Blog Of Good Cheer

Sutton to Howth Summit On A Cold Sunny Day

Last Sunday was cold but sunny. It was perfect weather for a long walk if you were wrapped-up.

I decided to follow the cliff walk from Sutton to Howth. My plan wasn’t to follow the cliff all the way, but to break away from it just after the Baily Lighthouse and head down to Howth along the old tram lines. There’s a view over Howth harbour and Ireland’s Eye I wanted to photograph.

Before I even got to the Sutton Martello Tower I met a gaggle of Geese! Brent geese to be exact. They were doing what they usually do, feeding.

I wasn’t the only one out. There was a group of intrepid kayakers getting ready to push off and I met plenty of walkers on the path. Although the route is narrow in places and there are stone steps to negotiate, it’s a popular route for walkers of all standards. I met plenty of those who were taking it seriosly and also some families just out for a stroll. I was surprised to meet a couple of mountain bikers who semed to like the route a lot.

Although it was cold, and the wind didn’t help, the sun and the activity was enough to stay warm. I really only felt the cold when I stopped to take photos. Natures way of encouraging me to keep going, perhaps?

The rocks around Howth are full of wildlife. There are plenty of screeching gulls looking for a meal and also cormorants, sitting on the rocks, stretching out their wet wings to dry in the sun.

Visibility was great and the views over Dublin Bay were wonderful. On a day like this its hard to know if you should push on and continue the walk, or just find a perfect spot, sit down and take in the view.

Once I reached the Baily Lighthouse I could have continued along the cliff to Howth but that wasn’t the plan. I went up the steepest part of the walk so far, past The Summit pub and started down the disused tram lines.

Following the path down there’s a spot on the right, that has a very attractive bench and a view over Howth Harbour that is stunning.

After a little rest, a chance to take in the view and a few photographs I headed on down to Howth Village.

If you do this walk on a Sunday and time it right to arrive at the Pier House around 1pm, there’s usually a traditional music session that’s worth stopping for. They also do a decent pint.

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Time Spent in O'Connell Street, Dublin

A man with one watch knows what time it is; a man with two watches is never quite sure. ~ Lee Segall

I’d arrived early to meet a friend at the Eason’s Abbey Street entrance.

I had fifteen minutes to spare and rather than “kill time” I decided to use it.

I had my camera and as I looked around for subjects I noticed the clocks of O’Connell Street.

There are five large clocks within a few steps of each other in O’Connell Street, Dublin:

Eason’s Clock
The G.P.O. Clock
The Lir Clock
The McDowell’s Happy Ring House Clock
Cleary’s Clock

Looking at them closely I was surprised that they were all working and fairly accurate. Being within five minutes of the correct time isn’t bad at all.

The most used one of them all is probably Cleary’s Clock. Not to look at but to meet under. I’m not sure if it’s still in fashion but meeting under Cleary’s clock was standard practice before heading out on a date.

The clock I tend to see least is the one above the G.P.O. (General Post Office). I think because it is flat against the wall and also because there are pillars blocking the view I rarely see it as I’m passing.

For a long time the Lir clock, based on the legend of the Children of Lir, was broken, but it seems to be running fine now. There are those who think it is hideous, but I like it.

McDowell’s, The Happy Ring House, is responsible for the clock that stands out most at night. The neon Happy Ring House signs just draws you to it. They’re also responsible for some very cheesy adds that greeted Dublin cinema goers in the 70’s and 80’s.

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Excellent Coffee In Dublin City Centre From A Champion Barista

I like coffee. If I’m making a cup at home I use a Bialetti espresso maker. I haven’t gone all nerdy and started trying to tell the difference between different coffee beans, but if I’m lucky enough to be in a café that appears to be run by people who are passionate about coffee I’m happy for them to lead me to untried exotic blends.

That’s what happened recently when I was in the Third Floor Espresso at 54 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1. I got taking to Colin Harmon, who owns the shop and also writes a blog called Dublin Barista. Instead of getting off the Luas at Busaras I’d started getting off at Jervis so I could pop in and have an espresso. Walking on to Connolly to get a DART is pobably good for me.

After asking me what I thought of the coffee he’d just made me (which I loved) Colin said that in a couple of days he’d have a blend that he felt would be perfect for my coffee maker. It was Machacamarca and I think (working from memory here) it came from Bolivia. A few days later I bought some and I really like it.

I’m not going to try and describe it. I’ll leave that to people, like Colin, who not only are experts but are passionate about producing a consistently great cup of coffee every time. If you’re a coffee-phile, then the next time you find yourself in the O’Connell Street area or anywhere around the quays, take time to drop buy and get a great espresso or a damn fine cappuccino for €2. That’s great value considering it’s served by the Irish Barista Champion 2009 who has also won fourth place overall, World Barista Championship Atlanta 2009!

I think I’ve visited the Third Floor Espresso about a dozen times now and I’ve always liked the coffee I was served. Colin isn’t always there (I guess even coffee lovers have to sleep) but everyone who works with him seems to have the same devotion to delivering a excellent cup of coffee every time.

Enjoy!