The week that was ... in Ireland

I thought that I’d spare you blog readers the hour-by-hour details of meeting, eating and drinking with the various family and friends in Ireland … suffice it to say that a good time was had … in the subdued manner of many activities in Ireland these days.

However, on our final day, Karen and I set about ticking some of the activities more appropriate to a Farewell Tour.   First we had a ham sandwich and a pint of Beamish (a glass of cider for Karen) in the Bottle Tower pub … and then later in the day, we had another pint of stout in the Dawson Lounge.  

The Dawson Lounge is legendary as the smallest pub in Dublin.   In the old days, the small size would have been a constraint, but in these times of austerity and home drinking, the small size is a bonus.   The Dawson Lounge didn’t look nearly as empty with 4 customers (us and 2 other blokes£) as the Bottle Tower did with one other bloke and us.   What a shadow of former days.

Karen heading into the Dawson Lounge ... it's down the narrow stairs

De Goin' home after 14 years

That's the full extent of the pub ....

De Goin' home after 14 years

From a big bowl of French coffee to a big pint of Guinness

De Goin' home after 14 years

 A pint of plain is your only man ... Flann O'Brien 

De Goin' home after 14 years

The "pint of plain" quotation is from Flann O'Brien and the original poem was written to give hope to those who were short of money ... suggesting that a pint of stout would solve all problems  ..... a sentiment that might be revived in the current economic predicament. 

The Workmans Friend
When things go wrong and will not come right,
Though you do the best you can,
When life looks black as the hour of night -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When money's tight and hard to get
And your horse has also ran,
When all you have is a heap of debt -
A pint of plain is your only man.

When health is bad and your heart feels strange,
And your face is pale and wan,
When doctors say you need a change,
A pint of plain is your only man.

When food is scarce and your larder bare
And no rashers grease your pan,
When hunger grows as your meals are rare -
A pint of plain is your only man.

In time of trouble and lousey strife,
You have still got a darlint plan
You still can turn to a brighter life -
A pint of plain is your only man.

by Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan)