In Trinity College Geounds

The long room library

Buat of Aristotle

Awesome libtary long riom

Guineas Brewery

Ptetending to be a leprechaun

Highlight of leprechaun museum

Drawing room in Dunlin castlw

Throne

Order of St Patrixk

Windows in church

Christ church archeay

Famous Temple Bar

Me, Dave Chris

Sunday morning I went out walking and headed for the Dublin castle, only opened at 12 but I managed to get on a guided tour which was great. Fascinating to see the medieval parts of the castle and then to walk through the palace sections. Saw staterooms, ballrooms and some interesting furniture.

From there I walked past Christ Church and the south quay. But uppermost on my mind for the day was the concert that nighr! So a quick pit stop at the apartment to change into my Bruce kit, then back on the bus to Croke Park. Once again I had great seats, this time on theopposite  side, but much closer to the stage. I had two fantastic guys from  Manchester Chris and Dave on my left. First great thing is that Dave is quite tall and they acted as great protection from the wind. Secondly, they are serious fans and know their Springsteen music. They offered to buy me drinks everytime they bought. Chatted and laughed and danced together. Finally at the end of the show, they walked me all the way home. They also lived in Temple Bar at Grogan hotel- also disilluisoned with the area.

The concert itself was fantastic again. Many different songs. He opened with a solo on the piano, Incident on 57th street. The energy was electic and with an appearance by Bono who sang Because the night the 80000 crowd went wild. The main set ended with Badlands. 6 songs in the final set and ending with a hauting solo of thunder road.

Obviously Monday morning was slow to get going. My first stop was The Book of Kella at Trinity College. Long queue to wait, but well worth it. The Book of Kells were written in 600AD, by monks on the Isle of Iona. Basically an extrememy intricately illustrated book if the four gospels, in calligraphy. Obviously handwritten on velim made from calf skin.

Then back on hop on hop off bus which had the most amazing tour guide and i just basically sat on gis bua for anothe whole tour around. His name was Andrew and he was so funny and entertaining. Singing, whistling and joking- such a pleasure.

I then headed off to the Leprechaun Museum, which was bitterly disappointing and quite a rip off. Trace – I double checked the Post Office does have windows, I incorrectly labelled my pic. That building with no windows was parliament but is now a bank. The reason it has no windows is because when it was built the English imposed a glass window tax. So to avoid paying any taxes to the English, the windows were all bricked up as  semi arches. Well spotted!

I had dinner at a great restaurant last night called The Larder. Crayfish and crab salad to start. Roasted hake with broccoli, spinach  baby potato and a salsa verde. Ended with a bread and butter pudding. It was one of the best meals I have had!

Then home to start packing as Tuesday will be spent in Belfast. Also a quick change to travel plans. I am now going to fly back to Dublin on Thursday night. Will then sleep at hotel near airport. Was notified that flight time change on Friday flight from Glasgow to Dublin- would have made things very tight for me. Flight will be late Thursday night, so I wont miss anything really.

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