Craic i Ath Cliath, Erie

About 2 weeks ago I was able to go to Ath Cliath as the Irish called it (Ford of the Hurdles) or Dublin if you like, which comes from what name the Vikings gave it (Dubhlinn - or in English, Black Pool). Yes, it has been through many names, including the Latin, Dublinia.. but no matter what it's name, it was cracking good fun!

Had some funny experiences with the locals starting conversations with me in the pubs. A Dubliner on one night in a pub, just sat down and started positive philosphy chat, telling me I have no reason to worry about anything negative in my life, and what a great lad I am. And, when Travis's "Why Does it Always Rain On Me" played in the pub, he went on singing along to it, and got me to join in, joking about why are Scots asking that question, when rains in Scotland all the time. What was even funnier was when I ran into that same bloke later in the week at that pub again. Later in the week, two Irish girls, yes a pair of them, started just chatting away to me about their favourite Irish folk music. I was like, yes, never in London would that happen. Only in Ireland, man. Then, on the next night, a different pair of girls, Northern Irish.. at some different pub. The latter two, being very upbeat, with a charming eccentricity about them. It was funny, good stuff. They started just Irish stepdancing away to this trio folk group's tunes. Too good. And later after that, the same night, I saw them in a different place. I love the liklihood of how you can run into the same people again, despite Dublin being a city. Very coo. Cracked me up.

Of course, no Ireland trip would be complete without going to The Guinness Storehouse, and having a pint of how Guinness is supposed to really taste. Very flavourful, it was unbelievable. Just the right about of hops and barley, along with fresh water. Not that exported Guinness stuff. And while we're on drinks, I toured where they used to make Jameson Whiskey, where I of course had a good old glass of Jameson at the end, and later on in the pubs to tunes like "Whiskey in the Jar" and other Ireland's classics, had some Bushmills, Paddy's, and Powers. Delish.

Seen a huge park called Phoenix Park, where I saw Wellington Monument and this old local guy walking his dog, just chatted away to me for a good 45 minutes about Irish history.

Well, that probably covers the Highlights. Some of them. Much more has happened which I haven’t listed because of added lengthiness.

View the photographs.
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