With so much heart in Ireland, this is a tribute to a lovely lass who will appreciate the memories.  The Enterprise train from Connolly Station in Dublin was smooth as it sped to Drogheda along  a sun spangled coastline…. leaving behind the daffodils and tuIips Anne was yearning for.

Then on to Dundalk, Newry, then Portadown where I felt right at home alongside the River Bann, saw Lurgan, and the Seagoe Parish church and graveyard where my Guy, Bowles, Livingston and Sloan forebears lived out the major hatching, matching and dispatching times in their lives.

We managed the transition from train to complimentary pink bus to the city centre, then a quick luggage drop at Jury’s Inn and we boarded the Hop on Hop Off bus to regather our bearings.  Great value for the lengthy and well commentated tour all round Belfast.  So many landmarks and history unfolded.  Then it was a stroll back to the hotel and Murray checking out the bar before we head off to the Crown for a traditional pub tea.

Glorious weather makes a difference.  Such a pleasant day despite the constant reminders of The Troubles, the divides and the peace wall.  Let’s hope the future remains positive.

Tomorrow’s agenda will take on a more researchy tone at PRONI  and the Titanic Museum beckons.