We haven’t seen Explorer Beastie in a while, have we? Well, this might explain why… With Hallowe’en looming, he has been watching A LOT of horror films. He especially likes any that feature vampires, and his absolute favourite is…
So when I suggested we take a trip to Dublin’s spookiest park, he was more than willing to tag along.
St Kevin’s Park is right in the city centre… But since it’s smaller than other nearby parks like St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, it tends to attract fewer visitors, most of them locals. Why is it spooky? Because it was originally a church and graveyard!
The ivy-covered shell of the church stands in the centre of the park, while the gravestones of the old churchyard are propped against the boundary walls. The park officially opened in 1971, and in preparation for this change of use, all the graves were catalogued and the headstones (but not the graves!) relocated. So it’s hardly surprising that stories abound of the place being haunted!
Perfect for a pre-Hallowe’en wander, I’m sure you’ll agree.
“And we’ll definitely see a vampire!”
Right, Explorer Beastie. We definitely will.
But first, lunch!
“It’s nice here…”
“… Disappointing lack of vampires though.”
Explorer Beastie also failed to see any vampires as he looked at the old headstones…
… Studied the fallen leaves…
… Walked on the lawns…
… Or enjoyed the abundant Autumn colours.
“Hmmm, I wonder how the renovations are coming along?”
Just then, I heard another small, possibly Beastie-like voice.
“Um, excuse me?”
Then…
“He’s a bit skittish, isn’t he? I only wanted to ask if he had a spare sandwich. I’m STARVING!”
Sorry, Dracula Beastie, he’s just seen too many movies. Finally, with much coaxing, we were able to convince Explorer Beastie to come back. And as it happens…
… He did have a spare sandwich.
“Here you go!”
“Yum, thanks!”
Then there was just time to take a quick photo for the Beastie family album before we headed for home.
All in all, a spooktacular day out!
So, what are you up to for Hallowe’en? Be sure to scare us silly with your plans by telling us about them in the comments!
HAHAHA!!! So we now know Explorer Beastie’s last name is NOT Van Helsing.
Also….Very glad to see Vampire Beastie isn’t sparkly in the daylight.
Hahaha! Nor did he smell of peppermint. How did that get to be a thing? I’m impressed how well he dealt with the daylight though – it was lovely outside yesterday! And yes, you’re right… Explorer Beastie will not be making a living vampire-hunting anytime soon. More training required, so he’s going to watch some more movies 😂 Cheers for joining us, Tammie!
Never have I seen such a dapper vampire! That cape! The bow tie! The carefully groomed hair! And, my goodness, Explorer Beastie has quite a turn of speed when he’s making himself scarce. A really good Hallow’een tale in a most unusual park. The Beastie Blog really does show us hidden parts of Ireland which is brilliant!
Thanks, Queen Bee! It’s a while since I was last in this park, so it was nice to take a wander around… Even if the place, like so much of Dublin, is hopping with Beasties 😂 Dracula Beastie does cut an elegant figure though, doesn’t he? Cheers for joining us on our latest adventure!
Thank you for this! It’s so wonderful to experience some vicarious travel right now! My absolute favorite part though is… that sandwich coming out of the bag!! I snorted coffee when I saw it. Great work, thank you again!!!
Heehee! I’m happy you enjoyed it… Although hopefully you didn’t get coffee on your computer as you were reading 😂 Cheers for coming along, and for taking the time to say hello!
Smile … what a great beastie story!
Herzliche Morgengrüße vom Lu
Vielen dank, Lu! I’m glad you enjoyed it… Thanks for joining us for our monster day out! 😊
What a great monster day!!
You have outdone yourself. Dracula Beastie is the most gorgeous, cutest, most adorable vampire I have ever seen
Heehee! Thanks, Mariss! He will be delighted by your compliments – he took a long time getting himself ready for his big day out 😂
Thanks for joining us on our spooky Hallowe’en adventure 🧛
Aw poor Explorer Beastie! Maybe that will teach him not to watch too many scary films in one go.
Ha! Yes, this encounter in the park definitely seems to have cured him of his horror film addiction. Now he’s switched to preparing for Christmas, so that’s Die Hard and The Muppet Christmas Carol on repeat for the next month and a half 🤣 Cheers for joining us, Hannah!
Hee hee. I enjoyed all of Dracula Beastie’s numerous photobombings and his creeping stance! Also, the shots of EB hightailing it! (I think I would have, too, were this in the people-world). Lucky for EB, DB was only looking for a snack. 🤣 Love the gorgeous pictures of St. Kevin’s Park. All that ivy! As for plans, I’m doing a *spooooky* load of laundry, and then it’s a horror film in time for daylight savings time later tonight. Happy Hallowe’en! 🎃
Yikes, sounds terrifying! Hopefully the scariest thing you had to contend with was the age-old mystery of “Hey, where did that other sock go?” 😆 Hope you had a fun Hallowe’en, Shirley, and thanks for being brave enough to join EB on his terrifying spooky wander… That turned out to not be so terrifying after all 😊
Hmmm…now what was a vampire doing out in broad daylight?!?! 🙂
But despite your violation of the rules of the bloodsucking undead (bet he eats garlic too) that was a fun post 🙂
Hahaha! Yes, I did wonder about that myself… Maybe he invested in some really good sunscreen? Thanks for coming along on our spooky wander, Tierney, and I hope you had a monster Hallowe’en! 🎃