One of our first days of waking to no rain!  The day dawned at 7:30 to a blue sky. The days seem rather short over here especially with not a lot of sunshine lately.

We said goodbye to our very fine Trim Castle Hotel and to the helpful staff  who we had befriended over the past 5 days and began a beautiful misty morning drive from Trim through the countryside to the small town of Oldcastle, Co Meath, 30 minutes away.

Arriving at the library venue a bit early (for a change), we popped into a coffee/tourist information shop across the street and the owner made us feel totally at home as we waited.  Kathleen offered us free coffee and chatted to us about sights that we should be sure to see while in Ireland and of course, the weather.  Always a topic that Canadians and the Irish love to talk about.

Just before 10 a.m. we saw signs of life at Oldcastle Library and headed over just before an excited group of students from two attending schools arrived .  It was another another brief scurry of a set up and before we knew it, we were off and running….i.e. playing.

A very receptive and happy group and apparently we get an A++ for our show.

Word was sent up to us from the library in Navan where we were to play at 1:00 p.m. for us to expect tea and fresh scones when we arrived there and not to stop for lunch.  Sure enough, Sharon had gone out to the local bakery for some fresh fruit scones and danishes.   Tea time was indeed set up and waiting for us.   Delicious and it totally hit the spot.  More than sufficiently refuelled for another show, we set up and waited as a nearby country school soon arrived at the library.  A totally delightful group of  8 – 10 year olds and our hour of performing flew by.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Soon we were on our way once again and this time, back towards Dublin for a 30 minute drive to the southern suburb of  Tallaght.  Our hotel was on a busy traffic corner and we had a 5th floor room looking out over the huge local stadium and the Dublin Hills.  (A tad different from this morning’s view of Trim Castle and the grazing sheep.)

After settling in, I had a pre-dinner run in the large park across the street; interconnected paths with ponds, ducks, swans and herons while Arthur went for a powerwalk exploration of the huge shopping centre on the other side of the street from our hotel.

After a light dinner of chicken wraps in the hotel restaurant, it was room-wards to catch up on admin work and to recharge our Rathskallion batteries.  Tomorrow’s 2 shows are in the large library across the square from here, not too far away.  MAYBE we’ll get a wee sleep-in. Although there IS a full 25m pool at the hotel if I get inspired for an early morning swim workout.  We’ll see!  :-)