Dublin, Again & Again & Again!!

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Where are we off to next? I think you can guess! DUBLIN!!! Yes, at the beginning of September Sue and I are off on what is becoming an annual trip to sample the delights of Dublin again. I've lost count now of the number of times I've been to Eire's capital, but it doesn't matter, you can never tire of Dublin.


This was an unexpected trip courtesy of Ryanair's latest special offer. http://www.ryanair.com/ . We grabbed it quick! Because the airfare was so cheap we are forsaking Trinity College this time, and treating ourselves to The Gresham Hotel in O'Connell Street. www.gresham-hotels.com/ . The Gresham Hotel is a Dublin institution and is known throughout the world. It claims to be the oldest hotel in Ireland and was built in 1817. Beyond our budget normally, but my friend got us a good deal, so off we go to see if it lives up to it's reputation.


One of the nicest ways of getting around in on the Dart railway, which snakes around Dublin Bay. http://www.irishrail.ie/home/ . You can get off and back on again at any of the lovely little villages along the way. Go north and visit the beautiful village of Howth, well worth a look, and the home of many of Ireland's rich celebrities, novelists, musicians and actors.




Even the station names on the Dart have romantic names, don't you just want to visit Tara Station? We did! Another place around the bay is Killiney. Killiney and the surrounding hills offer spectacular views across Dublin Bay and over the city of Dublin itself. The rich and famous have made their homes here, too.
A view across Killiney Bay and towards the Wicklow Mountains, an aspect described as the Irish “Bay of Naples”. Many locals also must think so as a plethora of locality and house names are in Italian, such as Vico, Sorrento, Nerano, Torca, Milano, Mount Etna and so on.

If you want a good trip out of Dublin try a visit to the Avoca Handweavers. http://www.avoca.ie/ . The oldest working woollen mill in Ireland located in the beautiful surroundings of Avoca, which is also known today as Ballykissangel. It's in a lovely location, the shop is wonderful, and the food it out of this world, both in the restaurant and the shop. Their woven clothes are famous all over the world, the colours are just wonderful. I could spend a fortune there. I think we might pay another visit this time. They also have a great store in Dublin if you miss something.

I'm sure we will still find some new things to do on our visit. I can't wait. Watch this space!

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