Sorry for the late post – all these young back-packers on their lap tops. Yesterday morning Jane and I first went in pursuit of the antiques quarter, which turned out to be a bit of a disappointment  as most of the shops were either closed or only sold ‘fine art’ objets d’art. We then wandered  across the river Liffey to visit the Dublin Writers Museum, which turned out to be much more interesting than the name might imply. Lunch at the oldest pub in Dublin, The Brazen Head, followed by a bit of R&R back at the hostel. By late afternoon we were off again on the culture trail, first to Trinity college, home of the The Book of Kells, c. AD800, and then on to the home of Oscar Wilde. A tour through the fine Georgian streets and squares ended at the Porterhouse, one of the few Dublin pubs selling a variety of ‘craft ales’. Sierra Nevada, Harvest took top prize with O’Hara IPA coming a close second. A fish supper at Mallone’s rounded off a truly relaxing rest day.  A few pictures which capture the experience:

Dublin has more pubs and bars per square mile than anywhere in the ..’western world’ (note the short literary ref!)

St Audeon’s church yard

City Gallery

Commemorative window in the Dublin Writers Museum

Enjoying chicken tikka panini (international cuisine gone mad), in the oldest pub in Dublin, the Brazen Head

Oscar Wilde in the gardens opposite his Dublin residence.  ‘ I have nothing to declare but my grimace’ – too much lying about on that rock  I guess Oscar!

Anyway, enough of all that,  back to the business in hand – a certain cycle ride. Todays route, which you can see below, breaks us back in gently – up several large mountains and down the other side. But fortunately  there’s plenty of rain forecast to keep us cool! Meanwhile Jane is flying home on one of the five tickets purchased for her journey – but that’s another story…!

See you in Arklow…bye for now!