Monday. Arrived in Dublin. Tired, and want to sleep, but the Irish brogue is strong and I'm as giddy as a schoolgirl. This keeps me going. I'm excited to be back in the Emerald Isle – especially as an adult.

Tummy is growling – the search for food and my first proper pint of Guinness is on. "The Duke" is the winner for this challenge – close to the hotel and recommended in books and by locals.

The Duke has some business in it but the bar itself is fairly empty. Pint and Irish stew to fill my belly ordered. The stew comes out piping hot with puffs of steam rising from the mixture. Thick chunks of lamb, large potatoes and a variety of vegetables greet me. It smells like perfection. Accompanying it is some gorgeous Irish brown bread. The first sip of Guinness is beautiful – I am in heaven :-)

Bar stays fairly empty. Exhaustion setting in deeper, eyelids feeling heavier. It is time for bed and a good sleep prior to tomorrow's adventures.

Sláinte!