We got up and checked out of our hotel. We are headed back to Dublin today. We have to turn in our rental car around 11-noon so it’s a quick exit. The Bastion Kitchen was not open before we needed to scoot so I couldn’t get a breakfast bap they make that is so very delicious.

We hit the road and got back on the main highway headed east to Baile Átha Cliath (Dublin). Stopped at an awesome convenience store for coffee and something to chew on.

I do have to say that little SUV was awesome for one of Europe’s cheaper cars. We have driven a circle around the lower ⅔ of the Republic of Ireland on one tank of diesel. It also had plenty of power, handled well, and was easy (and fun!) to drive. Very impressive. It was definitely bigger than the car I drove the last time – a Renault Clio.

We got near the airport and went around the block way too many times before we finally got the right directions to get fuel. There was an exit with two immediate turns and it didn’t have time to tell me the one to use. It was so busy that I couldn’t look at the map. But, we finally got fuel then returned the car at the airport.

Bet you thought we were leaving, but you would be mistaken thinking that. We are going to be here in Dublin for a few days. At the airport we got return bus tickets between the airport and Dublin so our trip back was also paid for. We hopped aboard and went to city center. Hello, Dublin!

We inadvertently got off a few stops early (I was looking at the stop that was on the ticket, which was several blocks from our hotel) so we ended up walking extra, but we got there with no problem. We could not get in our room as we were early arriving. We got to check in early and they stored our bags for free so we could go walk.

We are in another fantastic location, on a corner only a couple of blocks away from the action in Temple Bar and lots to see in the vicinity. Plus, just around the corner there’s a major public transit stop where a lot of trains and buses stop so it’s easy to get around anywhere. We did a lap around the area and I will definitely stay at this hotel again.

Next to the hotel is a pub that is attached. There was going to be Trad music tonight by a couple of guys that had been doing it for like 50 years or something. We went in there to have a pint and some food while listening to some music. It was a pretty busy night for a Sunday, but the guys in stage are very popular. They were fun and were really good.

I went out for a walk while my travel partner stayed to listen to music. I walked down to Temple Bar, which is a vibrant, lively place at night. I walked around (like always) looking at everything trying to absorb as much as I can. And, as always I always look for interesting things to photograph.

Again, I really like doorways. They are everywhere, yet nobody pays attention. There are some beautiful doorways and when I see one I shoot it. I just kept moving, but would stop out of the way and just watch the things happening around me. It’s fascinating.

One place I stopped was a pizza joint next door to the tattoo parlor that inked us in 2020. I got a slice and walked across the street out of the way and the people watching is pretty good. It was some really good pizza – I don’t remember what I had for certain but it was an old-school pizza (might have been ham). It is short street of just a few blocks, and across the street is Leo Burdock’s – famous for fish and chips. There was a bar called The Old Storehouse Bar and Restaurant that was a beer storehouse since it is fairly close to the Liffey River.

I ended up going up near the hotel and crossed the street, heading down an alley for a few blocks. I did this more than once and every alley is just alive with pubs and food. I saw a lot of interesting things and places in the alleys. I do usually go explore alleys if they look safe, but I am really cautious about it.

I circled back to the pub for a bit and we went upstairs. We had a big plan for tomorrow so a little pre-excursion planning then some sleep.

See you in the morning!

Shawn