Since landing late yesterday morning I’ve been roaming around, and dodging raindrops, in Dublin. The TBEX conference (Travel Blog Exchange) has led me to the Emerald Isle but an affinity to my Irish heritage brought me here a couple days in advance so I can explore. Being here is like getting a warm hug from my grandmother, even though today was a little damp. People are so friendly and welcoming.
My adventures included stopping by Merrion Square to say hello to Oscar Wilde’s sculpture which sits atop a boulder and wears a mischievous smirk. While there the pretty little copper-colored bird pictured above serenaded me with his beautiful song.
I wandered over to the Docklands area which is the Irish (dare I say all of Europe’s?) version of Silicon Valley. Google’s Europe, West Africa and the Middle East headquarters are there and although open to the public, I wanted to see as much as I could. Honestly, I didn’t see much but it was über-cool being near the Googliness.
The National Gallery of Ireland offered some shelter from the rain, fed my curiosity for culture and was light on the budget. It’s one of several national museums open to the public. Of course, donations are welcomed.
This morning began with a visit to the pub to the right in the photo below, but it’s not what you think. I made money, too. Again, not what you think! A nice market research woman stopped me outside the Dublin Tourism Office and asked if I was a tourist and if I’d participate in a research interview for what I thought she said, €15. After the 30-minute interview I was pleasantly surprised with an envelope with €50. Not a bad way to start the morning – postcard funds!
Temple Bar is a popular section of Dublin and I remember staying there more than a decade ago. Boy, has the area changed! For the better, I suppose, with big, independently-owned pubs and ones with familiar names, such as Hard Rock Cafe.
I also spotted this awesome Wall of Fame while wandering between Temple Bar and Grafton Street (a popular tourist spot for dining and shopping) can you spot U2?
I haven’t noticed in the way of street art (or graffiti) but did spot this colorful gem.
It was so fun watching this man feed the swans, ducks, pigeons and other hungry birds at St. Stephen’s Green. Not sure if it’s legal, though.
More Irish adventures to follow!
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