Having the craic in Dublin

No one does drinking better than the Irish- so while in Dublin, there are many many watering holes to chose from. 

Why not start at St. James' Gate, the home of Guinness. While here, you can take a tour of the factory to see how Guinness is made and at the end take a brief course from an expert bar tender to learn the secrets of the famous Guinness two-part pour. Enjoy the spectacular views of Dublin's skyline from the Gravity Bar while you wait for your pint to settle. 

For something a bit more low key try, Kehoes, some say it's the oldest pub in Dublin and is packed to the rafters every weekend. On a sunny day you'll see punters spilling out onto the street. Based on South Anne Street, a side street off vibrant Grafton Street, it's well worth the visit. Despite the crowds, the pints are rated as some of the best and the wait is never too long. Undoubtedly, you'll ind plenty of banter. 

O'Neills of Suffolk Street is renowned for it's traditional Irish food menu, great rooftop section and traditional live ,music most nights. If it's rhythmic sound of the bodhran you're after slip into O'Neills for a pint of the black stuff. 

The Porterhouse on Nassau Street boasts a prime location opposite Trinity College, is always a busy spot with live music and the real selling point is that they brew their own beer on site and can offer something for everyone's tastes. 

Cafe en Seine based in the middle of Dawson Street opposite the Mansion House offers a Parisian-esque ambiance where the gentle notes of Edith Piaf float through atmosphere. They are renowned for their vast wine selection and delicious bar food menu. 

Ireland is renowned for its pubs and whether you choose to go to the upscale Gravity Bar or decide on a more low key pint in a pub on the corner, there's something for everyone and you're bound to have the craic agus ceol! 

A week of wining and dining with old friends

This past week has been a whirlwind of catching up with old friends- a catch up that was long over due in all cases, but thanks to varying, jam packed schedules, the plan has been months in the making.

My first port of call was to meet the wonderful Miss Katie whom I spent some glorious childhood summers with in the wilds of the Connemara Gaeltacht many moons ago. Despite being out of touch for over ten years we were transported back to our giddy selves upon spying each others grown up self. Katie, unlike myself, has been super busy globetrotting, climbing Everest and establishing a stellar career- if she wasn't so fabulous you'd hate her!! But we spent a fantastic summer evening in the balmy surroundings of South William Street's Dakota bar sipping (too many) glasses of Proseco and chatting a mile a minute to catch up with present day events- stopping only to nibble on some of the appetizers offered by Dakota's bar menu including nachos which, were generously slathered with gaucamole, tomatoes, cheese and sour cream as well as a tasty, crunchy bruscetta loaded with sundried tomatoes, rocket and garlic. I was nervous about going barelegged in a Massimo Dutti polkadot skirt and leather structured tee from River Island but the weather stayed warm enough to sit outside for the evening without even a cardi!

My next gallavanting trick was to Drundrum Town Centre with Bear to finally sit down and have a chat with Aimee and Brian, our long term friends who recently got married You can read about it here and just returned from a sunny honeymoon on the Baleric Islands. Our plan was to meet for dinner, take in the new Red 2 movie followed by some drinks, but due to Bear being delayed working his ass off on our new build (more on that later!) we were uber- late, dashing into Wagamamas at 8.30pm. Aimee is a fellow Shoe Queen and I despaired at having simply thrown on my old reliable Carvella flats (perfect for rushing to a dinner date!) and felt my patterned taper leg pants and cream silk tee (also a River Island find!) was a tad on the underdressed side when meeting with such glamorous company!

Wagamamas as always was delish, and I love practising my chopstick skills although, I tend to play it safe, ordering katsu curry or a chicken ramen dish but this time I ordered the tofu yasai pad thai which was delicious, Bear had his usual katsu curry and we shared a side of duck gyoza. The newlyweds were more adventurous with Brian ordering a dish on the strength of it containing a veggie that he'd never heard of and none of us could pronounce, though they intended to share a side of miso soup it proved to be a disappointment. Our Japanese inspired dinner was washed down with a round of beers and as the chat continued we soon realised the movie was not going to happen. After paying a reasonable bill, we headed to Cortinas to indulge in some cocktails in a distinctly Mexican atmosphere and I have to say, they have the best old-fashioneds in the southside of the city.

It was an early night for all as both Bear and I were due 'on-site' early the following morning to help my dedicated Papa to lay our foundations, however, Bear did let me sleep late and I joined the construction team closer to midday on Saturday bearing coffees and pastries for the men at work.