We arrived in Dublin yesterday via a narrow channel and lifting bridge into the River Liffey and moored downstream of the Samuel Becket Bridge. The beautiful bridge designed by a South African architect and built by a Danish construction company, commemorates a local writer. This brings to full circle the origins of Dublin as an important Viking trading post.
Most of the crew left to explore Dublin in search of supper, getting wetter in the process than in the whole of the time on board so far. Douglas sampled the alcohol as well as the music, advertised as lasting for 24hrs, from 0200hrs to 0230hrs the next day! Very Irish. He was rescued from walking past the ship by the glamourous girls on harbour watch.
Today’s activities started with assisted climbs up the rigging, including our Canadian trail blazer, Jonas, hopefully the first of many from that country. Although full of energy on the ascent, he looked for the lift to help him down.
After lunch, the Aft Starboard watch went to the centre of town to catch an open top wheelchair accessible bus taking us on a tour of the important sights of Dublin – Trinity College, which was set up by Elizabeth 1st to keep an eye on her subjects who she felt were picking up bad habits by studying abroad, museums, National Gallery and the Guinness factory, amongst others. Today is Arthur Guinness day, celebrating 251 years of production of this fortifying drink, discovered when the malt was burnt accidentally.
Enough of sightseeing and back on board in time for supper and preparation of the ship for departure and off to an anchorage in the mouth of the River Liffey ........ and maybe a toast ‘To Arthur’??
Aft Stbd watch