7:45am. Back aches, bed creeks, throat dry, eyes sting, blankets itch but warm, room cold. Susan is waking me gently as it’s my turn to shower. My hair is still damp as Susan and I set out for a stroll on that brisk, foggy morning in Dublin.

We wander through drowsy Dublin, picking up a coffee and pastryas we go. Stumbling upon the €1 Store, I purchase a very useful and much needed soap dish as well as a shot glass souvenir!

11:30am. Jeanette and Scott are still sleeping, so we gently wake them up.

Reinvigorated and energized, we go to Dublin Castle to explore, adventure, and learn a little history. I can’t remember any fun facts off the top of my head, but I can say we had a splendid time frolicking in the gardens behind the Castle.

We went to the Tax Collection & Customs Museum, where a very friendly guard gave us a personalized tour -as he inserted personal anecdotes and filled in the gaps of history not explained by plaques.

This was all very exciting, but not nearly as fun as going to the Jameson Distillery. Susan and I tried some Butler’s Jameson chocolate before our French Canadian guide gave us a tour of how Jameson Whiskey is distilled. I was chosen to be a whiskey taster! I still have my certificate!

This essentially entailed tasting and comparing the taste of John Jameson Whiskey (Irish, distilled thrice), Johnny Walker Whiskey (Scottish, distilled twice), and Captain Jack Morgan Whiskey (American, distilled once). I shared with Susan, Jeanette, and Scott, who made a face when he tried each one. We all drank our free Jameson mixed drinks and went out to go explore Dublin nightlife.