In mid-April Barbara and I took a trip to Campania — Naples and the Amalfi Coast.  Thanks to Joe Brancatelli and his travel newsletter that I subscribe to, I had been able to buy some terrific business class tickets on Aer Lingus.  They enabled us to fly from Boston to Naples, via Dublin, so we stayed one night in Dublin as a bonus en route.

Here are a few of the highlights in Dublin and Naples during Easter weekend.

It was a cold and overcast Good Friday morning when we landed in Dublin.  Fortunately we had booked a room at what may be the best hotel in the city, The Merrion.  It’s a beautiful hotel with superb, gracious service.  We were able to spend time in the spa and indoor swimming pool, sipping fresh squeezed orange juice and hot tea, while our room was being cleaned.  Once in the room we unpacked and went to a small and comfortable dining area in the hotel for lunch — smoked salmon and brown bread, and a fine draft of Guinness.  The warmth of the fireplace quickly dispelled the chill of the day.

Despite the rain showers, we walked around the city center to explore a little in the afternoon.  A lovely park and an old cemetery provided quiet beauty and respite from the city traffic.

The biggest surprise in Dublin was the fact that the law forbade the sale of alcohol on Good Friday in public houses.  In other words, bars and restaurants were closed (unusual for Ireland).  However, as guests of the hotel, we could be served in their restaurant and pub, so we had dinner in the hotel and went to sleep early.

Saturday in Napoli was dedicated to walking around the narrow streets of Centro Storico and finding the best traditional Neapolitan pizza.  The major event on Easter Sunday was a visit to the archeological museum and its marvels, along with further exploration of outstanding food, including pasta, seafood, and vegan meals.  A parade right next to hotel Sunday morning was an added treat.