Belfast

Won’t be taking time to post too much today. Internet is pay-as-you go at this hotel and despite our best efforts, we are pretty dead from our red-eye into Belfast. Red-eye flights – not my favorite.

We were able to check in early to our hotel and take a 2 hour nap. Then it was up and about to see what we could of Belfast in one afternoon. We took the Black Taxi Tour of the political historical sights of Belfast up the Shankill (protestant/Loyalist) Road sector and through the Falls Road (catholic, republican/nationalist) sector. It was fascinating and worth the out-of-the-way stop in Belfast to start our trip to Ireland. 

After our tour we walked around the City Center and had dinner in the most amazing, interesting pub either of us had ever been in. It had “snugs” – booths with wood walls and doors – for you to sit and drink and socialize in with your mates. The place was just beautiful. 

Now we’ve decided to crash early as we catch a bus first thing tomorrow and head into Dublin. The next 2 days in Dublin will be very full, so we may not have much of a chance to post all our thoughts, but we’ll do our best to update the pictures everyday.

Tired, footsore, but happy – Amy for us both

Tomorrow's Itinerary:

Day Five - Wednesday May 11^th

Belfast & Dublin

Breakfast at Hotel

Check-out and take taxi to train station

Transit to Dublin:

          50 euros each: Train, Greater Victoria Station 10:35am-12:44pm

15 Euros each: Bus leaves next door to hotel every hour (9:00am bus arrives @ 11:40am)

Leave bags at hotel

Academy Plaza Hotel

10-14 Findlater Place, Dublin 7, Co. Dublin, Ireland +353 1 878 0666 – +353 1 817 4141

Transit: Connolly Station (678 m E) Dart, Northern Suburban, South Eastern Suburban, Western Suburban Rail Red 20B, 27, 27B, 27C, 29A, …

Grafton St.

 Petersons of Dublin (pipe for Doug) - 117 Grafton St.

         

Lunch at Bewley’s

Historical Walking Tour 3:00pm

Meets in front of Trinity College

In just 2 hours, this Fáilte Ireland-approved award-winning and entertaining walking tour conducted by history graduates of Trinity College Dublin, explores the main features of Irish history - Dublin's development, the influence of the American and French Revolutions, the Potato Famine, the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence, partition - and concludes with the Northern Ireland peace process and Ireland today.

Where do we go?: Trinity College, Old Parliament House, Temple Bar, City Hall, Dublin Castle, Wood Quay, Christ Church Cathedral, Four Courts.

Tickets:
Individual: €12, €10 students and seniors (Under-14s free)
Pay guide on the Day, Book at Dublin Tourism offices or Buy Online below
Prices include 13.5% VAT

When?:
Summer (May-Sept): Daily 11am & 3pm

If not included on tour or if time allows:

St. Patrick’s Cathedral

Ha’Penney Bridge

Temple Bar for dinner & evening