DAY17 - DUBLIN

Had a sleep in today until 7.15am because we were staying in Dublin for the day today- just as well as was up till midnight getting the blog etc on last night after the show!

We had a lovely Irish lady come and take us for a tour around the city which was great- very interesting but slow as all the taxi drivers were blocking part of the roads, protesting about something. The guide told us that the Danish Vikings founded Dublon and built the churches etc, so Graeme felt very superior as our group all call him the 'Chief"!!

Had a good look around the city then we were dropped to look at the book of kells which is something very old to do with someone writing the 4 gospels??!! Anyhow we (6) went round the shops then over to the famous guiness factory as we had pre booked tickets to get in.

Really interesting and over 5 floors. It was very well laid out and showed you all the process and equipment. Then up to the top floor to the 360 degree 'gravity bar' for the free pint of guiness and a total view of Dublin city. Tried my first real guiness- the pic says it all- eg/ Gray got 2 pints~Spent an enjoyable hour or so after that in their restaurant, then down to the shop for a spot of light retail therapy.

When we came out there were big horses and buggy rides so we took this into town- it was great. The horse looked like a clydesdale but a little smaller and apparently this breed can be used even when they arent gelded- so we had a stallion! He was beautiful.

We passed a post box like in our other 'at arms length photo' already posted but being in Ireland, this one is green so of course had to get a shot (tourists!)

When we were dropped off in the temple bar area, we shopped a bit more and wandered aorund then Graeme, me and Jen (Gaye and Jen are mother and daughter from the gold coast) heard a guy singing and playing guitar in a pub we were passing, so went in for another guiness. This guy was great and played us all the rock songs- could have stayed there permanently.

Have him playing on video so I told him he will be world famous in NZ! Thats the stuff you cant plan and leaves a great memory about Dublin- they are so friendly there too.

Also went past the Clarence hotel which the band U2 own, it used to be run down but let them play there when they first started out and were trying t get a break, so they wanted to buy it when they became famous and could afford it! Its the building in the last photo.

Then we walked back to the hotel, cleaned up then to the hotel restaurant for an enjoyable meal.

Tomorrow we are off to somewhere else in Ireland- not sure where, hoping the master farter further up in the bus who stinks out the bus all day long- reins it in cos Pete bought us an air freshener which Graeme is going to stick above the sour old bugger if ihe does it for the 4th day in a row,

Oh and heres something Irish- everytime you give blood here you are given a pint of guiness, not a bikkie and a cup for tea- AND all Mums in the maternity wards are offered and given guiness after they have given birth!!!!!!!