Merchant's Arch

Today was car service day, so in it went at 9am. Took the train to Dublin and collected the car on the way back. All fine. No problems and the garage reports that it should pass its first national roadworthiness test which is due in a couple of weeks time.

This scene will be familiar to anyone who lives in, or has visited Dublin as a tourist. It is one of the most photographed spots in the city. Merchant's arch appears right in front of you as you cross the Ha'penny Bridge travelling south. The laneway under the arch connects the southern quays to the famous (or infamous, depending on your point of view) Temple Bar area. For those not familiar with the arched Victorian pedestrian bridge, it is so named because when it was first opened there was a toll of one half of a penny levied on those who wished to use it to cross the river Liffey.

Every time I have been there in the past long while, there has been a young beggar sitting under the arch and I have photographed her several times. Just my luck, she wasn't at her usual station today so you have to make do with what I found. Have a nice evening everybody.