As it was such an early start, we were ready to sight-see after a good breakfast! First stop - the Spire in O'Connell Street and to purchase tickets for the bus tour. 
Luckily the Saturday was dry (even if cold) and we made the most of it. 
The bus drivers were mostly funny, and it was good to see a new city! We stopped off at the St Stephen's Green (a little park) and observed some ducks get frisky (think I was scarred for life!). Then back on to the bus and off through Dublin centre learning along the way. 
Our next stop was the Guinness Storehouse - this had been recommended by everyone, and we were not disappointed! This is a huge place and they show how Guinness is made etc. etc. and at the end of it, you get a large Guinness draft to drink in their sky room at the top, views all across Dublin! 
After some lunch of Guinness stew (definitely recommended for anyone going there!), we climbed back on the bus to drive past the Kilmainham Gaol, Zoo, the presidents house and other bits and pieces. 
We noticed that Dublin wasn't so big and figured it was time to see the Jameson Distillery! Luuuvely! 
Of course I volunteered when they wanted 6 people to do the whiskey tasting; after all, who would say no to 3 irish, 1 scottish and 1 american whiskey! He he... After that, I didn't care what we did for the rest of the afternoon and suddenly it wasn't as cold anymore!
The others also got a taste, and we realised that Jameson and cranberry juice is quite a good combination!
The bus tour was by then pretty much over, and we had a walk through the town and through the Temple Bar area. Feet completely dead, it was time to head home. The "nie oud en getroud" ones went out to party, and I headed off to Club Duvet...Next day not too early, we started off again. After realising that most things are only open in the afternoon, we went to have coffee and chill. On our way, Jonathan checked out the cleavage of Molly Malone!
Then it was time to head off to Trinity College and the Book of Kells. 
The Book of Kells is a book with the 4 gospels written in the most painstaking detail and beautifully illustrated - in the 9th century!! They have an exhibition as to how it was all done etc etc, which I quite enjoyed - only to find everyone waiting for me at the end! Hmm. They also have this most amazing library with many old books! Of course, me being me, the signs that photography is not allowed didn't stop me...
By now the rain had sadly set in and so it was a mad run from place to place. Every now and then we hid out in an alcove; not that it helped too much! 
We headed of to the Christ Church Cathedral. Sadly didn't go in (by now we were getting slightly broke!), but did dry out a smidgen. 
And then off to the Castle of Dublin. The castle was built in 1204 by King John. We joined a guided tour of the State Apartments and Undercroft, learning all about the past! Really enjoyed the tour and thanfully it was nice and warm!
To end the trip, a leisurely lunch in the Temple Bar area (this is Dublin's cultural quarter which has a variety of restaurants, live music venues,nightclubs and bars). 
Sadly, that was it - time to head off to the airport and back to reality! But a big thank you to Shelly for being host to us! We had a great time!
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