With our days in Ireland dwindling, today was our last trip to Dublin. That afternoon we took the Dublin bus into the city and went straight for the Cake Cafe for a final Dublin tea party. Sitting outside, with the occasional breeze and patch of sunlight we sipped down our Barry's tea and ate our chocolate Guinness cake. We reminisced about our favorite memories in Ireland and all of our adventures in Europe, trying to bring smiles to our faces, even though we knew our lives were about to revert back to normal. Filled with tea and cake, we strolled back through St. Stephan's Green, the first Dublin landmark we ever explored. It looked quite different in full summer bloom in comparison to the cold early February when everything was dead. After laughing at the seagulls in the park we walked down Grafton street, gawking at the vast array of street performers: a unicyclist, a sand artist, a leprechaun, the statue guys, and singers. We popped into a few gift shops before heading towards Dublin castle.
Tea for two!
"Come, let us have some tea and talk about happy things"
Stormed the castle for the last time
Dublin Castle looked the same as it always did, and from there we walked through the cobblestone streets of Temple Bar. Along the way to Trinity College we remembered all the times we walked these same streets, never thinking that there would come a last time for us to go through these Dublin streets we loved so much. Trinity College was pretty empty without the students on campus, but we still enjoyed our time there. From there we crossed the River Liffey to the north side to go to Penney's. Taking advantage of the cheap clothing deals we made our last purchases there after perusing all three floors of merchandise. Needing some more souvenirs, Kathleen especially, we went to Carroll's by crossing over Hapenney Bridge. I'm pretty sure we spent over an hour there, but I can't remember exactly because I was looking at too many Irish themed gifts and got a headache. It was a combination of the emotions stirring in my head about leaving and looking at too much Irish gifts and gags. With our Carroll's purchases out of the way, we then ate in Temple Bar. We had our last traditional beef and Guinness Irish stew with brown bread, and got so full so quickly. With night falling and our bellies full, we took one last stroll to the bus stop, clambered on the bus with teeth chattering from the brisk Irish wind, and rode it back to Maynooth for the final time.
Penney's has got her ready for summer
Ha'penny Bridge
Stew, you're so good to me
Our last Dublin bus selfie
My Irish adventures have now concluded as all that's left is packing and a long plane ride home. My head and heart are a confusing, fluttering mess as they try to work out the past 5 months in Ireland and a future not in Ireland, even though a part of my heart will always remain in Ireland.
"Your feet will always take you where your heart is" ~ Irish proverb
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