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Published: August 30th 2018
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After breakfast I checked out of my hotel slightly prior to 9am and then walked for about 15 minutes to the train station. My train was departing at 9:30am so I had enough time to grab a coffee. The trip took 2 and 1/2 hours and I arrived in Dublin Heuston station at 11:55am. I then made my way out to the Luas (lightrail) for 25 minute trip to Dublin Connolly station. My train to Belfast wasn't departing until 1:20pm so I had time to have some lunch at the station. After lunch I decided to use the bathroom at the cafe but when I went to unlock the stall, I couldn't get the door to open. I tried turning the small knob many times but nothing happened. There was no where to grip either the top or the bottom of the door and it was very high so even though I contemplated climbing over the top, it was not going to be easy. I started to call out for help - there was no one else in the bathroom - but that didn't do anything. I tried turning the knob one more time while standing on the toilet trying to
work my way out (by this time I was panicking a tad as I could see myself missing the train to Belfast) when to my relief, the door easily unlocked. even once I boarded the train my hands were still shaking from the fear.
Scenery along the way was lovely and I spent most of my time writing my blog (finally good wifi on the train hurrah). Arrived in Belfast at 3:00 and then worked out the way to walk to my hotel, Bullitt Hotel. Turns out this hotel is in an excellent location and it is a really cool, trendy little place that has a great beer garden as well as a rooftop bar and restaurants. The staff are super friendly and helpful, without being over the top. I was chatting to Adam as I was checking in and he told me about the fire in the Primark building, that had only just started around midday. Everyone is really sad and in shock that this building (Bank Buildings) is on fire. It dates back to 1785 and is an iconic building in the centre of Belfast. The original bank opened in 1787 and then in 1805 the building
was converted into a shop. The last public execution was carried out on this buildings doorstps in 1816 and the IRA bombed it three times in 1975 and a huge fire broke out shortly afterwards and damaged part of the building - but still it survived. Until now. So once I checked in and dropped off my bags, I went for a walk to see what I could see. I was able to get fairly close - and the shock that most people were feeling was palpable. The fire brigade were doing their best to get it under control but this wouldn't happen for another day or so.
I tore myself away and then headed back towards the river. I wanted to do one of the river walks and decided to head toward the docks and the Titanic quarter. I had a really good walk and was able to get my step count up to a reasonable figure. I popped into the Titantic exhibition centre to suss out tickets etc, as I wanted to go there on Thursday. By the time I got back to the hotel, I decided to have a drink in the bar and then have
something for dinner. I was really looking forward to my full day tour tomorrow - I am going to do the Game of Thrones and Giants Causeway tour.
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