I flew out of Denver at 10am. As usual i did not sleep much at all the night before, maybe got 2 hours sleep. Up at 6am to get ready. Gerry was already awake as well, as she did not want me to miss my flight. The drive to the airport took just over 30 minutes, no traffic delays. The flight to Chicago was a little over 2 hours, so i had plenty of time to sit in the lounge and wait till the flight to Dublin. We departed at 8pm and arrived at 9.30am the next day. Flight was pretty smooth for most parts, but it did have some scary moments, which did alarm many people.
So leaving the plane and heading towards immigration with EU passport in hand i was greeted by no one in the EU queue, just walked straight into Ireland. The queue for none EU citizens was huge, about 200 people with just 5 immigration counters open. So that would be one lengthy wait.

I take the local bus into the city and then walk a short distance to me accommodation for the week. This time i am sharing a place, so i have my own bedroom, but sharing with the owner and another guest. The place is ok, but the owner is not the cleanest person i have ever meet, but we will survive.
I spend the rest of the day talking to Bob and his friend, almost falling asleep many times. So i head into my room at around 7pm, but dont want to go to bed just yet. After falling asleep while using the computer i succumb and get into bed by 8pm. I dont re-wake till 8am. That was a big sleep for a tired fella.
Today i spend the day walking the shopping streets of Dublin. One of the first streets i come across is Temple Bar. It is full of pubs, all filled to capacity. So many men in kilts. Must be something to do with Ireland vs Scotland soccer game being played later today.
So what i have seen so far is a quaint little city with lots of non english speaking tourists. Its not the cleanest city, with litter on every street.

The next few days are spent wandering the shopping streets with some really nice weather. Patchy blue sky and temperature in the high teens, low 20s. The pedestrians are packed with locals and tourists alike. I am on the hunt for some camping gear. After checking out all the camping stores and prices a decision has been made. So the following are purchased for the 2 week drive around Ireland trip. A tent, sleeping bag, ground mat, pillow and towel, plus a bag to carry it all in. Will driving around the coast of the island and returning back to Dublin. Now i have to hope the weather is in my favour for most of the time, however i do expect to get rained on.

Today i caught the train south to a village called Killiney. Its a 30 minute train ride. The trip follows the coast and there is some ice coastal scenery on this fine day. Once i have my bearings i take a walk/climb up Vico Road to the top of a hill for some very nice scenery. Now Bono from U2 lives here in Killiney, but i did not see him out walking. There are some magnificent stately old manors along the tree lined lane ways. With their high stoned walls and perfectly manicured gardens, but not a sole to be seen. It is ever so quiet, all except for the birds.
The view form the hilltop is great, and now there are people around. I decide to walk to the next village called Dalkey. Such a lovely quaint village. It is not cheap to buy property here, as after inspecting the real estate office window most properties are close to 1 million euros and more. But it certainly is a well preserved village with an old building dating back to 1750.
I keep walking to the next village called Glenageary where i wait for the train back to Dublin. Such beautiful green country side, however the beaches i saw were covered in pebbles rather than sand.
Now so information on the place where i am staying in Dublin. Its location is only a few hundred metres from the Temple Bar area. The little cottage is 2 storey with lounge and kitchen downstairs, and 3 bedrooms and bathroom upstairs. It is small but nothing like Tokyo. The male host is Irish of course, and is an ok person. He is certainly not the cleanest person i have met, but its not that bad. My bedroom is ok with a comfortable bed. The place is very old and a little run down, but certainly has character.
Today it might rain, so i am catching up on this blog, plus resting my tired legs, as i must have walked 15 kilometres yesterday.

Today i ventured north to a village called Howth. Its a seaside village with some cliff walks. The train ride takes about 30 minutes through some very nice scenery. After arriving i find the path to the cliff walks and we off. Its a 7 kilometre loop, and the coastal scenery is nice. The day is slightly overcast and mild. Plenty of people doing the walk as well. After arriving back into the village and wander around for a while its back on the train. As his is my last night in Dublin its spent wandering the touristy spots like Grafton street and St Stephens Green. Plenty of people out tonight as the weather is balmy.
Not really looking forward to leaving as i have enjoyed my stay in Dublin, plus i have enjoyed the accommodation and the host, Bob. We have spent many hours chatting about a range of topics. Such a nice irish fellow.