Next day was spent at sea, even though our next port was only a few hours away. We cruised all night, all the next day & the following night, apparently cruise passengers like this as its the time to relax - I just wanted to land somewhere.

Around 3000 passengers were on board & sunbeds had to be packed like sardines although some poolside areas looked more like seal colonies. I've never seen so many overweight, tatooed folk in one place. Our cabin is excellent & the balcony is a  neccessity after seeing some inside ones.

Just back from Ireland after visiting family and friends in Monaghan and Ardara in Donegal.

The May Bank holiday weekend was a busy party time in Ireland with Monaghan being packed with musicians, especially fiddlers competing for the prestigious title of ‘Fiddler of Oriel’. Something was happening in every pub and the town square had a public concert on Sunday.

Over in Ardara the famous ‘Cup of Tae’ festival was in full swing and continuing to attract Ireland’s top musicians – the only problem is knowing which event to go to.

As well as music everywhere the famous ‘Cup of Tae’ schools of music also take place on Friday night and Saturday morning. Schools for beginners have top teachers in fiddle flute whistle guitar singing and accordion classes while session workshops for students of all the various instruments can join in a session for some on-the-job coaching.

Watch Dylan Thomas in Donegal
This is the true Story of Dylan Thomas's Summer in Glenlough Co Donegal, Ireland. Under orders from his Doctor to get out of London and lay off the drink things got a little out of hand when he got a taste for the local farmers poteen still. Filmed by Peter & Adam Alexander.