We started our second day with a lazy wake up and headed to a coffee shop we’d spotted the day before near the river for a Cortado, dirty chai, and a sandwich known as a toastie, which is pretty much like a panini or a grilled cheese sandwich made with really good Irish cheddar and ham…bonus points for feeling super cute ordering something called “a toastie”.
Our adventure for the day was to make our way to Malahide Castle, which is about a half hour distance north of where we’re staying, to see the town and the grounds and catch Florence and the Machine in concert.
We took the Dublin “subway”, called the DART, about 10 stops and I was reminded of my days living in NYC…the ticket machines, the stairs, reading the maps, “minding the gap”, and the insight into the vibe of a place being amongst locals going about their weekday business.
A friend from Boston mentioned to us a few months ago that Dublin felt a lot like Boston to him…and I definitely made that connection as the train passed through different neighborhoods…modern influences contrasting undeniable historical roots, modest architecture, a small town charm breathing out from a bustling coastal city, and of course, the amiable undercurrent of Irish culture everywhere you go.
Malahide is a seaside town with a cute village vibe. There’s boats in the marina and a really great waterfront walking path. Besides the castle, there’s cobblestone streets on both sides of the main road leading to pubs and shops. One of which we stopped into to sample the vibe with some whiskey drinks before heading over to the castle grounds for the concert.
We took the long way walking path through the grounds, had a few enthusiastic concert goers pass us by to get in line before the venue opened at 4. The festive flag-lined path took us by expansive lawns, cricket fields, and through a really beautiful forest.
And if you’re reading this far, I’d like to announce that we also felt inspired in this forest to “get down on one knee”. With the support and blessings from our respective families, my sweetie and I are now engaged!
We found a trail off the main pathway and found a magical spot where the breeze blew through the trees. We didn’t book this trip with the intention of exchanging rings, but a couple months ago, we wondered if, while we were here, we’d stumble upon a jewelry store and feel so inclined to make a purchase.
But both of us are far too particular about the jewelry we wear…and we researched stones that would symbolize our love and commitment to each other…and decided on an emerald, a stone that represents rebirth and growth and healing and restoration and friendship, all the things upon which we’ve built our foundation as a couple. And we agreed to bring the rings with us on this trip to the Emerald Isle to be exchanged at a time and place that felt right.
It was perfect and beautiful. It was the exact right place and time. We are both over the moon with excitement for all that is ahead of us together.
And then we went to the concert. And we saw Florence…up close! And the night couldn’t have been more magical.
On the train home, we sat across from a friendly couple who gave us the low down on some great places to visit while we’re here. And we discovered that the woman and I both share the same birthday, which happens to be today.
Just after they got off the train at their stop, I received an email notification that our plans for my birthday, a private car tour to the Cliffs of Moher, had been canceled due to a personal emergency for the driver. I was super disappointed walking back to the hotel. We ordered a bottle of wine, had a toast as the clock struck midnight, and tried to figure out a plan B.
We’re headed to breakfast now. I know we’ll make the most of our adventures today…whatever lies ahead, it’s what’s meant to be for the first day of my 46th year in this wonderfully unpredictable life.
