Baily Court Hotel Dublin Howth

... town. we caught the dart (train) from the city, when we got to the end of the line we realised that we were going in the wrong direction so we bought another ticket and headed back up the coast to the other end of the line. howth is a little fishing port/resort on the edge of dublin bay. we walked along the piers, saw some seals, smelt lots fish, explored the town. it was really pretty and a nice way to spend a sunny afternoon!<br>

... previous weekend. Friday night was that warm that we decided to have dinner and wine on the balcony! It felt fantastic to be sitting outside in the sunshine again - feels like it has been a long time. What a great start to the weekend.<br><br>Saturday morning after slowly getting ourselves organised we headed to Dun Laoghaire to do our weekly shopping. But first we strolled along the waterfront and meandered along the pier. The sun was warm, even though it was a little breezy. People ...

... who were mostly Canadian. In Howth we shopped around a little market, climbed some dangerous cliffs, and ate some delicious falafels. It was a beautiful day, and then it rained. See pictures below. Now our thing is going to Open Mike nights. We've made a few musician friends, to Rebecca's delight. This inevitably leads to me being asked if I sing or play an instrument, to which I always offer to play the egg shakers or tambourine. No ...

... that night.... the 24 hours of ridiculousness began! We started out well until we got to a toll booth and couldn't find where you pay cash at... let me tell you, the next 24 hours get a little ugly and highly entertaining! - we don't know how to get out of the toll booth that only takes passes, so picture this. Kallie and Katy in a foreign country, 20 seconds before a huge herd of quick driving spaniards on the interstate, and one little smart car reversing down the interstate very ...

... how to pour the perfect pint and even how to pour it with a shamrock on top. Afterwards my friend and I went to the Jameson factory and went on another tour. I got selected to be an official whiskey taster. Three whiskeys were placed in front of me and I had to pick my favorite. I picked Jack Daniels over Jameson which I think slightly offended them, but I laughed. Afterwards I took Alan out for dinner at a sushi restaurant ...

Yesterday, I felt less out of place wearing my clunky hiking boots. Although Howth is a suburb, it is unlike the West Island. Lore, sorry but I prefer it to Scarborough! It was at the end of a peninsula,a 20 minute train ride away. However, it was a refreshing change from Dublin. It was green and next to the sea. I saw seals and walked along the cliffs. I wanted to do the full hike but the guy I was ...

... the South Africa v Wales rugby game, which was won by South Africa to everyone's joy except for Luke, Culann and Bryan who decided to rebel against what Miss Devis wanted, once again. For those who weren't as excited about the rugby there was a few nice shops and the local reptile farm as well. Everyone had a great time. We then returned and had our dinner which was a traditional South African meal, Bobotie, which consisted of minced meat ...

... to hear about what Americans do on St. Patti's day like dye everything green and have big parades and where t-shirts or buttons that say "Kiss me, I'm Irish". I have a few friends coming over around that time so it should be good craic. It will be interesting to see what it is actually like. I also have two weeks off from St. Patties day to after Easter so I am going to spend Easter weekend with my friend and her family south of London and ...

... out right at the end, sweet as! It was great to be home. Of course it was good to see family and friends. It was one of the greatest experiences of our lives and we will never forget it. All the countries were amazing and we met some great people along the way. Thanks to everyone for the mails. Its back to reality with work on the 22nd! As they say, all good things must come to an end......... and just for you Gareth.......Beauuuuuutiful.

... or two in advance as nowhere is available!!! Made the trip to the Guiness brewery which I gotta say was pretty schmicko! Beer tasting on random levels, guiness bread and salmon, and more beer tasting. Great old factory and the best bit was the end!!! At the top of the brewery is the bar where you get your free Guiness. Best part is that it is around 10 - 15 stories up and overlooks downtown ...