Leaning into the ancient

This one is not so ancient - only the 1800s - and occupied today.

Into the woods and beyond

The magic of Ireland unwraps as one heads away from the gray concrete of the urban center and onto the narrow roads of the countryside. It’s like backing into a different time period. Landmarks are pubs and churches rather than route numbers, and every town has one or two friendly folk willing to talk your ear off.

The Irish claim that there are forty shades of green in the springtime. Then again, they tell good stories, too.

Celtic cross preserved on a parcel of farmland.

Catching the vibes in Dublin

After an overnight flight and taxi ride into the city center with a jovial Irish driver to keep me from snoozing, I pulled out my Google map on my cellphone and headed to the Queen of Tarts several blocks away for lunch. It’s highly recommended for its freshly baked pastries, unique lunch dishes - I had a veggie burger topped with goat cheese, thinly sliced pickled beets and fresh greens - and brunch menu. It did not disappoint.

So cute. So Irish.

Then I went on to tour Dublin Castle, which was authorized for construction by King John of England in 1204. Today it is the site for important events and governmental business.

Did I tell you that I am staying at the Clarence Hotel, owned by Bono and The Edge? They are hands-on owners, but no sightings in The Octagon Bar tonight, or at least before my bedtime. I’ve got an early travel schedule tomorrow.

The Liffey River across from my hotel in Temple Bar

The weather changes every other minute, and it seriously requires a raincoat and umbrella no matter what the sky looks like at the time.

Local city and EU elections on Friday.