In addition to what I have already mentioned (see Part IV), there were some sights that demanded a stop, such as Davey Byrnes Tavern (hangout of writer James Joyce), and the Gresham Hotel (where writer W.B. Yates had his daily tea). One evening was spent at the Abbey Hotel, where, after a fine meal, we joined a busload of American tourists to listen to an Irish band.
Near the Ha'Penny Bridge, so called for the toll one paid to walk over the River Liffy, was a Christian bookstore. We stopped in and had a long conversation with Manager Joe about his success.
After enjoying many tea times at the Gresham and Bewley Tea Shops, it was time to head north to visit relatives. We stopped at the border town of Newry for lunch, then decided to walk around the town. At that moment I spotted a squad of British soldiers - guns at the ready -
walking down the middle of the street. Two of them were facing forward and two facing backward. I said to dear wife, "Let's get out of here", and we did. This was during the time of the "Irish troubles" - the civil unrest between the Catholic South and the Protestant North. Twice we were stopped for a look at our papers, the third time they waved us through. Word got around as to our identity.
M, L.
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