Goodbye Donegal, Hello Dublin...

Fantastic farewell was given to us from the Bonners Pub in Donegal. This pub had such a wonderful atmosphere, Pauline and Tom made such a great effort to make you feel welcome and there was always a roaring fire in the small front bar.
We had a great last night at the pub and left with some fond memories. This is where Mick taught me to play 25, where you heard all the local goss, where the the best irish songs were sung, where the most incredible stories were told, where I discovered Paddy's whiskey and where Pauline greeted you with such a wonderful smile that you instantly felt at home.

The drive the next day to Dublin was smooth going and we arrived at the Ferryman Hotel opposite the new harp bridge over the Liffey River, in the early afternoon. The hotel had been refurbished, it looked great with a mix mash of modern decor and old style warmth.

Saturday night in Dublin and the town was abuzz with excitement. People everywhere out shopping, Xmas decorations, beautiful old shops and pubs, Dublin was certainly in a party mood. We found out later that it was '12 pints in 12 pubs night' and after that the drinks were free. There were hundreds of revellers out trying to achieve this and having a generally good time in the process. Unfortunately our stamina only lasted for one pub and then it was time to call it a night.

The next day was spent exploring Dublin. Trinity College library was a sight to behold. A magnificent building full of wonderful old books and containing every first edition imaginable. Arched oak ceilings suspended 7 to 8 metres above you, rows and rows of bound books, old library ladders reaching several metres to the top shelf, busts of the great writers and philosophers, what more can I say to paint this awe inspiring scene. Chris made me close my eyes and then took me by the hand to the spot where I could see the whole room in my first glance.

At the end of the day we drove to the port to catch the overnight ferry to Liverpool. Our little fiesta was placed in between massive semi trailers. In fact we were the only passenger car on board. Six nights a week these truckies take their loads between the two towns, sleep on board and then drive off in the morning only to return again at night. We had a smooth crossing and as you would expect arrived to rain in the UK.