Guinness at Kenny's in Lucan
The Ball Alley pub serves the best Guinness in Lucan
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Eventually, we make our way back to the car, not without having been amused by a row of people enjoying an ice cream by the stream. The drive back to Dublin is smooth - we make it back in time for yet another good meal, before the whole family heads off to a local pub. I am quite amused by the relationship between father and son, both called Laurence actually. They really get along like mates, and the stories they have to tell just crack me up all the time. I fill up with the obvious local Guinness, but call it quits just into my fifth pint. Back home, Laurence keeps the evening going with a glass of Jameson and a conversation with his cousin's husband, while I head to bed. The following day is nice and relaxed again, as Laurence's mom serves us another good breakfast. We then head down to the river Liffey for a good moment of trout fishing. This is one of his favourite activities to make up for the evenings out drinking, and I can tell he knows what he is doing. We choose a pleasant green spot and cast our rods into the active flow of water. On several occasions, we see a trout jump, so we know where to aim for. With the light rod, Laurence brings back a small trout, which we try to hook off and release, but the hook has gone too far. Even back in the water, it doesn't recover, so when I eventually get it free, I am doubtful it will survive. Still, I throw it in, to Laurence's disbelief. He claims that now the fish is dead, we should not just leave it, but have to eat it. I thought it may recover, but visibly it doesn't. To satisfy Laurence, I tell him I'll go and recover the trout, and end up knee deep in the freezing water in no time. My feet hurt from the cold so I hurry out before I've had time to reach deep enough. Eventually, I get our catch back, and the fun of casting and relaxing resumes. We then head to one of the best local pubs, the Ball Alley, where the Guinness tastes the best according to father and son. Both of them enjoy one with me, and I must say it is much smoother than the others I have tasted to date. We have a good talk before heading back home, where it is already time for us to wrap up the rich week-end and head back to London. As we drive off, it starts to rain as if to signal to us to have no regrets until we come back. And, to be sure, I will return!
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