I’ve learned my lesson about leaving cover without an umbrella. The Irish rain takes no prisoners.

Dublin’s a friendly city. Strangers have been wishing me a good morning – although I’m not sure whether this is due to the innate hospitality of Dubliners or simply because I smile them down until they say something.

Apart from some strike action that rendered most of the city closed yesterday, I’ve been having a great time. I follow my usual tourist tactic: rambling through inner-city streets until something catches my eye or I get hungry. Despite my best efforts, I’ve yet to get completely lost. Highlights so far are the Caravaggio room in the national gallery, swans at Stephen’s Green, and a pint of Guinness at the top of the Guinness brewery.

Catching the train to Galway in about an hour.