Tapas Trail Dublin – Saturday 21/06/2014
The sun was splitting the sky on one of those rare days in Dublin city when you feel like you could be anywhere else in the world. Maybe sitting in a cafe somewhere in the south of France or indeed some place in northern Italy, the sun warming the concrete and the mood of the people as the stroll around the streets. That’s what it felt like sitting out side Wallaces’ Enoteca delle Langhe resturant in Dublin’s Italian quarter, where our first Tapas Trail Dublin tour began.
The group started gathering slowly from around 13:30 excited for the tour to begin at 14:00 the group chatted eagerly together. We were delighted to be Joined by Keeley and Laura from www.getrealirishtours.com who had kindly agreed to do a write up for us on their website and social media accounts. @Getrealirishtou
Today we were also joined by May Geraghty and her friends Clare, Gillian and Fiona who met in collage and have remained friends for many years. Some old friends of ours from our travels across Australia made an appearance too. It was really great to see Keiran and Deidre and Andrew who are to be married later on this year.
From the Jeanie Johnston Tall ship crew we hand Niamh, Kim and Laura Ann-Moore one of the head tour guides. www.jeaniejohnston.ie
Richard Martin was their tour guide today and opened the tour by explaining how the tour would work. We would take the group from the Italian Quarter across the Liffey and into the heart of Dublin’s old city. Our first stop was to be La Dolce Vita Wine Bar – “The Sweet Life” and no sweeter place will you find. The owner Riccardo welcomed us with open arms literally shaking my hand and hugging me as I walked through the door. This Wine Bar is the essence of a bohemian relaxed lifestyle.
Leaving La Dolce Vita we strolled through the markets towards Dublin Castle the scenic route to get to Georges St. and our second stop Havana Tapas Bar. This venue originally opened in Camden Market in 2001. . . . the first tapas bar in Dublin. Since that time, many other tapas bars have opened in Dublin and across Ireland and the tapas concept has become more and more popular. From the very first day we opened, our primary mission was to combine the most authentic Spanish ingredients with the finest locally-sourced produce…to create the freshest and tastiest tapas.
In 2005, Havana Tapas Bar moved to their new city centre premises in Georges Street ….. but they have never waivered in their fundamental mission. They continue their revolutionary struggle, as always, to deliver the most authentic tapas in a friendly and relaxed environment … for all the people !! Viva la revolución !!
Our final stop was Zaragoza, which left every one on the tour very impressed! The introduction to Zaragoza was fantastic with Daragh and Ed, who both welcomed our tours with open arms. Delicious Tapas awaiting each person on our group, which included three of their signature dishes, you will have to join us on the next Tapas Trail to see how yummy they are for yourself!
Since opening in 2013, Zaragoza has received a great reputation for fantastic Spanish Tapas in such an open and friendly atmosphere. Also just to note Thurs/Fri & Sat Zaragoza does offer live music, which is an added bonus for our Tapas Trail tours!
