Following our Overseas Adventure Travel (OAT) tour of the United Kingdom and post-trip extension to the Cotswolds and London, we had a free day (and most of the next day) before beginning our OAT tour of Ireland and Northern Ireland.  We decided to add on a night at the Dublin hotel where the tour was scheduled to begin, so we flew from London to Dublin, and then checked in at the Hyatt Centric The Liberties.

Bruce and I enjoy walkable cities that we can explore on our own with ease. Dublin, the capital of Ireland, was a delightful city to do just that.  Situated on the mouth of the River Liffey, the river divides the city into the Northside and Southside.  The historic city center is encircled by the Royal Canal and Grand Canal, which was helpful for navigation.

Not long after we set out on our walk, we came across a street full of murals and graffiti, which captured our curiosity and inspired me to reach into my pack for my camera.

The following are murals and graffiti I photographed on this tucked-away street as well in other areas of the city center during our stay in Dublin.

(For all photos, click on the image for a full screen view.)

Bruce and I decided to make St. Stephen’s Green our first destination.  Located in the city center, we thought the 22-acre public park would be a relaxing place to unwind after the hustle-bustle of London and Heathrow airport.

More scenes captured while wandering around Dublin before meeting up with our tour leader and group:

Coming up next: IRISH ADVENTURE #2: MORE DELIGHTFUL DUBLIN