Dublin

Friday 23rd May

Well here we are in Dublin, Ireland. Lovely to be met at the airport by John and see a familiar face last night. We are so lucky to have lovely accommodation and hosts - the Fairleys. 

It's freezing cold and wet here today - lucky we packed a few warm clothes! It's off to explore Dublin.

Dropped off at bus stop to catch the 46A to the city with instructions to return later in day.

Umbrellas in definite need!  Walked about and snapped a few of the tourist spots.  

Dublin Castle

St Patricks Cathedral

The Ha'penny Bridge

Trinity College

Pretty wet and cold walking about so we decide after walking down Temple Bar to pop into one of the pubs to thaw out and listen to some Irish music.

Temple Bar

Great music , could have stayed all day. Sam enjoyed the Guinness too. 

Headed to catch bus home as per instructions - 46A - thought it was strange that there was no one left on bus - driver said last stop Phoenix Park - everyone off. We were in the middle of nowhere, miles from Foxrock Church, where we were to get off. Jumped in a taxi - 25 euros later back at the Fairleys.

Transpires we caught the bus on the wrong side of street!! 

We made it back in time to go out for dinner to a local Indian restaurant. Delicious! At the restaurant treated to a display by a crazy Irishman - he began whacking our table with a napkin - said he was catching mosquitoes - (none to be seen anywhere) whacked chairs, floor, etc. Michelle and I were in hysterics.  Poor man's wife was so embarrassed and apologised for his behaviour - loved it - true Irish
spirit!

Pretty Port Isaac

Thursday 23rd May

Sad to leave Padstow such a lovely place. We were treated to a lovely breakfast at Rick Stein's Bistro - it's part of St Petroc's Hotel. A final wander of the streets, in the pouring rain unfortunately, before heading to Bristol to catch our flight to Dublin.

We stopped in at a few places on the way back. St Merryn, Rock, Polzeath and probably the most known Port Isaac where Doc Martin was filmed. The iPad with Maps with Me has been absolute godsend for navigation. Plus the great navigator - me!

Port Isaac is a very pretty little town with cute little cottages. You certainly have to duck to get through some of the doors here. After a stroll through the streets, we sat and had fish and chips -  in the car, overlooking the sea for fear of being attacked by the seagulls !

Tiny Doorways

The Old Schoolhouse

Next we headed to the M5 A38 for Bristol to catch our plane to Dublin. Looking forward to catching up with friends John Fairley and family and Tania Rosser and family in Dublin.