Dublin poetry

Last night was VERY noisy, fireworks all evening and people partying until 3am - Halloween! Other than that noise level has been ok.

Started with charity shops near hotel - they are legion, but low quality & high price. No. 16 into centre. Coffee at Simon's - decaf from bean, v good. L went to many vintage clothes shops. Almost bought earrings, silk scarf and Ghost top but stopped herself. Much joy looking. N went walkabout over Ha'penny Bridge, North of Liffey has more modern, less quirky vibe.



Back over Millennium Bridge and along Temple Bar. Turned the need for a pee into an advantage and had a Paddy's whiskey in the Auld Dubliner.

On west to circle Christ Church Cathedral

then back to meet L at Simon's for lunch. The basement is peaceful and the toasties are tasty.

No 16 (what else?!) south to Rathfarnham Castle, got there early, had a wander round the building and a chat with the v friendly custodians. The poetry event launching The Storms Journal V was v professionally organised by the lovely Damien B Donnelly and Rhona Greene.


Much hugging. L read her entry in the beautiful book.

Everyone read very well. Some prose too. Chatted to Damien's mum who is a very young 85. Met Helen and husband again (Matt MC poetry marathon).

On the bus back, with one other poet, we decided to head straight to the originally intended O'Donoghue's - we'd be there at 1745, surely early enough to beat the madness. Well, no, it was heaving. Two men were playing guitars, banjo, flutes, starting with Wild Rover. We drank Murphy's. It was grand. 

Went in search of food. Restaurants full. Pragmatic choice of Burrito Bar and cab to hotel. All good. Checked out hotel bar but young, plastic, noisy, not for us. Coffee in room watching Planet Earth III, that's our style.

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