Rock of Dunamase, Portlaoise, Co. Laois

Today a friend and I took a spin to the Rock of Dunamase, Portlaoise to see what we could see. The morning started off quite foggy all over, but it lifted a little...or so we thought! As we arrived the fog was still down throughout, but it did lift and thin a little during our visit.

This is the view that greets you as you come through the front gate. It's a very impressive fortress, and usually gives great views northwise across the flat Kildare/Laois landscape. The weather didn't allow that today, but as you might (or might not) agree, the fog did give some atmosphere (in combination with the black and white switch)

This is a typical photograph of (one of) us in action. This is what a real photographer looks like!

Unusual to see this tree without a background!

More photos available on my pix.ie account.

Things to do on a Saturday, when the weather's nice...

Suggestion 1: Go to Malahide for an hour or two. The advantages are these - you can go to Malahide castle, which has some nice green grounds to wander around. It also, importantly, has the Fry Model Railway, which is well worth a visit. For €6 for a grown up (hah!) you get to see both a phenomenal set of model trains that Mr. Cyril Fry, a railway engineer, built in the 1920s and 1930s, and a huge (much bigger than an attic....) display of running model trains which covers the DART, Irish Rail, Luas and other model transportation. Anyone with children to entertain (like my better half, who still isn't convinced of my age) who have any sort of mechanical interest would enjoy this I think.

Also in Malahide, there is a beach for walking on. That's nice too.

Suggestion 2: The Chester Beatty Library. I finally made the effort to go and see it, it's been hiding behind Dublin Castle all these years! A small, but exquisite exhibition called "the Art of the Book" is on display at the moment, which has some absolutely fantastic and beautifully illustrated books that Mr. Beatty (obviously a man of not inconsiderable means...) collected. The vivid colours and details that were capable of being printed through the years is very impressive, and for €0 entry fee, well worth a visit. There is also an exhibition on world religions which is very interesting too.

Suggestion 2.1: Toscana, on Dame Street - a very tasty 2 course lunch is available here, in the Italian style. Excellent value, nicely filling.

Suggestion 2.2: The Queen of Tarts, also on Dame Street for coffee and dessert. Like the Chester Beatty, I'd been threatening to get in here for years but only now have I managed it! A lovely cosy café (be prepared to wait for a table, though!) which serves absolutely gorgeous cakes and Lavazza coffee. We had pear and chocolate tart, which was delicious, and a very well balanced cinnamon and apple crumble. Both were hugely tasty and lighter than we expected. It's going to be visited again.