We had a great time in Dublin. We went to Porterhouse Pub in Temple Bar, great live Irish music. We went to the Octagon Bar in the Clarence Hotel for cocktails.

Day 1, evening in Temple Bar, being old 'folkies' listened to some traditional music at the Auld Dubliner in Temple Bar and then found the Celt in Talbot Street on the way back to Jury's on Custom House Quay. We had been warned that the traditional music would be a bit naff but it turned out it was not too bad particularly at the Celt. Day 2, Walked around Stephens Green area in the morning, went into the National Museum in the afternoon (it was getting rather wet at the time) excellent exhibitions on Irish Gold, pre-history Ireland and Vikings in Dublin amongst others. Sat in on a lecture on ancient musical instruments, apparently Ireland has more than its fair share and some of the oldest in the world. Evening back to the Celt. Day 3, In the morning walked around the O'Connell Street area. Went into the GPO, main site of the 1916 rebellion and still in use today, In the afternoon visited the medieval Viking Quarter including the oldest pub in Ireland, the Brazen Nose, the two cathedrals and St Audoen's visitor centre, all worth a visit. There is a medieval gateway in Cook Street, just as there is in Coventry. In the evening back to the Celt. The Celt is very popular but not too touristy. Most of the crowd seemed to be locals plus a few Poles and Swedes. Music each night is by a different group. Drinks while still expensive by English standards were cheaper than elsewhere. Day 4 as weather had improved, the morning was spent revisiting St Stephen's Green and merrion park for a few photo's before picking up the cases from the hotel and getting the bus back to the boat for the afternoon fast ferry. The hotel was well placed on the river, a little out of the centre but handly for all the main tourist areas.Only downside in Dublin was the weather, we picked the oldest and wettest October for 90 years, Nonetheless we found plenty to do. The journey back from Holyhead to Coventry was a bit fraught as the ferry was a bit late getting in and nobody at the station seemed to know where the train was going. The signboards changed several times. Told first it was for Birmingham, which suited us, then Crewe, then Shrewsbury before eventually deciding on Birmingham again. On the way an announcement said we were not going to Birmingham but only to Crewe. Everybody off at Crewe before being told on the Station board the train would be going to Birmingham after all. Fifty or so people get back on the train before being told after half an hour or so we needed to get off and get on the train at the next platform. We expected to be back home for 10 o'clock but it was after one on the morning. There is something to be said for flying.On the way back, visited Chatham Dockyard and participated on a cruise on the paddler Kingswear Castle down to Sheerness and back. Weather was not great but well worth a visit as many of Chatham's attractions are under cover.

Jurys Inn Custom House, excellent hotel. great location on the river frontage. Only moan were foam filled pillows. Temple bar area is over rated and over priced at 27 Euros for 4 drinks. The Irish were great, very friendly.