Dublin, Ireland

In November 2012 we met our friends, John and Julie, in Dublin for a long weekend.

Dublin, Ireland


They live in Scotland so we try to meet up any chance we get.

The weather was extremely cold (for me) and sometimes rainy, so we didn’t do a lot of exploring outside.

Dublin, Ireland

We checked into the Butlers Townhouse in Ballsbridge and then headed to the famous Temple Bar.

Dublin, Ireland

The boys drank Guinness but I kept it light with Harp.

Dublin, Ireland

Despite what the sign says.

Dublin, Ireland

We snacked on a meat and cheese tray and caught-up on life.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

We didn’t just drink in Dublin, we also ate very well!

I highly recommend The Pig’s Ear, an award winning restaurant in the center of the city.

Dublin, Ireland

They offer Irish food with a modern and creative touch.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

I ordered the Pork Belly with Jane Russell’s Pudding (blood pudding), Tea & Date Jam, Lakeshore Mustard Mash, and Pork Cracklings:

Dublin, Ireland

The desserts were creative, too.

Dublin, Ireland

The Vanilla Cheese Cake served in a jar won me over.

Dublin, Ireland

And the 70% Chocolate Tart with Salted Butter Caramel and Ice Cream was a table favorite!

Dublin, Ireland

One day we did something I’ve never done before.

We hopped on one of those Hop On – Hop Off buses.

Dublin, Ireland

It was so stinking cold that this sounded like the best way to explore the city without freezing to death.

Spoken like a true native Floridian, right!?

The driver entertained us and I tried to snap a few pictures.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

We hopped-off the bus at the The Old Jameson Distillery.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

We went on the Jameson whiskey tour and learned about one of Ireland’s greatest entrepreneurs, John Jameson.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

The tour lasts about 1 hour and costs €14.00.

Dublin, Ireland

And everyone gets a glass of Jameson whiskey at the end.

Dublin, Ireland

Later that night we stumbled into Peadar Kearney’s.

Dublin, Ireland

The pub is named after a musician who lived in the building and composed Abhrán na BhFiann (The Irish national anthem).

Dublin, Ireland

The live music that night was from Brian Brody, a one man music machine. (Raise your hand if you can see me on the TV screen.)

Hands down Peadar Kearney’s is our favorite local pub experience to date.

On our last day we drove to Wicklow, a town on the coast.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

It was still cold and windy, but the sun was shining!

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

We explored the Wicklow Harbour:

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

And Black Castle, castle ruins overlooking the Irish Sea.

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

What a fantastic day of exploring!

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Dublin, Ireland

Our dinner that night was in Dun Laoghaire, a suburban seaside town about 10 minutes from Dublin’s city center.

Dublin, Ireland

The food at Rasam Restaurant took us back to India.

Dublin, Ireland

They serve high quality authentic Indian cuisine and have been awarded over and over for their efforts.

Dublin, Ireland

Our meal was exceptional!

Dublin, Ireland

And so were the desserts!

John ordered the brownie with ice cream:

Dublin, Ireland

And I ordered Malai Kulfi:

Dublin, Ireland

Homemade Indian ice-cream fudge served with rose scented basil seeds.

We had so much fun exploring, drinking, eating, and dancing in Dublin.

Black Castle, Ireland

And there is nothing quite like seeing a country for the first time with your best friends!

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