Day 2 - Dublin

Arrived LHR 25 mins late and got "Express connection" card to get through security and gate control quickly.  We did fill in forms to enter the UK and got on the plane just as it finished loading.  Arrived Dublin 10 mins early without our bags!  No one on security by the time we'd organised our luggage transfer so we breezed through.  BA couriered the bags to the hotel once they had landed on the next plane. Caught Aircoach to the hotel and checked in.

15 mins in Dublin at 7 degrees C and we were glad we had packed all our winter woolies but Ronnie regretted the fact he hadn't carried a jumper with him on the plane.  He did have a windproof vest. He toughed it out with the hardy Irish a few of whom were wearing t-shirts.

Lunch at Flanagan's on O'Connell Street.  5 E Mini Irish Breakfast: toast, sausage, bacon, tomato, egg and baked beans.  Very nice. Goodness knows what the full Irish breakfast is! They very kindly let us swap the two teas for one coffee. Best coffee so far on the trip.

Did the HOHO bus around the town while the sun was shining, beautifully at least for 30 mins. We've never done one of those before and were impressed with the commentary and the organisation - there was an agent at every stop to help you with directions.  Checked the tourist office (there are 5 within 2 mins walk of the hotel) and went back to the hotel to take a quick nap (not much sleep on the plane at all) before the traditional Irish Music and Dancing "Celtic Nights" free 7 nights a week right at our hotel but we slept from 2:30 till 9:30 and missed it. Not the thing you should do for jetlag but I am sure I can still sleep through the night.

Our hotel is pretty close to the foot of this bridge, on the other side.  There used to be a ha'penny toll to cross it, so it is called the ha'penny bridge or the penny Bridge. 

This is our hotel with the restaurant and bar on the left and the hotel entry on the right. It is on the river.