Wandering around Dublin

A woman is allowed to change her mind, and that's what I did over night. Originally my plan was to head north today, to go to Belfast to see the Titanic Museum.

But last night as I went across the road to the SuperValu store, I spotted a laundromat - and that changed everything!!! Sad but true I was getting very close to running out of clean clothes and just at the moment, I really couldn't be bothered doing a big wash in the hand basin!!!

So, a combination of washing and just catching up with myself after yesterday's journey, meant I would stay one extra night in Dublin. They were very happy for me to stay at the hotel, but, sadly,  I had to change rooms..... Aaah well... keeps me in practice!!!

So this morning, I took my time, had brekky, re-packed the case and took it across the corridor, then dropped my washing off at the laundromat. Bit of an expensive exercise - it was €15 for it to be washed and €15 for  it to be dried.... all up €30. But, do you know what, I didn't care!!! Such is life on the road!!!

Anyway... the revised plan was to go to Dublin by train. Sutton Station was about a 10 minute walk up the road and I bought my return ticket and it was nice and easy getting into town.

Connolly Station in Dublin

Hopped off at Connolly Station which is more or less close to the centre of town and then walked up towards the Spire

The Spire

On the way I passed the statue of James Joyce...

James Joyce

Then I just meandered up O'Connell Street, taking it all in. I debated whether I would go on the Hop On Hop Off bus, but I had done that last time, so was particularly fussed about that. Had a cup of coffee in Eason's book shop.

Went over the O'Connell St Bridge

O'Connell St Bridge

and looked down  towards the Ha'penny Bridge

Ha'penny Bridge

I was looking for a mobile phone shop, because my prepaid O2 sim card is about to run out on June 9 and I wanted to top it up again. But there were 2 problems...
1. Apparently O2 has been taken over by 3 - the phone company
2. Apparently also you can't top up a UK sim card in Ireland. Seems I might have to  buy a new one!!! Which means I will have another new mobile phone number. This shouldn't affect anyone except a few people in the UK that did make use of my phone.... It's only for 2 more weeks, but it's worth it for even the access to data and Google Maps alone.

Anyway, in search of one  of those shops I was directed to Grafton street.... the heart of Dublin shopping... All my fashion police friends would be in their element. I was more interested in mobile phone shops!!!

Grafton St Dublin

At the end of Grafton St is one of my favourite places in Dublin - St Stephen's Green. It's a beautiful, peaceful park right in the heart of town (apart from the bloody pigeons!) I just sat there for a while and it was so peaceful. Lots of people seem to spend their lunch hour there, which makes perfect sense.

St Stephen's Green

St Stephen's Green

And it also has a shopping centre right beside it..

St Stephen's Green Shopping Centre

Once I reached St Stephens' Green I realised another very famous and cherished landmark was within walking distance, and that was the Mercy International Centre, where Catherine McAuley founded the Sisters of Mercy in Baggot Street.

Mercy International Centre

Mercy Sisters were founded here.

Of course, I couldn't help myself and I went in and the nun on the desk was Sr Carita, who actually had led my tour around the Centre last time I was here. So she said there were no tours at the moment, but I could go down and pray at Catherine's Grave if I wanted to... which of course I did!

Catherine McAuley's Grave

Catherine McAuley's Grave

Catherine McAuley's Grave

Catherine McAuley roses.

So I prayed for all my friends and family, but especially for all my past and present Mercy friends. And also for the girls at school, because I'm certain Catherine McAuley and Rose Pelletier (Good Shepherd Foundress) shared many ideals in common.

Love this statue of Catherine McAuley out the front of the building

I was getting a bit weary now with all this walking, so I caught a bus back into town that dropped me near Grafton St again.

As I was walking back towards the train, I spotted a little alleyway that pointed to St Teresa's Carmelite Church. It was lovely ....

St Teresa's Carmelite Church

St Teresa's Carmelite Church

St Teresa's Carmelite Church

Once again lit a candle for everyone. That's one certain difference between Scotland and Ireland so far.... the Scottish Catholic Churches are quite austere as they reflect their Protestant influences. But in this Church in Dublin there were about 6 places I could light candles.... pick a saint... any saint...!!!! I chose Our Lady of Mt Carmel. There was one there of St Anthony.... was a bit tempted because I so often pray to him when I lose things!!!!

So, that was my day in Dublin. Caught the train home, no worries. Picked up the expensive washing.... but I'm very grateful it's done and I can tour Ireland with clean clothes!!!!