close waiting on just one number, oh well. After bingo and few more drag numbers including Liam getting soaked with a water gun by Veda. It was time for the moment, Shirley referred to earlier, I was dragged on to stage and put on  a box, while everyone sang Happy Birthday and I gotta to blow out candles on a birthday cake too. I was given the cake to have and a bottle of Prosecco. Liam joked that he could have got them cheaper with his staff discount, recognizing the cake. Being M&S the cake was scrumptious of course, wouldn't except anything less. Towards the end of the night, Liam and me headed back to his. Everyone I was glad to hear and see had a fun and enjoyable night. It was  one of the best birthday's in a long time. The morning after, we both up and left for Dundrum, and had a bite to eat in Jamie's Kitchen before Liam started work. The highlight of the whole meal, was the homemade ice-cream and warm chocolate brownie, which I can still picture and taste, divine.

 

 For my birthday itself on Wednesday the 11th, Liam brought me on a food trail beginning with Worscht World and finishing at a little quaint bakery, before we decided to go to Dublinia, somewhere we been putting off for years. Luckily for Liam, managed to get 2 students prices for the tickets. As a group had just arrived before us, we had the remainder of the birthday cake, then climbed the steps up towards St. Michael's Tower, which had great views of the city. After our descend, seemed we timed it well, as we were in just in time for the 2.30 tour of the Viking area on the ground level. We were both pleasantly surprised how much, we enjoyed our visit and can't believe why we put it off for so long. After our visit to the medieval period, we continued on with this theme, and strolled the 2 mins to St. Audeons church, a place Liam had been to before, and told me I should visit. The church itself is the only remaining medieval parish church in Dublin still in use. It was peaceful visit, especially after the noises from the nearby street and was free. After our visit, we deserved a cold beverage, so ended up in Panti Bar, which it seems is turning into my local. Once we had cooled down, we got some food in a falafel Kebab place in Temple bar, before heading for our respective buses. I got my bus, still don't know why checked my bag, couldn't find my ipad, I rang Liam in a panic, who lucky hadn't got his bus, as it was running late, he hurried back to the previous places, we been to. While I waited to hear from him, I made a plea to the Saint of lost causes, St Anthony himself, whose Novena was on. Which I only knew from passing the Church of Adam and Eve. By pure luck, when Liam went back to Panti bar and asked the barman, someone had handed it in and it was there waiting for him. He jokingly tweeted me back with a pic of the rescued iPad, saying that I owed St. Anthony that money. It was a big relief.  

For my day off, I went into the Woolshed, to watch the Munster semi final Clare vs Cork game, despite a lacklustre game and bad result, I had fun time. After the game, went into Dame Street area to enjoy some of the YouBloom festival events, which is a free music festival. A particular highlight were the +The Hot Sprockets who were playing in the Mercantile. After a deserved sleep in, I met up with Liam after he finished work, and we walked in the gorgerous sun to the Grand Canal, for some pre-theater food. We had our meal in Herb Street restaurant, whilst sitting outside enjoying the sun. As we had some time to kill after collecting the tickets for show, we got ice cream due to the ideal weather for them. Once we entered the Bord Gais, Liam got a pint and ordered one for the interval. While waiting for the door to open,  we noticed a few celebrities about including Gay Byrne, Chris de Burgh and Rosanna Davison, as it was the press night for Let It Be. First impression of the seats were, thanks mam for winning them. Both Liam and myself couldnt be happier, and the whole stage had a pure 1960's feeling. Right from the onset of the show, the band got the whole audience involved and on several occasions had everyone on the feet dancing and singing along. Throughout the show, everything from the set, costumes, vocal and mannerisms of the Beatles were just perfect. During the 40 songs set list, the use of live camera and visual clips, added to the overall concert type feel. Everyone left the show, humming or singing the songs, myself included. Let It Be is possible one of the best tribute act type show I've ever seen. 

Beatlemania to Mersey Culture

After walking for 30 mins thru the rain, +Niamh and I finally managed to get the airport hopper at 4 am. We got to relax before making our way thru security. We were heading thru security when an issue with our bags came to light. It seems it was due to our iPads in our bags, since when do you need to remove such items from your bags and place into the trays provided. They need to inform people of such, as we were 2 out of 10 people in a row. After that issue was sorted, we walked through duty free, until we came upon the new chill out area, where we got to relax in the comfy chairs and charge our phones before making our way to our boarding gate. We surprisingly were first onto the plane. The flight itself to Liverpool was  over before we knew it, lasting 30 mins. First thing we saw,once we got outside the John Lennon airport, was a Beatles inspired sculpture, The Yellow Submarine. We hopped onto the 500, the express bus into town, which took roughly 20 mins.

We hopped off the bus at Albert Dock, where the first thing we did was get tickets for the 11.30 am Magical Mystery bus tour. As we had 2 hours to spare, we went and did The Beatles Story museum nearby, which was suggested by one of sales staff at ticket office on buying tickets. The Beatles Story took us the visitor on a journey through the lives, times, culture and music of The Beatles. From their origins, to the bands famous days at Abbey Road Studios via an underwater trip on the yellow submarine. Once we exited via the attached Starbucks, we made the 2 mins stroll onto the Magical Mystery bus. The tour was fun and fascinating lasting 2 hours, showing us places associated with the Beatles including their childhood homes and schools. Along the way, our tour guide Tommy kept us all entertained with Fab Four tunes and stories, stopping at Penny Lane and Strawberry Field. The tour finished at the legendary Cavern Club. The tour ticket gave us free admission and free small souvenir consisting of a Beatles postcard. After relaxing for a while and making use of the Cavern's free wifi, we walked quickly due to the rain to the Pier head, to experience the hidden Beatles gallery consisting of rare photographs and the 4D Beatles cinema, which we both felt could have been done a lot better. 

We literally ran to the nearby Museum of Liverpool, which was free entry, with particular highlights been the Beatles short film and little Liverpool section. After a scrumptious dinner, we were lucky, the rain finally stopped, so the search for our accommodation, Cocoon International Inn began, which in itself was a fun experience. We finally got to the place after a few detours and 12 hours after landing into Liverpool. It was one fun Beatles filled day. 

After a slight sleep-in, it was full engines blazing, with our first stop being the Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral  at Mount pleasant, we both felt that the cathedral, was one of the most unusual. At the other end of this street is the Anglian Cathredal, the biggest Cathredal in UK and the 5th biggest in the world.

From the Cathredal , we strolled towards the city centre passing by the Alephi hotel, to the Empire theatre where the Beatles famously played. Our first culture stop of the day, was the Walker Art gallery. The gallery had paintings and sculptures from the 13th century to present day. The building next door was the Central Library, which had a fun interactive book element on the pavement outside. To our pleasant surprise, the building next door was, the World Museum. The museum contained various fun elements including full scale dinosaur skeletons, aquariums and the obligatory section dedicated to ancient Egypt and Rome and an unusual fixture - living and speaking Sleeping Beauty type Princess complete with tiara.

After a  5 min breather, we strolled 15min to the Albert docks to the International Slavery Museum and Mersey Maritime Museum which were both located within the same building. We decided to start at the top floor and work our way down. The Slavery Museum highlighted the history of slavery and slave trade over the years. The next floor down,& the particular highlight overall was, The Untold Story of Titanic and finished off our visit to the Maritime Museum, we explored the history of maritime in Liverpool and sunken ships which co-insided with closing time. The upside of this day of culture was access to all these museums was free entry. To finish off the day, we went to Wetherspoons for Sunday roast and drink before the trek back to the hotel. 

What seemed like a pure wake up call, someone within the hotel at 5 in the morning had music blaring at full blast. Then someone started bagging on that room to turn it off, shouting people trying to sleep. Soon after that, we checked out and hopped into our taxi to the airport. First thing we noticed, was an ambulance and 3 cop cars at end of the next Main Street, got to love morning of a bank holiday. The final attractions we got to see was the Anglican cathedral and to our pure delight, we got to see the famous Chinese Arch on route to the airport. After finally boarding, just before 8 am and landed back in Dublin at 9 am, the 90 min plus bus journey home commenced.

Ed Sheeran To Harvey Nichols via Linda Martin

On route to work whilst on Twitter and Facebook, I managed to get the details and then buy 2 tickets for +Ed Sheeran secret gig at Vicar Street on May Bank holiday Monday. As soon as I could managed to change my hours in work to leave a tad bit earlier. After work on that Monday, I met +Niamh on route to the gig, where we met mates Micheal and Sarah in the bar of course, after collecting the tickets from the box office first. When Ed came on stage, everyone went crazy, ourselves included. He played for almost 90 mins non stop, a particular highlight besides Ed singing of course, was how he introduced his 90 years old grandmother, who was in the audience. It was one of the best intimate gig ever been at, and one that's made my year so far. We couldn't believe we got a full length gig for a tenner. I had to sprint like never before, to try to make my bus at the other side of the city, which I just about managed.      

              

The following Saturday, we met up for Pre Eurovision food, in Yamamori, before heading to Panti Bar for Eurovision madness. There was a surreal atmosphere and a packed house throughout the show. You could hear the love and hate for certain countries, which kinda made it more fun and interesting. Especially during the scoring stage, when Russia got points there was continuous booing. When Conchita Wurst of Austria, was finally announced the winner, the whole place erupted cheering and celebrating. After everyone calmed down, Panti and Linda Martin took to the stage and sang Terminal 3 together. Linda then sang Why Me, on her own. I was luckily enough afterwards to get a photo with her.

   

Sunday, I met Niamh at Merrion Square, for the Giro D'Italia, near the finish line of Stage 3 of the race. Stage 3 was a 187 km cycle from Armagh to Dublin which had it nail biting moments and infamous bike pill up along route. The stage was won by the German rider Kittel at the line, winning by half a wheel over the nearest competitor, on his birthday no less. It was surreal to watch and only re-watching on the big screen did everyone really see, how close it really was. There was a great turnover all along the route and in particular in Merrion Square.

We had to met up, the following Wednesday, as Niamh won 2 tickets for a preview screening of  Two Faces of January at Movies at Dundrum. This had a drinks reception beforehand on the fashion floor of Harvey Nichols. Niamh wasn't quite impressed that there wasn't any alternative to the alcohol, however better late than ever, iced water was finally brought out. I made the most of the drinks reception.

       

Road Trip to Cork

After an uneventful road trip down to Cork, the stay in the hotel itself was quite basic for what was meant to be a 4 star establishment. I was quite disappointed with the food I got for dinner and the lack of organisation over breakfast was outrageous. All in all, I'd be in no rush back, to stay at the Rochestown Park hotel. However on the upside, after the depressing weather on Saturday, luckily enough, we had some glorious sun shine for our trip down to Cobh. When we arrived into Cobh, first thing we saw was St. Coleman's Cathedral, which is one of Ireland's tallest buildings. After parking the car, we strolled along the seafront and we got a fabulous view of Spike Island, which was famously used previously as a prison and also we could see Haulbowline Island in the distance, the main naval base and headquarters of the Irish Naval service. At the other end of the seafront, there was a statue of Mary Moore and her brothers, who was the first person to be admitted to the States through the new immigration centre at Ellis Island in 1892. There is a duplicate of this statue on Ellis Island. We were gonna go to the Titanic Experience, both we felt it wasn't worth the 9.50 € entrance fee, instead decided to continue our road trip back through onto Blarney.

Despite the 12 euro entrance fee into Blarney Castle and Gardens, we decided sure to the heck with it, treat ourselves. I felt although that how expensive the fee was quite Irish. The gardens and Castle grounds themselves were very well maintained and landscaped, and you could see where the money was being pumped into. After passing the badger caves, and typical me bumping my head on the way out, which was quite nasty. We strolled into the fern garden, which has a grassy path lined with wild flowers and was very beautiful and tranquil. As we continued, our walk towards the Castle, we entered the poison garden hidden behind the Castle battlements. The plants in this garden are dangerous and toxic and we are warned to enter at our own risk. The garden contains a collection of poisonous plants from around the world including Cannabis, Opium, Mandrake,and Wolfsbane.  
                      
Then we commenced climbing the steps up the Castle to the top, the steps just kept going and going. When we finally got to the top of the Castle, it was very breezy and high although there was an amazing view of the Castle grounds. I was thinking how would +Niamh or even my mother cope with the height as I was even feeling a tad unsafe and weary up there. It was funny as only me would actually kiss the stone, the rest wouldn't and one was itching to get down as his fear of heights was getting to him. Ironically first thing I did myself was rush to the toilet and wash my hands and rinse out my mouth.

 After our trip to the Castle, we got back on the road and started our journey back to Dublin. Our road trip wasn't over, as we diverted to Newbridge and went into Newbridge Silverware to see KITT the car from Knight Rider and while in the vicinity we had a look around the showroom and the museum of Style Icons which hosts numerous collections and artefacts relating to various celebrities such as Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Princesses Grace and Diana and the Beatles. Once on the final leg of the trip back, we hit a snag, and got stuck in a traffic jam, before Newlands Cross due to a burst water mains, and all the traffic was diverted to Kingswood Interchange. Finally we got at this junction and back on our way after an hour, which felt like an eternity and hell frozen over. Despite the hick up at the end, the weekend as a whole and the road trip to Cork and back, was fun and relaxing, exactly what I needed.  

From the Jeanie to Miranda Hart

After quite a long week, both myself and +Niamh couldn't wait for Saturday and +Miranda Hart. We managed to get tickets on Living Social for the +Jeanie Johnston Tall Ship and Famine Museum for 6.50€ instead of 18 euro. I was lucky enough to get my bus to almost at the ship where I meet Niamh. There was a few people gathered outside the office, including ourselves, the door was locked, which worried a few of us, but the tour guide it seems runs the office and tour simultaneously. Although the tour started 20 minutes late, we all set off and boarded the ship. Our guide Paul, was quite the character and was very entertaining, described the history of the ship and lives of some of the crew and its passengers. It was quite an interesting tour and then our guide let us explore the main deck which was kinda fun in a childish way.

  After disembarking from the ship, we went on the search for food, which proved harder than we would have likened and the place we decided to try, ended up being not the best. After this sub par food, we decided to make the journey to +The O2, we decided to try a different route to see if it would be quicker for again, despite almost getting lost on route, we finally managed to collect our tickets. Once inside the arena, we went straight to the priority lounge to get a beverage or two and relax before the show at 8. We were quite comfy when we got snapped by an O2 angel. The resulting pic even surprised me how well it turned out.

  When we finally got to our seats, although we have never been so high up in the arena before, we still had a pretty decent view. From the off, Miranda had absolutely everyone in the audience in stitches laughing right to the interval. Lucky enough we had the passes to the lounge, neither of us had to join the awful queues for the toilets and even had time to get another drink to bring back in with us. I almost wet myself laughing with her antics and jokes. As we exited, we began to walk into town and we were lucky enough to get on the luas at Mayors dock and decided to sure head out for a while and went to Panti bar for the show, before some how ending up in the Czech inn playing foosball, which I some how lost to Niamh. It was a long, interesting, funny kinda day but was well worth the tiredness that followed the night link home, which I swear I was nearly home in record time.

  During one of my weekly meet up with Niamh, we decided to buy last minute tickets to go see Potted Potter in the Gaiety that evening, a Tuesday. After lunch in Wagamama's where we managed to get 2 for 1 thanks to Priority Moments, I showed Niamh the House of Lords in Bank of Ireland building on College Green. The show itself, headed up been quite a fun night out. The idea behind the show is a parody on Harry Potter and condensing all seven Harry Potter books with game of Quidditch into seventy quite hilarious minutes.

                    
This was followed by the next night, the Wednesday, with a night of wine and canapes at KC Peaches on Nassau Street, which I won on twitter, with a competition they were running, where you tweeted a picture of the food you were eating. The deal Niamh and me had was, I had the free wine and she had the canapes, with all the free refills, not too sure how many of glasses of wine I ended up having. This reception was followed by the movie in Cineworld. The movie was a premiere of Love Punch which is not out till thefollowing Friday. The movie itself was very funny and worth seeing.

To enjoy the Easter weekend, I met Niamh in town after I finished work at Panti Bar to celebrate International Record Store Day with a line up of musicians and bands including our mate Mark's act, Slap & Tickle, who was hilarious as ever. We ended up staying for the Panti show, which was one of the best. Anthony Cotton the actor who plays Sean Tully in Coronation Street was there, and one of  the number was a tribute to him, which was brilliant and got the whole audience laughing. I ended staying the night at Niamh's. 

Easter morning, we got ready to go to Millennium of the Battle of Clontarf and the Death of Brian Boru, out in St. Anne's Park Raheny which was transformed into a Viking Village, containing interactive displays of Viking life and demonstrations of Viking skills and crafts. The highlight of our day and of the whole event was the 45 minute large scale re-enactment of the battle of Clontarf with armed and Viking clad warriors which was preceded with warriors on horseback. It was scary at times, as the battle looked so real, it was only at the very end, did people actually notice, one of the warriors was injured for real, and an ambulance had to bring him away. In a sign of respect, there was a Viking barrier so no pictures could be taken and the crowd where moved back by the event security. No word as yet the state of the 'warrior's', hopefully he will be alright. 

After sampling some food at the taste of Clontarf, we hopped onto the bus just as the rain started to belt down, back into town. We decided to get warm and relax so ended up for pizza and drinks, for a food deal in Front Lounge before the bingo and Easter Revelations show in the George. We both agreed that this week was one of the best and definitely possible the funniest for a long time. As the jackpot was not won, we will have to struggle and drag ourselves there again next week. 

         

Lá Fhéile Naomh Pádraig

A great start to the St Patrick's Weekend, was watching the nail biting win of the Irish rugby team against France, to win the 6 Nations. The following morning, I went into town early to watch the Irish University Boat Races on the Liffey, between my Alma Mater UCD against bitter rivals Trinty. The 2km rowing course started at O'Connell Bridge at 11am and finished at St. James' Gate, I witnessed the race from the last bridge before the end. Unfortunately, however my Alma Mater UCD lost to TCD to win the Gannon Cup. After the race, I strolled towards St. Stephen Green to watch the start of the 5k road race at 12 noon. At the end of the race, I noticed someone dressed as Mickey Mouse making balloons animals, walking down Grafton Street.

As I had time to spare before Liam came into town after work, I strolled to Merrion Square to check out the street carnival, Big Day Out. Which was packed with street performers, music, SFI Discover Science Zone, Gaelspraoi and art zones. So by the time, I met up with Liam, I had the place well scouted out. We had some random photo ops, including trying to get back out of a massive beach style chair, which was hilarious.

 As we walked through the festivities, we came upon superheroes, butterflies and other street performers, and then we stopped to watch the Imaginerie Menagerie, which was quite interesting and funny. After this open air show, we walked checking out the food carts/vans, rides and the Dublin UNESCO Literary Zone where we dressed up as superhoreos in the costumed photo booth and got some free photos. Next to this stand, we got our faces painted for the occasion for free at the FM 104 van and also got some free goodies from them too.

 To end our time at the Big Day Out, we went to watch the Barren Carousal, the show I had seen earlier but dragged Liam to see, as with it's sense of unique humour, aerobatics and interaction was a particular highlight and probably the best show there. When I had seen the show earlier that afternoon, my legs fell asleep on the mats on the ground, got cramps and had hard time getting up, which funny enough happened Liam, this time despite me warning him, it might happen. After dinner, it was time for our Sunday ritual, Bingo in the G, which was busier than usual, in part due to the Bank holiday and €1,900 jackpot. After the pre-bingo drag show, the bingo got underway, the excitement was infectious. For ages I was waiting for just one number, however it seemed luck wasn't on our side, as the jackpot was won. After what seemed like a quite random fun night with both Liam and myself bumping into people we knew.

On the route to the bus and home, we got to see some of the buildings that had gone green as part of the Greening the City. To make things easier for the parade the next day, Liam stayed at mine, and we both joked that it was the quickest bus home. It was early to rise, the next morning even with Liam hangover in toe, lucky we left when we did for the bus, as the bus filled up very quick on route. Once we got food and coffee to take away, we stalked out a good viewing point for the parade at about 10am. We got lucky with our viewing point and got to enjoy the whole of the parade uninterrupted. The parade was quite colourful and captured the theme 'Let's Make History' with a particular highlight of the floats by Spraoi celebrating the Battle of Clontarf - 1000 years on.

 To celebrate our alcohol free Patrick's day, we went exploring thru the quays and grand canal before lunch and finally relaxing in Accents for tea and festive cupcakes. Liam was after his herbal tea, out for the count, and dossed in the comfy chairs. The funniest thing of the day, happened soon after we left Accents, when somehow Liam fell hands first off the footpath on the road, slightly grazing his hands and knees. What's funnier is that he said, he probably wouldn't do it if he was drunk, and I say his right with that.

To finish off our Patrick's festivities, we decided to head on a Wicklow day tour in particular to Glendalough. We were lucky to get discounted voucher on Groupon for 13 euro instead of 24 euro each. We left from our departure spot on O Connell St approx, 9.15am. We barely had left the city when we witnessed 2 cars involved in a collision near Merrion Square and our driver Richie had us in stitches for the duration of the trip. After collecting the last of the passengers, we had a full bus and a variety of nationalities from 17 countries. After short drive into the Wicklow, We entered the Glencree Valley and first stop of the day, at the Glencree Centre for Peace and Reconciliation. Now a centre for peace talks, previously was famous for housing children refugees after WWII in 1946 in an initiative known as Operation Shamrock. After hopping back on the bus, we drove through bog lands and heather fields before stopping at the PS I Love You bridge, for the required Photo, while the bus driver had Mundy's Galway Girl playing. A further little up the road, we got off the bus for a photo stop at the Guinness Lakes, although it was quite windy, it was quite beautiful. 

After getting out of the wind, back on the bus, we headed towards Glendalough, situated in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Glendalough's 10th century monastic round tower settlement is located in a glacial valley and offered us with a leisurely walk to the lower and upper lakes. When we got to the upper lakes, Liam noticed the biggest rip on his chinos, that totally destroyed him, it was hilarious, he must have got caught on something on route. Luckily enough he was able to use my jumper around his waist. Before the trek back to the coach, we hiked up towards the Poulanass Waterfall, despite the hike, the view was worth it.

We departed Glendalough, making our way towards Avoca village for our lunch spot, on route passing through the Meeting of the Waters, made famous by poet Thomas Moore. The Meeting of the Waters is a spot where the Avoca rivers join together in the Vale of Avoca. We had lunch in Fitzgerald's Pub in Avoca Village, made famous in Ballykissangel, where Liam sampled the local Glendalough Poitin. Once back on the bus, we literally travelled about 200m to Avoca Handweavers, where we got a tour of the woollen mill, which is Ireland's oldest working woollen mill. After hopping back on the bus for the last time, we began the journey back to Dublin. Our first port of call after the tour was to get Liam new chinos and actually see how bad the damaged was, which was worse then we thought .

 Both of us, were delighted with the tour and especially with our tour guide Richie, who made the whole experience. Despite some of the interesting setbacks at Glendalough, the scenic views throughout the trip made up for them.