Saturday on O'Connell Street

Saturday's can be busy on the Capital's main thoroughfare! Outside the GPO some Muslim men are looking for converts ...

Looking for Freedom ...

... while across the road a demonstration against President Assad's regime in Syria is taking place

Is there any BODY out there ...

The Ambassador Theatre (Theater) on Parnell Square was once one of Dublin's main Cinemas ( known colloquially as the "Roto"). Situated on the northern end of O'Connell Street, it has had many a curtain call! When I walk past I always look to see what's on there. The Ambassador is no longer a Cinema, but many types of exhibitions are held there. I am not so sure if I want to see this one 'though - The Human Body will be very interesting no doubt, but moi gets weak at the sight of blood ...
(the 2 members of staff with the sweeping brushes made me chuckle! Trainee Forensic Scientists looking for evidence? Talk about getting a job to match your interests!)

Third Space, Smithfield

Taking a shortcut through Smithfield this afternoon I spotted something new(out of the corner of my eye). The signage said Third Space and further investigation revealed it to be a brand new Restaurant/Coffee Shop - great news for a Caffeineaholic like me. I asked for a Latte. "Is it for takeaway?" "No, for here". "Sorry - we are closing in a few minutes" "It's OK - don't worry...". "No, no - it's no problem, take a seat" said the young man behind the counter as his co-worker started my coffee. Ten out of ten!
Nice place, well laid out and with plenty of interesting books to peruse. I have to admire anyone who has the confidence to open a business in the present challenging times, so I wish them good luck. Enjoyed the coffee, will be back!

Upstairs view from d'Olier Street

Oh you cheeky bird!

Merchant's Arch

I really like the Merchant's Arch building, especially the actual arched walkway that leads into Temple Bar (Dublin's Cultural Centre). To the right is the also arched Halpenny Bridge and in the background the more modern Central Bank building (Architect: Sam Stephenson, 1975) - which I am not so fond of.

It's a Dog's Life!

Still no camera, so here is another blast from the past

Looking Back

I am having problems with my beloved Lumix camera, so I am reposting one of my favourite photos. It shows a little girl looking in amazement at the Dublin Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Solus

Jessica meets Matt Cardle

Westmoreland Street

"Loud" Music

Dublin's FM 104 Road Hog in Jervis Street

National Botanic Gardens

My first visit to the Botanic Gardens in 2012 on a cold and overcast Sunday afternoon. There is not a lot of colour as yet but I can see that the Gardeners have been busy and we can look forward to the fruits of their labour as the month's progress.

Bachelor Inn on Bachelors Walk, just off O'Connell Street

(Old) Moore

Sunbeam Rapier (Fastback)

I spotted this beautiful old car today in Capel Street, and although a little worse for wear she was still turning a few heads. The Sunbeam Rapier was produced in Liverpool by the Roote's Group between 1967 and 1976 (They also produced the Hillman brand - e.g. the iconic Hillman Minx). Ah, they don't make them like that anymore :(

The Cup Coffee Bar

I once had an ambition to have a pint of Guinness in every Pub in Dublin. I think I managed about a half of them. These days I tend to be a bit more relaxed about my aspirations, so I have changed my plan - now I just want to have a coffee in every Coffee Shop in the city. The problem is they keep adding new ones, like this Chinese one which I just discovered off Capel Street and which is also an Art Gallery. Loved the coffee, loved the art!

The Spire on O'Connell Street (viewed from Westmoreland Street)