LORNA GOES TO DUBLIN

I’ve been a bit slow writing about my trip to Dublin, but my excuse is I’ve been finishing off the third Shackleton saga novel – “The Shackletons of Chapel St” – which is imminent. In the main picture above I’m in the State Apartments in Dublin Castle having a “mirror moment” wearing my trusty yellow mac. https://dublincastle.ie/

We caught the ferry at HolyHead and I couldn’t believe it when after gliding up the River Liffey we docked beside this tug. Check out the nameboard!

Cue my best Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca voice… “Of all the tugs in all the towns in all the world we docked next to this one.” Okay it’s not named after my Shackletons of Whitehaven, but as coincidences and good omens go I’ll run with it.

After this encouraging start I set off to familiarise myself with old Dublin taking a fascinating walk through The Liberties and coming out near the Guinness factory.

I was all for taking the two hour tour, but there was a big notice saying people with barley intolerance were advised not to and being fully medically diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and living with such an intolerance I had to be content with a photo from the outside. (There’s a lot of us with CD in Ireland)

Directly across the road a pop up coffee shop was operating out of an old transport container. It was very popular with the local workmen and seeing them queueing in large numbers in their yellow hi-vis jackets I took that as a vote of confidence and thought I would give it a go. I was rewarded handsomely with superb coffee, a gluten-free bun and this amazing view of an old malt kiln that towered above us all. Not quite the Guinness Experience, but no hangover to fret over.

Visiting Dublin Castle I now know exactly what they mean in Irish films when they say they’ve taken the rebels to “The Castle“. As the headquarters of the British administration in Ireland until 1922 it must have been a formidable place. It’s described today as “The nerve centre of historical power in Ireland” and it’s really imposing, even with bus loads of tourists milling around. I had to wait some time to take the pictures below devoid of people. You can just sense the history – military boots on cobbles, the cocking of pistols and rifles, justice and injustice, the pomp of state occasions. It’s one of those places where there’s a real sense of history.

One thing at the castle that stayed with me from my visit was this glorious plaque. All around the throne room at just above head height there are small brass plaques perhaps a little smaller and thinner than a piece of A4 paper. This one, which I think is the most striking is for Lord Sir Cecil Edward Guinness, Baron Iveagh. In my opinion this is a superb example of decorative art serving as historical record and such beauty and craftsmanship.

After the castle I walked down Francis Street which is an art and antiques quarter. There were plenty of old clocks and shop windows set out with well polished tables and fancy chairs. However, my eye was caught by this cool dude. Selling what, I’m not sure, but he brought a smile to my face.

There’s more to come from my days in Dublin, but that’s it for now.