CASTLES & MOLLY MALONE - Dublin sightseeing
Today we have a tour with a local guide. It is included in the cost – so we all endeavour to make the most of it. Another big breakfast and the day is lovely and clear so off we go. We get on the coach and head off to see all over Dublin. The guide is a lady and she is very knowledgeable – but then again who is going to question her – not this little black duck that’s for sure. We see the Irish President’s House and Georgian Square with ornate doorways. 
Apparently, so we are told, all the doors are different colours because when the ‘gentlemen’ came home from their night’s fun they were not too sure which house was theirs so they painted the doors different colours and that way they could tell. Let’s just hope that they remembered the colour of their door. We also see Customs House and O’Connell Street with the Ha'Penny Bridge. Apparently in earlier days you had to pay a half penny to go over the bridge. Hence the name ‘Ha’Penny Bridge’. Unfortunately there is no good Kodak moment as we zip past and only get a quick look. Our tour also includes a visit to Dublin Castle. There is a sand modelling display right in the middle of the castle forecourt. Must have some significance but I don’t know what it is. Maybe it is because it is Summer holidays? Dublin Castle was built in the early 1200’s and the building was for centuries the seat of British power in Ireland. 
The rooms in the castle are wonderful and really ornate. Here are a couple of the Waterford Crystal chandeliers. We are told we can take photos everywhere in the castle (so I do) except for where there is the Gainsborough picture. 
There are security cameras all around - but I manage to get a quick photo of the Gainsborough without being carted off to an Irish gaol. We leave the Castle and can wander around Dublin by ourselves for the afternoon. There are hordes of tourists. Lots of interesting little shops so of course I do a bit of shopping – nothing exciting only T-shirts and fridge magnets. Coming around the corner I see the statue of Molly Malone and there are at least 50 kids climbing all over her, poor woman. Even if I waited for an hour there would be definitely no Kodak moment here so I do the next best thing and buy a postcard. Remembering that we have not had any morning tea break and it is now time for lunch so being adventurous I get Subway – bit more shopping and back to the hotel to have a bath and relax. Dublin is a very on-the-go city that’s for sure. I would have like to investigate more of it. After a bit of a rest we don’t have to worry about dinner – because - - - it is time for - - -
#12 OPTIONAL: Dublin Irish Cabaret. Cost ₤43.50
Touristy show in a big auditorium at Jury’s Hotel. Called ‘The Burlington Traditional Irish Cabaret of 2003’. It’s a bit like a third rate Lord of the Dance with a comedian – who we are told is the best in Dublin (?) and singers. In my opinion - overpriced, overpacked and over-rated. Dinner was: Cream of Fresh Vegetable Soup with Pouring Cream and chopped Parsley; Herb Crusted Prime Irish Beef with Red Wine Sauce, Pearl Onions, Wild Mushrooms and Green Peppercorns; Vegetables tossed in Almond Butter; Fitzwilliam Chantilly served with Dark Caramel Sauce; Traditional Irish Coffee with Double Cream. I must admit the food was great – pity about the show. Maybe if we weren’t crammed in like sardines – there must have been at least 500 in the place. Oh well – can’t have everything – and I suppose I did have a good time – though not great.
I am glad to get out of there and back to the calmness and quiet of my room.
Highlight of the day: The Georgian doors.
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