On Saturday, May 25 our trip was winding down and we had a day with nothing pre-booked. Time for some shopping 🙂 After breakfast we headed to the weaving and knitted goods shops. Suz wanted scarfs for gifts, I wanted a shawl and earrings (my traditional souvenir item). We also checked out a couple of less impressive markets…although we did get a nice cheese from Cavan for Michaels parents, George and Marucia.
The history of Ireland is naturally very old, and not surprisingly there is a history of Vikings in Dublin. When a site was found, they did a full dig and recovered significant settlement and fortifications at the site of the Dublin Castle. As it is unreasonable to keep the entire area free of development, the presentation of archaeological finds is unique and interesting. Individual finds are marked with artifacts in the sidewalk. We did not visit the museum, but there is a full display there and there are other options to explore the Viking history of Dublin.
We passed a very funky designer shop – Claire Garvey Couture. She has had her work worn by several stars at the Oscars. And naturally when I go shopping, Michael takes the opportunity to explore street photography! On the shopping front (no haute couture!) we had success on all accounts. For the first time while travelling, I arranged for my purchases to be shipped home rather than carry them. It turned out ok, although getting the rebate for the duty took a LONG time, and there was a fair amount of paperwork required.
Then to the Irish national art gallery where we quickly toured the Irish artist exhibits. Unfortunately the older art room was closed so we only could see art from 1835 and onwards. But we did get to see the stain glass exhibit and several pieces relating to the potato famine.
And in keeping with the need to pre-book, early in the day we had managed to get a booking at Featherblade for 2:20 and it was well worth having an early dinner. They are highly praised for their locally sourced Irish steaks. Suz and I had the Feathersteak cut and Mike and Dan had Picanha steaks. Our sides were sweet potato wedges and broccoli with dukkah. Both of our meals were amazing. We definitely need to try to replicate the sweet potato especially. The waitress inquired for us and the chef shared that they are slow baked, cut into large wedges then seared in beef fat to create a blackened effect on all sides. And of course, wine as well.
Our final tour for the trip was to Dublin Castle. There is lots of varied history of the castle and surprisingly it still stands after the spring uprising. Even the throne room and chair still reside there. Rather than being the home of royalty, it is now used for state events including the swearing in of presidents and formal dinners. And times have certainly changed as even the Queen has been hosted.
Then back for more euchre, packing and finishing off the wonderful Irish cheeses and beers – such responsibility! Although we had booked separately, our flights home were scheduled within 5 minutes from Dan & Suz’s. We shared a Bolt ride (Uber alternative) to the airport and then it was back on the plane. After the long drive home we were met by George & Marucia and Picasso who all seemed to get along just fine. Another trip done & dusted, although Ireland is calling us back for another visit some day….