Dublin

On College Green there is a statue of that famous seafood saleswoman Molly Malone with her wheelbarrow which is a great favourite with camera laden tourists. Due to the style and dress of the female figure – which may more accurately reflect Ms Malone’s true profession – it is known to the locals as the “Tart with the Cart”. This struck me as an appropriate epithet for the city itself which is extravagantly dressed up for Christmas in the midst of the “credit crunch”
In the same vein, ahead of the Budget – due on Dec 9th – the Irish trade unions are arranging a couple of national strikes just to show their opposition to any cuts which the government may be thinking about. They all agree that the economy is fecked but insist that someone else should bear the costs. I am glad that we will be away from here before the budget takes effect!
We did enjoy some good and varied food (no need for Irish stew although still had a few Guinness) and were able to walk to most venues!