From Voyage to FLC

We started off the New Year with a mini adventure and city break to Belfast. So the first Saturday of January, we both met in the city centre for breakfast at O'Neills on Suffolk street at 9 am before catching the 10 am Goldline bus to Belfast from Busaras.  The journey itself took about 2.5 hours and when arrived it was a tad over cast. So we attempted to go and find the hotel - Park Inn using Google maps. After awhile we got lost, lucky enough we backtracked and some how managed to find the hotel. We checked into the hotel, and then went off sightseeing via the Victoria Square shopping centre. As the whole reason in the first place for the visit, was for Liam to try and get his phone fixed through the manufacturer themselves. After waiting a while, we finally got seen at the Genius bar and a replacement phone was ordered in for collection at a later date. After the technical part of the weekend out of the way, it was time to have some fun or that was the plan.

 First port of call, was to the public viewing square on the 3rd level which is entirely covered by a glass dome, and from this platform, there is beautiful sights of the city. After the obligatory picture of both Liam and I, we decided it was time to visit the Titanic quarter. We managed to get the metro bus from the waterfront which dropped us almost directly outside the Titanic Experience. As we had passes we managed to get 10% off the cost of admission which normally costs 14.75. The Experience had such much to offer, that neither of us noticed the time get away from us, as the building explores what life was like in Belfast at that time, as the city was thriving in areas such as engineering, ship-building and linen manufacturing. After experiencing what boomtown Belfast was like in early part of the 20th century, we passed through the original Harland & Wolff shipyard gates and got the lift to continue our journey. At the top floor, we boarded the Shipyard Ride, which ascend into a replica of one of the hugh pillars of the Arrol Gantry which originally was erected alongside the 2 giant slipways that were built in 1908 to prepare for the construction of the Olympic and Titanic. These slipways still exist at the back of the Titanic Quarter.

            

 

After disembarking from the ride, we entered Gallery four, which contained range of original artefacts, exhibits, model and CGI video that illustrated The Ship of Dreams interior. After leaving the fitting out gallery, we entered the gallery that detailed the ship's maiden voyage, and discovered what life on board Titanic was actually like helped by the famous photographs taken by Irish Thelogical student Francis Browne. Directly after this Maiden Voyage gallery, we entered a detailed gallery describing the sinking and immediate aftermath of the Titanic, which occurred at 11.40pm on April 14th 1912 when the sink raced into an iceberg with the loss of 1,500 men, women and children. The aftermath gallery explores the inquiries held on both sides of the Atlantic, as the ship was British built and American owned. The inquiries examined how and why the disaster occurred, while trying to find a culprit to blame. This gallery brings together all the details from these inquiries and news reports using a range of recordings, re-enacted performances and exhibits. Towards the end of this experience, we entered the Myths and Legends gallery which brings together the many books, movies and songs inspired by the Titanic story. The final gallery we entered is a multi level gallery which explores Titanic's final resting place nearly 2.5 miles below sea level. Before leaving the building, we were able to obtain a souvenir ticket of our experience. 

After our entailed, fun filled experience, we went outside to explore the slipways of Olympic and Titanic. Because of the time of day, we decided to walk back towards the city centre, along the way, we noticed the tender to RMS Olympic and Titanic, SS Nomadic. We decided on our return trip to Belfast to collect Liam's replacement phone, that we would visit, the last surviving White Star Line vessel. At the waterfront, after we crossed over the bridge we noticed the statue of a Big Fish, we were informed afterwards, that statue represents the Salmon of Knowledge, located on Donegall Quay. 

At this stage of the day, we were both hungry, so decided to find somewhere to eat near the hotel. On route back, we passed City Hall, which looked amazing with all the Christmas decorations and lights. 

We decided on Wetherspoons, and had one of their meal deals, then having a few drinks before heading back to the hotel to unwind after our day. The following morning we were unfortunate, that the weather was so bad, that we were stuck in the hotel for the day, lucky enough it gave us time to rest after working over the Christmas. Although the weather was against us on this trip,we both agreed that Belfast was an amazing city and definitely worth visit again soon. Typical in Liam fashion, he received a phone call the Tuesday after we got back, to inform him that his phone had arrived and was ready for collection. So decided to make a return day trip for the following Tuesday and to make the most of it, regardless of the weather. 

Between Liam and me, we managed to get 2 tickets for Ed Sheeran when they went on Sale on Friday 10th, pure lucky as we only managed to get ones for added dates, we ironically enough suits us better. Only Sunday I meet up with Liam after he finished work, and we went to the cinema to see Frozen, which made us both want to go to Disneyland. After some food, its was time for a game of pool and drinks in Dandelion and Capital  before Bingo in the George.

We arrived just before 9 to make sure we had seats and a good view. We had a good laugh, I hadn't been to Bingo and the drag show in years, I informed Liam that we must do this again soon. After we both managed to get our last buses, and arrived home, we got online and booked flights and Disney package for Disneyland Paris for the start of February. So on Tuesday morning, I meet Liam on O'Connell street, where he attempted to redraw money from the Ulster Bank branch ATM, however his card got swallowed by the machine. Lucky enough though, I could from the one at Busaras. On the upside, we managed to board an earlier  bus then we originally planned and got to observe an amazing sunrise over Dublin. After completing the compulsory business involving Liam's phone, we had a gorgerous breakfast on the top level of the Victoria Square in Frankie and Benny's. We decided as we had plenty of time before returning back to Dublin that this time, we would do a sight seeing bus tour, +Belfast City Sightseeing Hop on/ Hop off one. I managed to get both of us the concession student price. As the tours in Belfast were on a winter schedule, we were on a strict time table. As we promised last time, we got off at the Titanic quarter to do a tour of SS Nomadic.

As we went into the office to purchase the tickets and handed in city sightseeing ticket for a discount, we both were surprised that they gave us tickets for free. It was a mistake on their part, but lucky for us. We boarded the ship for the 1.30 pm tour,  which has been restored to her original 1911 glory combined authentic heritage and atmosphere with intriguing stories of her passengers to demonstrate its dramatic 100 career. Nomadic Experience explores how Titanic first-class passengers marveled at it's grandeur and luxury. We meet and chatted with the holographic Pierre, the first-class barman. The tour illustrates some of the extra-ordinary journeys that passengers embarked upon and about the great era of emigration, also in this section, there is a fun interactive area involving dress up in the clothes of that era. During wartime, the Nomadic performed dangerous tasks and played active service in both World Wars. Inside the lower deck, we discovered the story of it's construction and of Cherbourg Port where she spent her career. This area has interactive elements, such as a game where you get to sheer the ship or dress up as a crew-member.
Also in this area, we stepped inside the cramped crew quarters and experienced the stark contrast to the luxurious first and second class passenger areas. After 57 years as a passenger tender, Nomadic was retired in 1968, we then learned of the years the tender spent in Paris as a restaurant and nightclub before been returned to Belfast and been restored to her original 1911 condition. The Nomadic has only been opened to the Public since June 2013, the cost of admission is normally £6.50 and again time got away from us because before we knew it, we were rushing to catch the last bus of the City Sightseeing at 3 pm. Once back on the bus, we passed the Pump House, which was the final spot Titanic rested on dry ground. From here, we travelled to Stormont Parliament which is the home of the Assembly. On our way back we passed by the George Best Airport on route through the city, we passed by the St George Market which is a heritage market offering local food, crafts and music until 2pm daily. From this area, we continue towards the Cathedral quarter, which is the Belfast version of Dublin's Temple bar and also houses, Belfast oldest bar, White's Tavern been on site in Winecellar Entry since 1630. St Anne's Anglican Cathedral has the largest Celtic cross in Ireland on the north side, which is a memorial monument to Belfast victims of the First World War. From here, we travelled towards the peace wall via Crumlin Road Gaol, which was a former prison situated in north Belfast and is the only Victorian era prison remaining in Northern Ireland and been derelict since 1996. Across from the Gaol, stands the Crumlin Road Courthouse, also derelict. A tunnel under the main road connected the two buildings and was used to transport the prisoners to the courthouse. Then we entered the Cupar Way Peace Wall which is one of the original 'peace' barriers in the city separating the Unionist Shankill Road from the Nationalist Falls Road. Our Bus guide, Karen, described the historical and emotional significance of the Peace Wall, you could nearly hear a pin drop on the packed bus, everyone was emotional as we drove through these areas. The mural of Bobby Sands, the republican hunger striker, is one of the most photographed murals in Belfast.

  After the emotional trip through the Peace Wall, we continued our journey along University Road, which is house to Queen's University, the Botanic Gardens and Ulster Museum. To finish off our tour, we passed by the Europa Hotel, which was the only hotel during the worst years of the Troubles and the most bombed hotel in Europe. We both agreed, that we were glad that this time, we did the bus tour, as it was such an interesting and fun experience. To warm up after the tour, we went to the Victoria Square to get Lunch before our journey home. We decided to try Chiquito, a Mexican restaurant and of course the compulsory churros, which reminded us so much of having them at Movie World on the Gold Coast in Queensland. We managed to be in time for the next bus leaving for Dublin. Although it was a jam packed day, it was full of fun and history.
To continue on this historical theme, we decided to finally make our way to the Marsh Library, the next day. The library is located on St. Patrick's Close, just behind St. Patrick's Cathedral and has a entrance fee of €3 or €2 for students. The library was built in 1701 by Archbishop Narcissus Marsh and was the first public library in Ireland. It is one of the few 18th century buildings left in Dublin that is still being used for its original purpose. The interior of the library has remained unchanged for three centuries, with its original dark oak bookcases each with carved and lettered gables housing more than 25,000 rare and fascinating books. The walk through this perfectly preserved library of the early Enlightenment, was quite unusual yet fascinating and definitely worth a visit.

  We decided while we had time to spare, we finally managed to visit the Dolls Hospital and Museum on the top floor in the Powercourt Centre, when it was still opened. It was surreal to see Ireland's oldest Toy store and some of its famous merchandise such as Bosco.

As we wanted to try a nice coffee place, we passed one on South William St and it looked kinda funky and decided to try it, +Clement and Pekoe, I had a quaint homemade hot chocolate with real Chocolate to dip into it and the pastries were also homemade and were to die for. After such a taxing day, lol, it was time to unwind with cocktails and game of pool in Dandelion before we went to support our friend +Mark Cox, who was performing at the Song Room in the Globe. 

To round off such a fun week, we went to a gig in the Academy, that I had won tickets to, the Fun Loving Criminals. So I meet Liam after he finished work and went for tapas in the Porthouse on South Williams Street followed by drinks at Lafayette before making our way to the Academy. The night started off great with the warm up act, the Propeller Palms, who were brilliant, then went into the stratosphere when the FLC came on to the stage. The entire set was one we won't forget in a hurry, it was a night to remember.   

Christmas / NYE 2013

The season of giving seemed to begin early this year, when on Friday 22nd my mother rang to tell she just won tickets to see 30 Seconds to Mars, and then within minutes, managed to get Dublin Zoo tickets for just 5 euro each for myself and Niamh. I some how was onto a roll, as I got nearly all my Christmas Presents bought that afternoon too. So the following day, both Niamh and myself were excited as finally after months of waiting, the 50th anniversary special of Doctor Who, the Day of the Doctor was being aired. We decided, we wanted to experience, the atmosphere of the audience in a cinema. So we got our tickets for the Savoy, the buzz around the special was great even with the movie screen. We both agreed it was the right choice to have seen it at the cinema.
On Monday, with tickets in our hands, we made our way to the O2, to go see 30 Seconds to Mars via Harry's Bar. The support act You Me at Six were very entertaining and got the audience fired up for the band. 30 Seconds to Mars lead singer Jared Leto is a real showman, and knew how to entertain the crowd and made the concert very enjoyable. We were very glad, we were able to be there.

 As we were going to the Zoo the following day, I stayed the night at hers. We both thoroughly enjoyed the day even despite the winter breeze. We finished our day with dinner in town, and lucky we managed to get home before the rain got too bad.

Later on that week, I booked my train home for the following weekend and to my surprise, Niamh told me she was able to go home that weekend too, so booked the same train. It was turning into a Christmas filled weekend, with most of presents now wrapped, food ordered for the house Christmas dinner and finally hearing the An Post Walking in the Air advert. To top it off, December 1st, we as a house, all started to decorate the Christmas tree which was fun. 

The week started to fly, to my journey home, which was helped by receiving my first Christmas card which actually was from a customer in work, to me watching various different Christmas Movies. I meet Niamh at the train station, on Saturday morning 7th, for our trip home, which was special, as it was only opportunity for either of us to get home for Christmas, as we both working it. We were greeted at the station by our father, who brought us to see our mother. Hugs and kisses all around, so after a quick shop, off home to relax for a while before that evening's fun. To our pleasant surprise, they had already put up the Christmas decorations and tree for us, which we were both delighted with. 

Our parents had every little details arranged for us, even down to the kitchen table and our favourite Christmas foods. When everyone was home, and settled that evening, we all sat down for the dinner, with Christmas music even playing in the background. Like years gone by, I went up for seconds and maybe even thirds of the stuffing, I always did love my mother bread and potato stuffing. After dinner, we all chilled watching tv, catching up over wine, especially since, we all hadn't been home together since August.   

 

So before desert, Niamh and me, gave our presents to our parents, the highlight being, the double family crest we had made especially for them, to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary. They were delighted with it, which made our night. We enjoyed the rest of the night, and we all agreed, possible one the best Christmas's we had in years.  

 The following day, as per traditional, we made our way out to our Granny's for the night. It was great to see her again, we gave her, her birthday and Christmas presents along with her Christmas dinner. She was over the moon, to see both Niamh and me, which was great. Doesn't she look fantastic for 91.

Like most things, things have to come to an end, so the following morning, we got the train back to Dublin and reality. As the week went on, and to my surprise, during one of usual searches online, I managed to grab tickets for the sold out, For the Love of Mrs Brown, that had become available that morning, thank you ticket master, was all I could think of. It was a great mid week pick me up, and also was great, as originally both Niamh and me had tried to get tickets previous but had no luck. So by the time Saturday 14th had come around, shock shock, our mother had won another competition. This time, this prize was unreal, as it involved a hotel in a 5 star hotel, 2 tickets to see André Rieu and then meet him afterwards. I lucky enough had enough time, to meet Niamh and for us to make our way to Mrs Brown Boys after I finished work. The show was absolutely hilarious, the whole audience were in stitches. At one point, I was crying with laughter. After the standing ovations and such, the audience were surprised when a member of audience proposed to his girlfriend. Niamh had me laughing when she reminded me about the instance in the Gold Coast. This is becoming something of a habit.

On Tuesday 17th, our mother got the train up to Dublin, where Niamh meet her at the station, and I met them near Mayors Docks. We wanted to get rid of our bags, so we decided to leave them at the hotel, The Marker. To our pleasant surprise, our room was ready, and it was only 11.30 am. So we went to the room, which was exquisite, got somethings ready before heading into town to go shopping.

 On our return, our goodie bag which included the tickets and various CDs and DVDs. We then prepared for our night ahead, beginning with a dinner in The Brasserie in the hotel. We had a glass of wine before making our way to the O2, whereas Niamh made use of the hotel spa and pool facilities, which she told us were amazing.

We arrived with time to spare, so we went into the priority blueroom bar, which I had pre booked online. Then made our way to our seats, we had brilliant view of the stage and show. The Concert itself was out of this world, the whole production was brilliant, right down to the encore. After the concert, we were ushered back stage, where we met some of the soloists and finally got to met the man himself, André Rieu. Although he had a severely bad cold, he was an absolute gent and signed my scarf and posed for photos. It was surreal meeting him and we both agreed that it was a totally amazing show. 

The following morning, just after check out, I bought some Cronuts, which we had all heard some much about from tv shows and reading online, that we just had to try some. A Cronut is a croissant-doughnut pastry which was only invented this May in New York. I can understand the hype, as this pastry is just gastro-heaven. After leaving the hotel, we made our way to the docklands Christmas festival, where we had a festive mulled wine and enjoyed samba music from a local school. When the phone goes off, and mother gets informed she won a prize in The Loop competition, which was a pleasant surprise. After  we had dinner in town later that afternoon, we all said our goodbyes, and Niamh dropped our mother off at the Station on route home. It was great to see our mother, we all had a ball and must do it again soon.

On a recommendation of my mother, I entered a competition for the ballet, The Nutcracker, on in the Convention Centre. I got informed then Thursday afternoon, to my shock, I actually won tickets to it. It was my first time being in the Convention Centre, which is quite and impressive building. I was in the Stalls bout 6 rows from the stage and an amazing view. Monica Loughman's The Nutcraker had an elaborate stage production and costumes. The Nutcraker is a two act ballet with a score by Tchaikovsky. The second act music and ballet was just pure magic and so festive. The principle dancers of the cast were just amazing. It was a great production and cast, and really got one into the festive mood.

On Christmas Eve, both Niamh and me, met in town for a spot of food shopping and lunch. We enjoyed a carvey lunch in O'Neills on Suffolk street, whilst swapping our Christmas presents. After lunch Niamh got a nice surprise from work, had received annual leave for Christmas Day. We rounded our day off in town by enjoying a Christmas drink in No. 37 Dawson st before heading back to Niamh's to enjoy a relaxing Christmas. Somehow we managed to stay up till 4 am watching movies on TV and doing puzzles, who knew it could be so much fun, brought us back to our childhood. After a slight sleep in, we finally got up to prepare and cook Christmas dinner. We had a delicious dinner whilst watching Christmas movies on tv. We both ended up with food comas on the two couches and couldn't move. We just about recovered in time to watch the  Christmas  specials of Call the Midwife and Doctor Who, which was full of emotion and drama with the departure of Matt Smith as the Doctor. To round off this relaxing day, we watched the Mrs Brown Boys special before I had to get a taxi home, as both Niamh and me, were working St. Stephens day. 

By the time we next met up, on the following Sunday to organise and book our Belfast trip, I had won a pair of tickets for the NYE Dublin Festival at College Green through one of the sponsors Facebook pages. We managed to get a fantastic deal on a hotel for our Belfast trip, thanks to Hotels.com. The deal included 2 nights B&B at the Park Inn for 112 € instead of 224. 

NYE we decided to meet up for lunch and to make a day and night of it. So before we met up, I made my way to collect the tickets for the concert. We had lunch at Wagamama where the drinking shenanigans commenced. From here we walked to No.37 Dawson to continue our NYE fun. Niamh realised she might be freezing later, so we had to make a detour to H&M to buy a cardigan. After we made the short stroll to Dandelion to get our spot, to watch the Procession of Light which consisted of fire-breathers, slit walkers, dancers and a variety of other street entertainers which made its way down Grafton Street. The theme of the procession of light this year, was 'The light is on, come on in.' Once the procession had concluded, we made our way towards College Green to make our way into the concert area. We managed to get a great spot, just in time to see Seo Linn come on stage. As the night processed, and the remaining acts came on before Madness such as The Strypes, Ryan Sherdian, and MKS. Madness took to the stage in time for the countdown to 2014. Although the countdown itself was great craic, the concert on the whole and especially Madness, left something to be desired and definitely wouldn't be worth the money, if we had to pay for it ourselves. What made the night for us, were meeting strangers in the crowd and chatting with them. As was to be expected with a night like NYE, taxis were impossible to come by, we finally managed to get back to Niamh's about 3.40 am. Depsite the let down of the concert itself, the night was a great blast.

It was nice to welcome 2014 in a different way.  

Irish Government Buildings

To complete our Heritage and Culture tour of Dublin, we rounded off with political buildings. We commenced with Dublin Castle. The function which has changed through its history, from a defensive fortification, evolving into a royal residence and finally into of ceremony such as the inauguration of the President and hosting official State visits. The next political influenced stop and one of the historic buildings which has eluded us for years, was Farmleigh House and Estate, which is the official guest house of the Irish State for visiting heads of State and dignitaries. It formerly was one of the residences of the Guinness family.

Next stop on this political tour began with Bank of Ireland, College Green, the former home of the Irish Houses of Parliament, was the world's first purpose-built two-chamber parliament house. It served as the seat of both chambers, - the Lords and Commons of the Irish Parliament of the Kingdom Of Ireland for most of the 18th century until it was abolished by the Act of Union of 1800, when Ireland became part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. In 1803, Bank of Ireland bought the building from the British Government for £40,000 for use as its headquarters. One proviso was stipulated; it was to be so adapted that it never could be used as a parliament again. Certain contents have remained within the building such as the original two tapestries depicting the Siege of Derry and Battle of the Boyne and the Mace of the Hose of Commons. The House of Lords is open to the public, free of charge during the opening hours of the bank. Seeing the tapestries and the elaborate plaster work on the walls and ceiling are worth a visit alone. 

After my visit at the old parliament, I walked to Leinster house for a visit to the public galleries of the Dáil and Seanad and meet my local senator Tony Mulcahy. I arrived in time to watch Taoiseach question time, and what I watched unfold, felt something like a circus. I got so enthralled with this, I missed my tour of Leinster House, therefore will have to return again for the tour. I met with the senator's intern who showed me where the Seanad and canteen where, before I met up with the senator. I met the senator at the Main entrance to Leinster House, who brought me to the infamous Dáil bar, where we chatted bought the workings of the Seanad and local Clare politics. I definitely will return for the tour at the weekend and maybe next time bring +Niamh with me to meet our senators and the Dáil bar. 

On Saturday morning, made my way toward the National Gallery, which was the meeting point for the tour of the Taoiseach office. The tour is free and leaves every Saturday morning from the gallery. We left the gallery, just before half ten, and walked around to the Merrion Square entrance of Government Buildings. Our tour guide gave us the history of the buildings. The foundation stone was laid in 1904 by King Edward VII and only the western half of the site was completed for the college inaugurated by King George V in 1911. The balancing north and south wings were not completed until 1922. The Executive Countil of the Irish Free State in 1922 along with several of its Government Departments, moved into the offices of the north wing because office space in the city was in short supply due to the destruction of buildings. The Royal College of Science which merged with UCD in the 1920's continued in the west wing until 1989 and its transfer to the Belfield campus. The OPW refurbished the west wing into offices for government departments. Inside the entrance hall, one of the first thing you notice is the luminous stained glass window entitled "My Four Green Field" by Evie Hone and dates from 1939 when it was commissioned for the New York World Trade Fair, and depicts the four provinces of Ireland. The Taoiseach Office is located on the first floor, where the walls are panelled with oak and has a Bossi fireplace. To finish off the tour, we visited the Cabinet Room, where a series of portrait drawings of Irish historical figures are hanging on the walls. The current Cabinet table which is made of Irish burr walnet, is the third one since the foundation of the State. The second table which was used from 1959 until 2004, is in the adjacent room to the Cabinet Room. The original table, Eamon de Valera took with him to Áras an Uachtarain, when he became president.

Therefore my next and final stop on the political buildings of Dublin was Áras an Uachtarain. I hopped off the bus near Ashtown Gate, and attempted to find my way towards the visitor centre in Phoenix Park. After getting somehow a tad lost, finally found the centre and got my ticket for the next available tour at 1.30 pm. As I had some time to spare, I went exploring the Castle and its grounds and the exhibition in the visitor centre. The tour is free and occurs every Saturday and leaves from the car park. To my surprise, there was 2 mini buses operating for my tour. The Áras was built in 1751 and is situated in 1,752 acres. Originally used by the Park Ranger, by 1782 it had being acquired by the British government for use by the Viceroys who oversaw British rule in Ireland. The house was the official residence for the Viceroys until 1922 when it became the residence of the Governors General, the Crown's representatives. In 1938, it became the Official Residence of the President. Over the years, there been improvements and additions to the house. In particular the establishment of formal gardens in the 1840's, addition of the East Wing in 1849 for the state visit of Queen Victoria and extension of the West Wing for the visit of George V in 1911. During the tour, the guide highlighted several interesting aspects of the house, such as the Dining Room, where the portraits of the past presidents are hung and the presence of the original Cabinet table. The plaster work on the ceilings and walls are just outstanding, with several depicting Greek Mythology or fable stories. The tour was quite interesting and worth a visit.