My 40th Birthday came and went this year and to mark the occasion Nicky and I planned a trip to the city of Dublin. We’ve always enjoyed a good city break! Ireland has been on the travel list for a while and was easily accessible with flights out of Southampton. Every chance to get out and experience the world fires the creativity… so here’s a few photos (along with a couple of sketches) from our latest exploration together.
Green cap on the move! Not quite the right green to match the shamrock. Although we did seem to strike it lucky with some glorious Spring weather. It didn’t take us long to drop our bags at the hotel and stride out along the banks of the Liffey. Walking shoes on we made our way, not quite at random but led mostly by our curiosity. It’s a lovely centre to walk around. Intricate architecture and decorative facades, but also a number of contemporary buildings that have either been crafted onto… or appear to have grown from historic foundations. Lots of people too. It felt vibrant.
Dublin Pub Painting Inspiration
There was no shortage of shopfront inspiration but the main character was definitely to be found in the pub buildings. No doubt these would make wonderful painting studies!
The Black Stuff
After a long first day pounding the pavements we stumbled into The Palace Bar. Very much in need of refreshment! Temple Bar is the place to find the oldest Pubs and this one didn’t disappoint. Yes, the Guinness was excellent.
Fancis Bacon’s Studio
It had been too long since I’d had opportunity to take in an exhibition. Nicky suggested we head over to the Hugh Lane Gallery and visit the installation of Francis Bacon’s studio. I have vivid memories of studying Bacon’s paintings in art class at school. So it was quite the experience seeing the photos of his creative space come to life.
The Dublin Writers Walk
Not done with our steps for the weekend, we followed our DK guide’s writers walking tour around the Southside of Dublin. It’s the Georgian area of the city. Wide avenues filled with tall townhouses. The route took in lots of green spaces too… including Merrion Square Park, Fitzwilliam Square and St Stephen’s Green. The Oscar Wilde statues were particular highlights!
Trinity College & The Book of Kells
We also went over to the Trinity College campus; having booked in for the ‘Book of Kells Experience’. The exhibition was exceptional and full of detail. It felt like they had a wonderful balance of contemporary projection and animation to sit alongside the historic old library. The Long Room was still the highlight. I was able to say hello to a King’s School Alumni as well…
A City of Character
At the risk of this sounding like a back-handed compliment, Dublin was one of the most characterful cities i’ve ever visited. It was genuinely interesting, full of history with much more art that I was expecting! I know there will be some fully realised paintings to follow from these initial drawings.
The good beer certainly helped. But with it being such a short trip from an airport right on our doorstep… I wonder if we’ll be back, sooner rather than later, for another taste of Ireland.
