Dublin -27 July

The Captain was right, strong winds and rain overnight but cleared by early morning.  Dublin has a very big indutrial port, but it is subject to significant tides, hence ship movements need to be carefully timed.

Originally settled by the Celts about 350BC, conquered by the Vikings in 795AD and then by the Normans when Henry II took Ireland in 1169. It remained a medieval city until the reign of the four King Georges from 1714.

The city is split by the River Liffey on which massive redevelopment is proceeding toward the east (more than 30 cranes in view).

Top deck of Shuttle bus into town, we did our own walking tour, including Merrion Square, St Stephen's Green, National Concert Hall, St Patrick's Cathedral, Christ Church Cathedral, over the river and back,  Temple Bar (really colourfil anr bustling), the Molly Malone statue, Trinity College (massive crowds and a 400M line to see the Book of Kells), the National Gallery of Ireland and then back to Merrion Square.

Dublin is a vibrant city and is the busiest city we have visited with masses of tour grips, including many senior student groups.

Only half our table for dinner. Curtis Stone is the advisory chef on Princess ships, so a number of passengers have heard "the Curtis Stone story". Last night it was the turn of our Table Waiter who was so excited, he sugguested Pat might take the stage to tell the whole ship.

Very good Irish group in the Showroom (4 in the band and 2 dancers) - amazing how fast they are on their feet.  Then some Irish music and dancing in the Piazza and finished with jazz in the Wheelhouse Bar (raining again as we sail towards Liverpool).