Ireland day 1026. Saturday 20 July 2024- NW UK Day 1

Today’s summary	Took an afternoon ferry from Dublin to Holyhead then drove to a hotel in Chester where we’re staying for three nights. We have a wedding in the north west of England tomorrow and then are meeting friends on Monday and Tuesday. Another cold wet day in Dublin when we left and the poor weather followed us to Chester.
Today’s weather	Overcast with moderate rain all morning and afternoon and evening in Dublin and Chester. Light southerly wind. Appx 16c

Today’s overview location (The grey mark shows the location of our route)		Close-up location (The grey line shows where we walked) (No GPX today)

Commentary

(Summary blog only. Last full blog was Day 0368).

We’re having a holiday! Well a mini break, anyway. Three nights in Chester, starting tonight. Tomorrow we’re going to a wedding (actually a wedding reception) in Cumbria then on Monday and Tuesday we’re catching up with friends. We return to Ireland on Tuesday night.

Our ferry from Dublin wasn’t until mid afternoon today, so we enjoyed our customary cups of tea in bed before getting up and doing our packing. Because we are travelling by car, there is no real restriction on how much we could take with us. So that meant that for the three nights away I am actually bringing more stuff than I took on our 29 day Pacific trip a few weeks ago.

It was pouring down in Malahide as we packed, which was in some ways a good thing as it meant we didn’t feel like we were missing the opportunity of fresh air and exercise. Anyway eventually we were ready and away down to the docks in time to catch Stena Estrid for her 14:45 departure.

Back in April we had travelled to South Wales with Stena on the Rosslare to Fishguard route. Because our return sailing was cancelled, meaning a long drive through Wales to come back from Holyhead, Stena had given us a €150 voucher to use against the cost of our next journey.

So, rather spending the voucher wisely, I decided to splash the cash and upgrade to a “premium” ticket. That means we got on and off the ferry first and had access to the premium lounge. We wasted no time in settling in, of course, and stocking up on “free” coffee and biscuits.

The sailing was straightforward and I think we actually docked a few minutes early. Our priority status saw us off the boat smartly and the subsequent drive along the Welsh coast was straightforward and quick despite the persistent rain. By 8:15pm we were parked up and checked into our hotel in Chester. So now it’s time to head for the bar for a drink which to be honest doesn’t feel overly deserved but which I’m pretty sure we will enjoy anyway!

Today’s photos (click to enlarge)


Plants getting a nice watering on our balcony this morning	Travelling deluxe style

Trusty Yaris get set for his holidays	Our window on the rainy world

Ready to check out the lunch menu!

At home in the hotel!