Dublin
Thursday we set off by bus and train to Gatwick where we ate at Giraffe. Aer Lingus flight OK and then some delay while we found the bus and eventually got Leap cards at the second attempt. The bus drivers do not accept notes which is ridiculous. How is one supposed to have exact change? Having landed at 4 we had quite a long walk through back lanes to the b and b and arrived at 6.45. Marguerite Road very nice room and friendly lady. She suggested a nearby pub at the cemetery The Gravediggers which was excellent John Kavanagh's. We had Irish spring rolls and bacon cheese bake with Guinness - we had enough cash!
Friday I went to Chester Beatty library which I loved. Fascinating sections on books, bindings and illustration and the world religions. Beautifully presented and what an eye! Walked to the National gallery of Ireland which was most disappointing only 5 galleries open and the Monet the best. New portrait of Graham Norton as an Irish outdoor type! Have seen the Caravaggio exhibition in London. The National library is a fine room but nothing to see - the WWII exhibition appeared to be closed. The national museum of archaeology did not impress - gold is dull and so are bog bodies. No lift so skipped first floor. Met Liz at Natural history which badly needs refurbishing - no lift and moth-eaten animals in cases. She had been to visit Joe and Veritas shop. We got the Dart to Dalkey and enjoyed cream slices and tea at Country Bake. The church is 150 years old. We then got the DART all the way to Howth and were lucky to get 2 places at the bar at the Brass Monkey. Delicious shared platter of hake, salmon, smoked salmon and calimari with canned Guinness. Lovely view of the sea from the train.
Friday I went to Chester Beatty library which I loved. Fascinating sections on books, bindings and illustration and the world religions. Beautifully presented and what an eye! Walked to the National gallery of Ireland which was most disappointing only 5 galleries open and the Monet the best. New portrait of Graham Norton as an Irish outdoor type! Have seen the Caravaggio exhibition in London. The National library is a fine room but nothing to see - the WWII exhibition appeared to be closed. The national museum of archaeology did not impress - gold is dull and so are bog bodies. No lift so skipped first floor. Met Liz at Natural history which badly needs refurbishing - no lift and moth-eaten animals in cases. She had been to visit Joe and Veritas shop. We got the Dart to Dalkey and enjoyed cream slices and tea at Country Bake. The church is 150 years old. We then got the DART all the way to Howth and were lucky to get 2 places at the bar at the Brass Monkey. Delicious shared platter of hake, salmon, smoked salmon and calimari with canned Guinness. Lovely view of the sea from the train.
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