We awoke at 09.30 to lots of wind and rain so spent the day on the boat until the rain eventually stopped at 17.00.
Ashore at 18.00 and went to, as advised by the locals, Gibney's Pub. We were not disappointed as this is the finest one I have been in all of Ireland. It is an amazing establishment as it caters for every age. The decor is of fine wooden carvings with rooms and alcoves branching off the main bar, very effecient and helpful young staff. Meals are superb and if you like a tele in a public bar, I have never seen so many screens in one place showing numerous sports and news channels. For a change of scenery at 21.30 went to Fowler's Bar an old fashioned mostly men bar, then Duffy's bar and lounge, followed by Last Orders a more modern establishment with live music which got louder and louder, so it was out of there and returned to Gibneys. Here the bar disco was in full swing, the place was packed with happy joyous people and it was not too difficult to join in. Back on board we continued this theme by playing our collection of Irish music with night caps.Malahide - Saturday 18th June 2011 - Day 43
The morning was spent shopping for provisions and the afternoon devoted to being a tourist.
We strolled up past the railway station, the Dart train will take you to the centre of Dublin which is 10 miles away. Into the main park which is an expansive area, well maintained and used by many who by their accents and appearance were the families of immigrant workers. The attractions of the park are dominated by the castle and while there was being used as a background for a recently married couple, who were being pushed around by their eager photographer. We went off looking for the miniature railway but were informed by the smartly uniformed park rangers it had been dismantled and stored by the local council who now had control of the park. They related the fascinating family history of the place but like many others had to be sold to pay off death duties. 
Within the park there was a cricket match going on between Malahide and North County. While in the pavilion, I mentioned to one of the elder gentlemen at the bar, the bowler at the top end was a bit quick. 'Oh, that's Paul' he replied. 'an Irish international', so with a pint of the black stuff, happily sat outside watching the game until they stopped for their tea interval. By 18.00 we were back in Gibney's for dinner of bangers and mash; chilli con-carne. We said goodbye to the staff for really looking after us, back on board by 21.00 for early start the next day.
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