Dublin Suburbs

Katrin's team has slowed down since their big project wrapped up, so it was not really a big surprise that there were more redundancies. What was sad though, was Kat was included in that. She is quite happy since her and Dom decided to move back to Germany since they are out of these recession times. Know then, that I would only have a few more weekends with her, we decided to drive around the Dublin suburbs to take a look at architecture that we just never got around to seeing.

First stop was Ballymun. This was once a very run down village with large cconcrete apartment blocks that were dark and depressing. A few U2 songs are even inspired by they large towers. Some have since been demolished but some were remodeled. New townhouse socially affordable housing has since been rebuilt. Some great little row houses have been built and just as we got out of the car to get in a walk, the sun came out!

After stretching our legs, we were off to Skerries. It is a coastal town way up north about a hour or so outside city centre. It is a great little coastal village. We stopped in at the old mills to the farmers market where we grabbed a few muffins to tide us over. We drove into the village centre where we were able to get free parking and walk along the coast picking up shells and chatting away. The sun was shining brightly and made for a glorious day. After our long walk we were famished so we found a great little cafe and had a few more nibbles and a coffee to tide us over until dinner.

Next stop was Malahide Castle. The grounds are immaculate and with trees still full of leaves, the shade was a bit welcoming. We wanted through paths in the trees, and it may not be a forest, it still felt great being among the trees. I had not realised how much I have been missing that. We walked around part of the castle, but did not need the tour. Once you have seen a few dozen castles, you have pretty much seen them all.

With the sun setting a bit, we were back to Dublin to pick up Ben and get dinner ready at their place. It was Sean's birthday so it was as good as excuse as any to get together for some dinner, drinks and some board games. It was not too late a night since the next day was Ikea.

Jen has been needing a new dresser for her new place, so since she needed a bit of muscle, Ben and I joined her at the new Ballymun Ikea. It was just like any other Ikea, but it was still interesting to go see. Now I can say I have been to Ikeas in multiple counties and continents. I had forgotten how much I do loathe big box retailers, but Ikea helps you forget that with its flashy displays. Ticksters!