Strolling up Grafton Street in the chilly wind last weekend, it occurred to me that you could make a pretty romantic date out of this common Dublin tourist destination.
First, check out the buskers. Buskers are the street musicians and Grafton Street is one of the most popular spots for street music.
I’d never seen this piano-playing guy before and he made my day. He was playing and grinning, surrounded by all these people who were grinning too. It was so nice! I’m not sure how he got his piano onto the street, but I hope he had a friend with a van.
FCV Edit: My friend Kate saw my post and said she went to school with the mystery piano man and his name is Luke Slott. Thanks, Kate!
{I’m pretty sure he also has a leprechaun on his keyboard. Can’t beat that.}
Next, stop into Butler’s Chocolate Cafe for one of their yummy hot chocolates. Butler’s is an Irish chain of coffee and chocolate shops and they make their hot chocolate by mixing hot milk with gooey chocolate fudge sauce and topping it with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. They also serve each drink with a complimentary chocolate. Because you need more chocolate with your hot chocolate.
{Would you check out the line all the way out the door?! I’m not the only one who needed a little chocolate fix.}
I usually toss the chocolate in my bag and remember it a few days later. It’s the perfect surprise treat!
And finally, I’d say it would be pretty romantic to hop in this guy’s horse and carriage ride at the top of Grafton Street. He was a little crochety and his paddy hat was perfect. I bet he could tell you some great tidbits about the city as well!
Now that would be one romantic date and a great way to enjoy Dublin!
7 Comments
I’ve seen many things on Grafton Street, but never a piano! Butlers is one of my favourite places to get coffee because of the free chocolate, the salted caramels are my current fave.
Hi, I found your blog through your post on Blogstar. I love your story! Those images you’ve captured of the street remind me of the street scenes in the movie Notting Hill. How lovely to walk down a street and hear someone playing the piano – I just do hope it didn’t rain and that someone helped him carry it home!
I love this! Sad i missed him. And I love that there was sunshine in Dublin! Like the NW that appears to be a rare but very welcome sighting.
Hey Emily! I enjoyed reading your story on Blogstar. I’ll look forward to keeping up with you through your blog. =)
http://www.megansilianoff.blogspot.com
Knew I recognised the guy playing the piano – went to school with him!! He is a great musician very talented.
[…] hot chocolate – More here and here , one of my favourite treats in […]
[…] we left after a little while and headed straight to Common Bond for hot chocolate. It’s no Butler’s, but it was rich and hot and felt like the perfect warm-up treat. The Skyspace light […]