Good Day at Blackrock

To our joy and relief it is raining today.

We took a taxi to Blackrock, a village by the sea which appears to have more than its share of famous former inhabitants. We explored the quirky covered market (the oldest in Ireland, natch), watched a ferry arrive and a train depart and then repaired to this pub, sorry, drinking emporium, for lunch.

The service was extremely friendly, the craic top-notch and the food and drink delicious. And my leftovers were doggy-bagged on request. Should you ever visit Blackrock, I recommend that you stop by.

Having completed my pre-conference preparations, I am chilling (literally: the air conditioning is wonderful) with a drink and watching 22 supposedly grown men kick an inflated bladder around a paddock for fun and profit. Allez La France.