This is my last night in Dublin, and Ireland, and I’m sad that I didn’t get a chance to see more of this great country! To say that Ireland loves “the black stuff” would be an understatement, and I would know: on some days, I’m sure I’ve consumed more Guinness than water! And of course, no trip to Dublin would be complete without a visit pilgrimage to the Guinness Storehouse at St James Gate. It may be overpriced at €15, but you do get a pint of product at the very end: the Gravity Bar, which has 360° views of the Dublin skyline. In my case, I didn’t wait until then, because in the floor below, you get the opportunity to pull your own pint, and I have the certificate to prove it:
While at the tour, I met another Canadian who saw my flag patch on my backpack. After talking to six in the first three weeks, I talk to six in a 24-hour period! Two of them were this couple from Ontario, both 70. One of them actually expressed a craving for Tim Hortons, and I told him that it’s available in Ireland. Hopefully he gets a chance for the Canadian black stuff (before the double-double) before he goes. The picture below is of the Tim Ho sandwich board I shot in Belfast:
OK, as promised, some photos that I think are interesting during the Irish portion of the trip. About an hour’s bus ride from Belfast is Armagh, which has archbishoprics for both the Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland (Anglican). I went to the Anglican cathedral first, and while amazing in itself, I became awestruck going inside the Catholic cathedral. Take a look for yourselves, but the cathedrals are better appreciated in person.
The Tour of Ireland cycling race passed through Westport. This is a shot of the peloton, or the main group chasing the leaders.
And this is painted on most of Dublin’s crosswalks. I’m slowly starting to get it, to the point where I can cross with the locals (who just ignore the walk/don’t walk signage), much to the amazement of the map-holding tourists patiently waiting for the signal to change.
Next: the Welsh experience…
