Tour Pre-Party Was A Success...

We are now officially assembled as a group. Today, the last of our group arrived in Dublin. We picked them up at the airport on the way toward Kilkenny. Everyone else arrived at least a day early, and while to tour wasn't officially started, we certainly got things going.

Our Sunday evening was spent in a mini pub crawl in the vicinity of Temple Bar. Although the weather was disagreeable, M. spent a moment posing for a picture outside our first stop. (Pay no attention to the photo-bomber. It is just our guide who clearly isn't shy.)

We met some fine fellows at the Foggy Dew. Ironically, two fine Irishman named Allen and Dan spent some time with us after the Irish Football match.

Dan-Allen-Dan-Allen...

After the Foggy Dew we took a short walk to the Stags Head. A fine public house, but slightly crowded when we arrived. We had a bite to eat, and a few pints.

Before dinner we made one final stop at the Bankers Bar. The highlight of the visit was Allen belting out an Irish song. It's too much of a story to type now, but Allen rose to the occasion when challenged to sing Irish songs in an Irish bar. They didn't know who they were  challenging.

This was the best shot I got of the pub. It was late enough in the evening that I no longer was shooting scenery, more portrait stuff.

Finally, at the recommendation of Allen, we stopped in for a late dinner at a fine Italian restaurant. It was as good as described. In keeping with the consumption of beers in harmony with their surroundings, I finished the night with something different.

This morning we started touring, and I have a bunch more to post but need a quick nap before dinner. We had a nice lunch in Kilkenny today, and another music session. Perhaps I'll have an update later.

Keep reading, and I'll keep posting.  Slainte!