Happy 40th Birthday V!

Today is V's big day - the big 4-0! We went to the Tourist office and booked a day trip for the following day. From here we continued down O'Connell St, stopping along the way to check out shoe sales, heading to the other side of the Liffey River to Grafton Street.

The Spire:

Clery's one of the World's first department store - built in 1853:


The Luas train:

One of many double-decker buses:


Molly Bloom, selling her cockles and mussles "She's Ireland's national treasure chest."

PMW and I went to Trinity College and to the Old Library and hopes to see the Book of Kells, while the other girls continued onwards to Grafton street for a little shopping. Cameras were not allowed in the Old Library ... sorry no images, but it's very grand with its arch ceilings, wood-work, long corridor and its many tall skinny windows. We didn't get to see the Book of Kells because it wasn't available ... on tour or something. The Book of Kells was written around 800 AD and is an illuminated manuscript containing the four gospels.

Images of Trinity College:

PMW and I stopped at Bewley's for tea and a bite to eat. We each ordered a bagel and it was one of the largest bagels I have ever seen. We easily could have shared one.


Grafton Street:


The five of us meet up and head to The Duke for an afternoon pint and a bite to eat.

C and PMW went off to George St Arcade for shopping and to admire the James McAvoy look-a-like who worked at the cupcake place. PM went off shopping, while V and I went off on her secret mission. What was the secret mission? V decided before the trip to get a tattoo in honour of 40th birthday. The tattoo is on her wrist decorated with purple cherry blossoms. It's very pretty.

After the big tattoo event, we went out for supper. We had reservations at the Clarence Hotel, which is owned by Bono and The Edge from U2. The restaurant was understaffed and as a result, the service was slow, however, the food was delicious. I finally got the chance to have traditional Irish stew. The sauce was lighter than I expected but still yummy. After supper we decided to stop at one of the pubs in Temple Bar - Farrington's, for a drink and then go to Stevenson square to hang out with Irish locals. We spent the night drinking at Farrington's and hung out with some lovely Irish guys. They were quite charming. We also continued collecting 40 birthday kisses for V. It was a great evening!