Dublin 2015

As you know I've been planning a trip to Dublin for a while now well as I write this I'm sat in Dublin, watching the rugby! 

I traveled over here on Friday and it was manic! My plane was delayed and then when it did land it was the other terminal building! The flight was better than I expected nice and quick if I'm honest but a little bumpy in places! After arriving I met up with heather and we made our way to the hotel with some rowdy French fans on the top deck! Check in was quick I received the wheelchair I'd ordered .. Well you'll hear more on that later! We went across the square to get some food I didn't have much as I'd been traveling and a nice drink!

I stayed at the marker hotel in Dublin and I have to stay it's a fantastic hotel, fully accessible the staff are so helpful and couldn't do enough for you.

Saturday morning arrived and it was time for my first full day in Dublin! So here's where the fun begins! As I said I I'd ordered an electric chair. We took it out up to such a nice little shop, it was amazing haha everything was fresh and just well smelt and looked amazing! It was a bit rocky but I though oh it's because I havnt been out in this chair before no worries. Going back toward the hotel I said I'm not sure about this but will try. So went down the road a little way and then .. Well crossing a road my wheelchair caught on the curb and then round a pole and I was stuck! I didn't know weather to laugh or cry! So a man in a taxi stopped and rescued me lol he tried todo it from behind and I felt like I was going to fall out OH NO! So he came to the front and picked the wheelchair up hurray I was saved!!! Then we decided it was probably not a great idea Togo any further! Back to the hotel we went and swapped my electric wheelchair for the manual, I was a little annoyed, I will be sending an email to the company! Anyway we swapped wheelchair and then heather had to push me. We used the trams which I have to say where very clean and accessible and not really a bad price either. Next step Guinness factory! Now another few laughs as  you know my wheelchair isn't great on cobbles so that was fun a few hairy moments! 

The Guinness storehouse was amazing. They have 5 levels and a further one at the very top that you can see all of Dublin! I had rang ahead and booked my tickets so I picked them up and got to pay in pounds hurray! The lifts were fantastic, helpful people, ramps in places so I could get all around. I was really impressed! After the main tour we went up to the bar at the top and it was amazing to look out onto Dublin! I'd easily say this was one of the best tourist attractions I've visited for wheelchair accessibility.

We then decided to walk through the city centre, Dublin is a strange place in some ways because it's very old new old new you go through different area, old Dublin and then you reach areas with brand buildings. One thing though is it's got a real European buzz around it! 

We next visited the trinity college Dublin for the books of kells experience. First up I will tell you is that it's an amazing place to visit, it's a very strange experience a good one but it just amazes you. I felt really grown up LOL it was what I'd say a literature heaven! I was also extremely impressed with the wheelchair access. It's such an old building with with so much to see it just well I crnt explain the feeling. Anyway they had 2 lifts so you access the long room and the library on the top floor. If your ever in Dublin you should defiantly give it a try €10 I thought was a decent price for the experience.

We then headed back to the hotel, we just chilled out for a while before decided what to have for food. We decided to stay by the hotel and off we went to a pizza express (well the Irish equivalent). Which was fantastic, dough balls, pizza and chocolate for desert and not forgetting the wine! Then back to the hotel for a bit of chill time before sleep! 

Sunday morning came and heather was up and ready before me so she went off to the shop and brought me back a croissant, it was delicious and lasted me all day! We had planned to go and take a pic of the aviva stadium (I'm a sports fan it was a must!). We walked over to the stadium and walked past some lovely homes (I'm getting old looking at architecture!). I got some fab fab pics then I saw a tour and I said to heather shall we see if I can go on it?! It was wheelchair accessible and only €10 so I though lets do it! So off we went and what can I say it's fully accessible and one of the best stadiums I have been in, 240 wheelchair seats!! It made me want Togo to a game or concert there! The tour was fab, visiting the changing rooms, press room, press conference room, going pitch side and then up to the 5th tier for some amazing views if the city! 

After the tour we went back to the hotel and we rested for a little while then off we went to the hotel spa. We spent about 2 hours down there and omg it was so amazing, I even fell asleep!! I went into the jacuzzi and then the steam and sauna! Heather also went into the pool. My skin still feels soft (I am writing this in Dublin airport at my gate!!).

We went back and had a shower and ended up flooding the bathroom!!! I don't know how it happened but the water went into the main bedroom (horrified!!) although funny! Heather shouted turn the water off which I did straight away! Then I was stuck in the bathroom for a short while! We put towels and and dressing gowns on the floor to soak up the water! We got ready Togo out! We went for some food at the hotel which was lovely! Later we returned to the hotel and went up to the room and omg hilarious they house keeping had been in and cleaned the flood up I didn't know weather to cry or laugh! Then we settled down with good old tv and a bit of chat before heading to sleep! 

Then this morning I woke up really early (5.45am!!) then got ready to come to the airport. I had nice chat to the man at the hotel complimenting the hotel and he wished me a happy birthday for Saturday! (Thank you!)

I'm now sat in Dublin airport awaiting my flight home had a little cry when saying goodbye (I'm bad at these!!) 

Thank you for a fantastic weekend heather and Ireland you are amazing hope to see you again soon!