As we approached our last day in Dublin, we wondered if we had anything left to see. After all, we'd hit the high points in the visitors guide. But I'm glad we had that extra day, because it was just the kind of leisurely vacation day we needed after all that running around. ]]>
We woke up at around 7:00 a.m. on Monday morning and went to the hotel fitness center, which was well-appointed, and then got cleaned up and headed out for a day of hardcore Dublin sightseeing. Today was the day we would explore the north side of the River Liffey, so we started out with breakfast and coffee at a joint called Panem, just across the river on Lower Ormond Quay. The coffee was good and the frittata was delicious, even though they didn't heat it up. ]]>
We decided to visit a historic old pub called O'Donoghue's, which is famous for helping launch the Irish folk group The Dubliners. We took a table in the outdoor courtyard. The weather was steadily improving, and there was what the BBC forecaster called a "Cornish sun" in the sky, burning brightly but veiled by gray and white clouds. It felt like spring. ]]>
We've been back in New York a full day now, so I'd better get my thoughts on Dublin down before they fade away like that last pesky hour of jet lag. After all, time in the Irish capital can seem a blur, and not just because of the ever-flowing pints of stout. It's a city of sensory overload, with so much to behold that it takes a concerted effort not to bump into people on the sidewalk. Okay, the Guinness may be a contributing factor, but Dublin impressed us and exceeded our expectations at every turn, and the five days we spent there were as fleeting as they were fun. ]]>
The world’s most famous stout purveyors are upping the ante in travel giveaways; Guinness is celebrating the company’s 250th anniversary with a spate of special events throughout the summer, and instead of just giving away a couple of tickets to Ireland, the Dublin-based brewers are promoting their celebration by offering one lucky winner the chance to hop on board Virgin Galactic.
Guinness has reserved a $200,000 seat on Richard Branson’s private spacecraft, and one lucky drinker will be among the first astro-tourists to ride on the rocketship when it takes off in 2012. Two runners-up will receive more earthly prices—a four-day cruise aboard the Guinness Deep Sea Bar—an underwater adventure around Norway’s Lofoten Islands—and the chance to enjoy an exclusive studio performance from the Black Eyed Peas.
The catch? Well actually, they’re not saying yet. You’ll have to keep an eye on Guinness’ web site for details on how to win. Obviously, we’ll be checking for updates religiously.
Related Stories:
· Remarkable Experiences [Guinness]
· Virgin Galactic Will Depart From Spaceport Sweden in 2012 [Jaunted]
· More Galactic Fallout: More Video of Virgin's Newest Plane [Jaunted]
[Photo: Guinness] ]]>