14c Light Rain
Barmouth Viaduct at Sunset 
Llanberis from Penllyn 
Morfa Bychan beach near Porthmadog 
What's the attraction?
A trip aboard the Stena HSS Explorer ferry and a chance to visit Ireland's capital.
What's on offer?
In Dublin there are all kinds of attractions to suit all tastes and budgets, we took the children to see Dublin Zoo, and had a ride on the City Tour Hop on Bus.
How did you get there?
The journey over was the highlight of the trip for the children, we caught the ferry from Holyhead and it took about 90 minutes to cross over on the Explorer catamaran.
How long did you stay?
We had a very long day, leaving Abergele at 6.30am and arriving home 9.30pm.
Did you take a brolly?
No, there are plenty of undercover attractions if the weather is bad.
What did you do there?
When we boarded the ferry we were impressed: the staff were welcoming and the ship very clean with plenty of seating areas.
Once the ferry started Llio and Morgan were fascinated by the water rushing out of the engines in the back. The crossing was a bit rough, there were a few making use of the 'convenience bags'. When we arrived at Dun Laoghaire the staff directed us to the Dart station, it was a short journey to Tara Street and then on to the bustle of the centre of Dublin.
We decided to take the Hop on Tour bus so we could get a taste of the history of the city and see 'the sights'. Once we settled on the open top deck we realised why most other people were sitting downstairs - it was freezing - but you could see a lot. The tour takes 1hr 30mins, and it took us to the entrance of Dublin Zoo.
The zoo was fantastic with a large elephant enclosure, hippos, rhino and wolves - we ran out of time and had to leave before seeing everything.
We then re-joined the City Tour Bus for the journey back to the centre of Dublin: the driver seemed to really enjoy his job and made jokes all the way linked to all the landmarks. We made our way to the Dart and back to the ferry terminal where we could collapse in a heap with a coffee.
There were a lot more people on the ferry on the way home. A smoother crossing meant we could stomach pizza, which was freshly made and good. Thankfully when we got back to Holyhead there were park and ride buses and we were able to quickly settle three very tired children into the car for the trip home.
How much did it cost you?
The family ticket for the ferry was £47 (it's now £50). The bus tour cost £21 for a family ticket (which lasts 24 hours and you can get on and off as you like), Dublin Zoo a reasonable £26 for all of us.
How about food and drink?
On the ferry there are plenty of different food outlets. We had lunch at the zoo's MeerKat Restaurant - the food was deep fried and bland but one wall of the dining area was a side of the meerkat cage so none of the children wanted to eat as they were fascinated. The restaurant was roomy and clean with attractive fittings.
Are there any shops?
There are hundreds of fantastic shops but because of the lack of time we did not visit a single one. Worth a return visit for the shopping and the National Museum
Is it ok/safe for kids?
Our children really enjoyed it, we were on the go constantly. On the ferry there is a children's soft play area. The zoo was a chance for them to let off steam, the layout was fantastic with the city farm having really low viewing panels so that Miriam could see the animals from the buggy. There were adequate baby changing areas everywhere we visited.
Can people with disabilities get around?
Long stay parking at the port in Holyhead is a park and ride arrangement, when we arrived in the morning it was still dark but there was no bus so we had to walk to the port. Once inside the ferry terminal it was really good with lifts and escalators and staff on hand if you requested help. The Dart station was okay but you had to ask where the lifts were. The Hop on bus would have been difficult if you had problems with steps as the buses are old fashioned double deckers, Ger had to jam the pram in the luggage rack.
What was the best bit?
Ger enjoyed the humour of the driver of the bus tour, Llio the visit to the zoo especially the zebra. Miriam's day was made by seeing the big black pig and piglets, while Morgan is still talking about the 'cwch mawr' or big ship. I really liked being a part of the city bustle and feeling we were in a different country.
Opening times?
Ferry: Daily crossings, for times contact 08705 42 11 26 or stenaline.co.uk. The Explorer is having a refit until February 14. Bus Tours run all day, check http://www.dublinsightseeing.ie/ Dublin Zoo open all year - http://www.dublinzoo.ie/
