Belfast is part of the UK and has a lot to offer. There is wonderful shopping and fun pubs! During the day as Dave works I’ve gone out and seen the sites and shopped at all the fun stores here. Victoria square has all types, from couture to tourist shops…whatever you what you can find here. I finally was able to buy myself a hair dryer, which may seem like a small luxury but a great treat for me!
Friday night came and since Dave and Mike had a long hard week it was time for some drinks. We headed across the street to The Crown, which was established in 1964.
It is one of the oldest and most bombed bars in Northern Ireland. Yes, I said bombed. We read all about the history of this bar and were lucky enough to drink in one of their “cubby holes” where we enjoyed some beer with some fellow Dave’s co-workers. Inside the bar there are colors of yellow, red and gold on the ceiling, a floor laid in a myriad of mosaic tiles, brocaded walls with uniquely patterned tiles, wood carvings throughout, ornate mirrors, wooden columns with Corinthian capitals and feathered motifs in gold, its pretty impressive! Oh. I forgot to mention that we are staying in a hotel named the Europa, which too is the most bombed hotel in Belfast.
Saturday came and we decided to take a 2 hour train to Dublin in the first class cabin, I had no idea trains had first class seats.
Very comfy and a great way to travel, we were able to see all of the Irish country side from a warm cabin and the ride was super smooth! I think my favorite part was to see all of the lambs and sheep, we even saw some running which was the cutest thing ever! I am now trying to convince Dave we need a sheep or 2 when we return from the UK. He’s on board with it.
Once we arrived in Dublin we checked into the Westin, where we had the most beautiful hotel room!
The room had a living area that was separate from the bedroom and a huge bathroom. This hotel room was much larger than our flat will be J Dublin was awesome, we started at the Guinness factory.
We took the self-guided tour and read all about the beer and how it is made, then headed up to the top floor where we had a complimentary Guinness and an aerial view of all Dublin. It rained most of the day but that didn’t ruin our mood, as we were so happy full of yummy beer!
The factory is made of steel but the middle of the building is shaped like a pint glass. This was my very first Guinness and not my last! Taste so good – like chocolate! We were still thirsty so we made our way to the Jamison Whiskey distillery, which I think was a much better tour than Guinness.
The tour was hosted by Jean who knew so much and was very informative, she had an adorable Irish accent.
We learned a lot about Irish whiskey, and I knew not one thing before our tour. Dave was one of 8 people who was lucky enough to do a taste testing of whiskey from the US to Scotland to Ireland. Once he tasted and named Jamison his favorite he was awarded a certificate as an “official” Jamison taster.
Believe me he LOVED this. I took his picture with his certificate in front of the Jamison logo which I have attached a picture.
On Sunday we slept in and had a leisurely Saturday morning. We then headed to Temple Bar where we again had oysters, both bloody Mary oyster shooters and then ones with vinegar and shallots they were delicious!!
We hung out there where we enjoyed some beverages and a local Irish blues due who played acoustic guitars and harmonicas…they were quite good!
We are now actually on the train back to Belfast where Dave will work the remaining of the week and I will go out and see some more sites. I do have to say that the people in Ireland are very nice and friendly.
We head back to London on Thursday and we both are very anxious to so do. We cant so wait to move in to our apartment! More adventures to follow, we promise to keep the updates coming!
We miss you all!
Kelly and Dave
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