Mercedes-Benz 250

I spotted this Mercedes 250 model dating from the late sixties/early seventies while walking to the city centre. I am not a lover of the Mercedes marque, because (in Ireland at least) they are usually owned by people who like to show off their wealth and their importance. In fact being appointed a government minister is known as "getting the Mercedes" (Government ministers get a free state car and garda driver - although the green party ministers in our present coalition government actually opted for the more environmentally friendly Toyota Prius).
Mercedes owners tend to drive aggressively, behave as if they own the road and look down on other mere mortals (like drivers of modest Peugeots). When you are driving at the maximum permitted speed on the motorway they often come right up your tail and flash their lights telling you to get the hell out of their way.
Still, I do have a little bit of a soft spot for this old Merc!

Spring - what Spring?

As I sipped my cappucino in Roasted Bean Cafe and looked out on a cold wet Mary Street this afternoon I just wondered where our beautiful Spring had disappeared to. The rain was pelting down and it was a miserable 2 degrees Celsius. At times the rain even turned to sleet and there is snow actually forcasted for parts of the country.

p.s. Apologies to my blog friends for my irregular posts and visits to their sites recently due to pressures of work

The Best Fed Swans

Dollymount Strand

Dollymount Strand

Faces of St Patrick's Day

Today On Henry Street

Top: Everyone wondered why hundreds of teenage girls were queueing outside A Wear. Was there going to be an appearance by Jedward or maybe Edward from vampire saga Twilight? No, it was just a Student Lock-in , 30% off, free goody bags and music by DJ Michelle Doherty from Phantom FM radio.
Bottom: Further along Henry Street another large crowd were being entertained by this excellent 5 piece rock band.

Down By The River

There is a lovely walk along the river Liffey at Islandbridge. There are many boat clubs based between here and Chapelizod and at the weekend there is much activity on the water as they practice their sport. The ducks must wonder what's it all about.

Sunday Evening - Phoenix Park

War Memorial Gardens

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens in Islandbridge is perhaps one of Dublin's lesser known parks. It commemorates the 49,000 Irish soldiers who died during the first World War from 1914 to 1918. This park was built to honour them and was designed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens. It is beautifully laid out with fountains, monuments, flower beds, paths, lawns and trees and shrubs. It may not be as popular as it more illustrious neighbour the Phoenix Park which is just across the river Liffey but it is certainly well worth a visit - for it's peace and tranquility if nothing else.

Daffodils

At long last the Daffodils have arrived! Now it really does feel like Spring.
Top photo: Beautiful yellow daffodils growing in the middle of the dual carriageway on Con Colbert Road.
Bottom photo: In the War Memorial Gardens, Islandbridge

Saint Patrick's Day - part 3

Lilliputians - the little people

Saint Patrick's Day - part 2

The Grand Marshall for this year's Dublin Parade was Packie Bonner ex Irish International goalkeeper who is still as popular as ever.

Lá Naomh Pádraig / Saint Patrick's Day, Dublin 2010

Dublin city centre was packed today with thousands of spectators for the annual Saint Patrick's Festival Parade. The theme of this year's event was "Extraordinary World" and the parade featured street theatre, artists, giant puppetry, dancers and marching bands from Ireland and across the globe including from the United States and Austria. The weather was actually kind and there was a carnival atmosphere and yes the colour green was much in evidence even among ethnic groups.
I wish you all a Happy Saint Patrick's day wherever you may be.

Our Lady of Dolours, Glasnevin

I am not a very religious person but I am still fascinated by churches and I love their architecture, whether they are old or modern. Our Lady of Dolours is a catholic church on the banks of the Tolka river in Glasnevin and I really like it's design. Actually it's pyramid shape is very similar to the Met Eireann building (Irish Meteorological Office) which is practically around the corner. I wonder which came first - time for some research.

Our Lady of Dolours viewed from different angles

Spring - Botanic Gardens

National Botanic Gardens - Robin & Squirrel

It's a Dogs Life (at the Horse Market)

The Horse Market Part 2