Day 3 Dublin

The patience and generosity of Lucy and Aaron has been truly wonderful. Aaron an IT guru working diligently away well into the night to keep his global customers satisfied, as we are disturbing his thought processing with our noisy banter, and  Lucy tirelessly assisting us with apps, map downloads of intended routes, for our days ride.

Early start 6.00am (sunrise 4.45am) after a short night and we have a planned ride down to Glendalough and returning via Sally Gap in the Dublin Mountains. The trip was approx 100klm but the ride was spectacular, mild weather conditions all the way .

Round Tower

Glendalough is an Irish favourite location and has many memories for me as I have visited it many times as a young boy. The famous round tower and the church of St Kevin's dating around 900 AD. Peter who lives in Lara Victoria could not believe his eyes as we passed through the village of Laragh. He was also wearing his Lara Latte Cycling shirt. We saw our first deer and badger on the way as we climbed Mt Sugarloaf.

The Laragh Pub

St Kevin's

Then a steady 7% climb through the Dublin Mountains via the Sally Gap Falls. This was of particular interest for me as I fell in this water when I was rock hopping in 1967 whilst visiting the area. The magic of the Dublin Mountains for us was that because it is 'Bog' country no buildings, defined boundaries, farm settings etc. are possible. This section was approx 40klm long and you had a sense that we could have been on a high plateau in the Andes. One car past us on the whole ride through this region. We rode across the full width of the road as you could see the rode in front of you for miles around, no trees or hidden bends. It also gave us the opportunity to riding on the opposite side of the road in preparation for Europe.

Then a long descent into Dublin. It was hard to grasp that a bustling city was just over the horizon. This would be harsh and windswept in the winter.

Enniskery

Then back to Milltown late morning, freshen up for our second stage of the Hop On Hop Off magical mystery tour. Hopped off for a tour of Guinness, our cousin Deirdre (ex employee Guinness research scientist now retired, rode in from her home to deliver us free tickets to the tour. Deirdre also an exceptional long distance and cross country runner, best time for the marathon 2hrs and 39 mins, circa 1980 beat that!) Then back on the bus via Phoenix Park. This beautiful park so close to the city is 1750 acres in area. Twice the size of Central Park NY. Home of the Irish Zoo, Irish President, and the famous open air mass where Pope JP II celebrated mass in front of 1.25 million people in the late 1970's, which was a third of the Irish population.

It is also the home of  The Wellington Monument. Yes the famous Duke and only Irish Prime Minister of England, Battle of Waterloo, defeated Napoleon, yes that's him. He insulted the Irish when he was questioned about his home country and replied, 'Just because you are born in a stable does not mean that you are a horse.'

Then a brief short cut through the park on our way to Deidre and Dermot's house for tea. Two hours later and we arrive. Thank you for the short cut Declan. Deidre lives outside one of the entrances to this wonderful park. Thanks Deirdre, Maeve, Declan, Brendan Lucy, Aaron and families for en enjoyable night. Good food, great company, endless stories. Now for Day 4 in Liverpool.