A bit of a clash as they say, between the need to push on north and prudence/comfort. We had planned to make the trip along the coast to Ardglass, but the forecast was not at all conducive or welcoming, especially the predicted sea state after a day and night of near gales.

One option which we briefly discussed before bed, was to wait a day and then make a longer passage directly to Bangor, bypassing Ardglass on Friday. It would mean a 3.30am start to get the ebb out of the Lough and also to get a favourable tide through Donaghdee Sound and round to Bangor.

A 7am wake-up shows no change in the forecast and so we make the decision  to stay and leave on Friday. Back to bed with a coffee  and we plan to take the bus to Dundalk. We’re told that it is much more together than Newry across the border, although Newry has better shopping!

The morning is bright but cold….John finally decides it’s socks weather…

A morning walk along the pontoon disturbs the local heron…

The bus to Dundalk leaves from Carlingford village by the harbour…

…where we watch youngsters from the local adventure school throwing themselves into the chilly waters, presumably for fun!

We are even more fascinated by the local sauna by the beach as a group of men (they are all men), rush out of the hot box and get into the lough….why?

We’re not sure if King John was fond of throwing himself into the sea, but he built a castle here and was one of the few Kings of England to visit the island of Ireland.

The bus is busy (as have been most buses so far), and it takes us out round the headlands of the Cooley peninsula which we passed (bumpily) yesterday.

We arrive in Dundalk thirsty…

…and then hungry.  So there’s nothing for it  but to have an all day breakfast at Ma Brady’s.

We’re immediately taken, by the extraordinary amount of murals and street art, all created by different artists, and telling real or imagined stories of Dundalk….

What is nice is that despite being a ‘border town’ and having its share of violence during the troubles, there’s not a balaclavas clad man with a gun in sight…

…although there are a few swords.

Another big difference between Dundalk and anywheresville in UK, is that the high street is busy, full of independent shops….and they’ve taken the time to coordinate paint…

There’s an old tobacco and stuff factory, and we wonder at the art work writing. Apparently the line is from Robbie Burns, his link with Dundalk is that his sister lived here, and the company, searching for a name for a new cigarette called it Sweet Afton…

With an early start tomorrow, we hope on the bus back to Carlingford, and have a quick look round this lovely village…

The route back to the boat takes us past the little restaurant/bar at the marina….it would be rude not to…

A few last minute checks on tides, wind, waves etc, and then all ready for an alarm tomorrow at 2.45am!