Dublin Friends

Not long after returning from Croatia, I was informed that I had to attend a work conference in Dublin.  Fortunately, this abutted nicely onto the planned trip to Greece with Kate and the girls. Kate has been to Ireland a couple of times and always raves about the country, telling me that I must go there.  For me, I couldn't see the attraction.  No rocks, no mountains, no decent rivers and bad weather seemed like a bad formula for which a good pub life couldn't compensate.



The main entrance to Trinity College







I arrived in an Irish heat wave with a temperature of almost 30c and the weather during my brief stay was magnificent.  The conference was in the centre of the city at Trinity College, one of the oldest universities in the world, home the the book of Kells and a spectacular setting. Made me feel almost academic.









The Long Room, Trinity's Library



As with all work conferences, there were evening meals at a local pubs or at a nice local restaurant.  After dinner, it would have been sacrilegious if we didn't go out and try the local produce.  Fortunately, a friend from Australia was also attending the Conference and it was great catching up on events in Australia over a selection of good Irish beers.



GFC? What GFC?




Given that Ireland was ground zero for the Global Financial Crisis and Dublin is a small city, it is amazing how many people were out on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. I know Dublin attracts a large number of tourists and the weather was unseasonably good but Temple Bar was full of locals having a great time.  Maybe there is some form of Government subsidy to support public bars and the Irish brewing industry. If so, it is certainly more fun than roof insulation subsidies!










I also enjoyed running in Ireland, although the early morning starts didn't sit comfortably with the late night beer. Best of all, Simon,  a good friend and running partner from Mumbai had recently relocated back to Dublin for 6 months and it was great to get out with him in the morning for a running tour around the City. I was able to see the sights, from the outside at least, and enjoy the balmy sub-tropical climate of Dublin.





The main courtyard of Trinity College in typical Dublin weather







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