Dublin

We had been keen to get to either a game of Hurling or Gaelic Football. We had no luck with timing the football and had to go an hour out of our way to get to a Hurling game, but it was worth it and fun.

Leaving Belfast with Dublin as our ultimate destination, we passed on by to Kilkenny for a 2:30pm game. The local team was playing Offaly. Kilkenny won! It was quite interesting to watch. Sort of a cross between hockey and AFL. (Bede you would love it!)

What stood out the most though was the great sportsmanship and behaviour of the crowd and players. For starters there are no drinks sold at the field and only a few lollies for the kids for purchase during half time. So no drunken behaviour. Not once did we hear anyone from the audience screaming abuse at the ref or a player. No feigned theatrics by the players to try and get a penalty, no unnecessary pushing and shoving away from the play of the ball, if a coach brought on a bottle of water for a player to have a drink he would squirt some into him mouth then pass it to his opponent to have a drink too. It was refreshing to see!

They use a ball similar to a cricket ball but it has approx 5mm high ridges where the seams are. The stick/bat they use is called a Hurley. (my taxi driver cleared up this query we had Steve).

It is clearly a very popular game there. In the crowd boys and girls from as young as 4 were running around with their hurley's in one hand and often helmets in the other. At half time all the kids go on the field to hit to each other. They hold the Hurley in their right hand and catch the ball with their left. This ambidextrious skill takes some practise no doubt.

From Kilkenny it was an hours drive back to Dublin. We checked in and before long headed out with the hope of finding some 'diddly' - traditional Irish music. Before long we noted Dublin was certainly much more touristy.

We headed to Temple Bar which is a region of a few blocks with just pedestrian streets. Bingo! We hit gold.... nearly every bar/pub had live music and some traditional Irish dancing too. Some we tried were so packed we gave up trying.

We ended up in a great little place. It was also very busy but at least we could get a drink and find some standing room to watch the 3 piece band.



Squashed but happy to tap our feet to the music.

The next morning was my last day. I was happy to find many cafe's just in the block behind the hotel. Coffee, juice, a wholemeal berry scone and a read of the local paper I was set for the day.



There is a small river through the centre of Dublin. The road along each side goes one way and there are many pedestrian and traffic bridges crossing it. I thought this traffic bridge was pretty interesting.

On recommendation from Michelle I walked over to Trinity University to see the Book of Kells as well as their amazing 'long room' library. You will have to google these for images as there were no photos allowed. It was a bit of a queue to get in but worth the wait. From there I wandered through the gorgeous gardens of St Stephen's Green and back through the major pedestrian shoppng districts. These were extensive and very very busy.

After a light salad lunch it was back to the hotel by 2:30pm to get organised and off to the airport by 3:30pm.

My trip home was reasonably uneventful. I have mentally blocked the fact that the headset didnt work on the first half and the 3 galloping/ kicking children behind me for the 2nd half. With all this I still happily managed to grab an hour here and there.

So there it is... another holiday over and an end to blogging for some time. Thanks to all who joined us for Mark's birthday in Monaco. It was truly memorable for us both and we loved sharing it with you.

Lucas and Georgina it was fun to have many fab times together away from Qld and to now share some great memories.

Gianina & Christian, I loved my time with you and will certainly be back to see more of beautiful Switzerland.

Michelle and Steve it was just great to have shared Ireland with you and generous of you to have invited me along. Letting go of major plans and just letting it flow - it was relaxing and much fun. Thanks!

To readers and commenters, we do this for you!

Good-bye, Ma'a alsalama, arrivederci, au revoir, adios, slan

xD&M