LONDON TO DUBLIN via Rail and Sail

RETURN TO DUBLIN:

We were up at 0530 and prepared for our days journey. We started with a light breakfast at the Royal Garden Hotel of coffee, pastries and porridge. As we are needing to get to Euston Station during the Monday morning rush hour, we opted to take a cab, thus saving us a crowded underground journey with our luggage.  The cab ride was quick and easy as the surface rush had not quite started. 

At Euston Station, we gathered our tickets and made our way to a coffee shop for a bacon roll and coffee. During this time I went and purchased us a ham and cheese as well as a tuna sandwich for our lunch later this day. Soon we joined the masses awaiting the assignment of a platform. The boarding signs flash and a platform is announced and the great migration starts. We make our way to the assigned coach and seats to settle in. 

Rail Transport tip for money savings. One can usually save a good bit in the cost of your rail fare by purchasing in advance online.  Our fare for the rail and ferry from London was only 46 GBP, rather reasonable in my opinion. 

We enjoy the rail travel in Europe and other places, as this means of travel offers one a chance to see much more of the countryside. 

We arrived at Holyhead and made an easy walk to the Irish Ferry Terminal. We checked in and checked our bags and made our way to the Club Level. We had read this is well worth the up charge of 18 euro per person. Here one is offered snacks, meats, cheeses, and pastries and various little plates. Also included are drinks like coffee, tea, cocoa, wine and juices. You also have a lounge to relax during the crossing. Yes I would do this again. 

The ferry is rocking and we are feeling right at home. 

Arriving in Dublin at the Ferry Port, we learn it is a bit away from town. Transport option are a bus or Taxi. The taxis are few and far between so Lynn asked the Bus Driver where he made stops. He indicated the stop was pretty close to our hotel about 1/4 mile walk. So on the bus we went as others were still awaiting a taxi. Well, the indicated stop was not where we stopped. This gave us a nice hike to our lodging of about a good mile plus. 

Our Hotel is The Ferryman on the bank of the Liffey River. Rooms are above a pub and I will get more of the history.  Room keys are procured from the bar and, totally as expected, three floors up a narrow staircase. We simply love this style of lodging. 

View out our window

We dropped our bags and returned to the bar for a drink, a lively little pub were many locals gather for after work drinks. This maybe an evening event for us. Yet who can not love a place that has written on a beam “Let The Shenanigans Begin” .

Laundry was done and we were off to bed after a bit of organization.