We have arrived in Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland.  Our taxi driver from the airport was quite chatty and gave us a few pub recommendations. 

We arrived just before lunch, so we have the day to wander around and get our bearings.  Our first stop was the docklands area where the River Liffey empties into Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea. 

The Jeanie Johnston, a replica of the three-masted barque originally built in Quebec in 1847.  The ship made 16 voyages to North America between 1848-1855 during the Great Famine.  She now sits outside of the Irish Emigration Museum

Famine Memorial

World Poverty Stone

Oscar Fingal O’Fflahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish poet and playwright.  Known for his biting wit, flamboyant dress and glittering conversation skill, he became one of the most popular playwrights in London in the early 1890’s.  He is perhaps best remembered for his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and his criminal conviction for gross indecency and homosexual acts. 

Statue of Oscar Wilde in Merrion Square and the former home of the Wilde family across the road. 

The Ginger Man Pub is almost right next door to our hotel and it was one of the Taximan’s recommended pubs. So after a bit of a relax at the hotel we headed over for dinner. At Christmas it’s one of the most decorated pubs in Dublin; in May it’s just a crowded local where we had some great food.

Kris plans to drink a lot of Guinness while in Ireland, but tonight had to try a Beamish stout.  Dave, who hasn’t been able to drink beer in several years, found himself a Bulmers cider (known as Magners cider outside of Ireland) which is locally produced in county Tipperary. 

Slainte translates to ‘good health’ in English.  The word can be used in many different contexts, but mostly as a toast before taking a drink. 

Neither of us slept much on the flight here and are feeling some jet lag. So it is early to bed for us. Tomorrow we start our actual Dublin City tour.