This time we got the tide right, leaving at 0700.  This was not long after Low Water Springs, and despite having done the calculations carefully, several times, it was with some trepidation that Benj (leaving Cate abed) set off down the tortuous and narrow channel out of Howth harbour, with less than a metre under the keel.  Motoring past Ireland's Eye once again, we set course north, leaving the coast of Eire out of sight in mist and rain, aiming for Ardglass, back to UK soil. The tide was with us for 5 of the 8 hours, but the wind strengthened again as we motored on using the radar to spot BFSs and the occasional other yacht. Had it been a clear day we should have had perfect views of the Mountains of Mourne as they sweep down to the sea, but instead Cate had to put up with Benj endlessly singing the song instead.  Despite the heavy  swell which gave us a Rock'n'Roll ride we fired up the oven and heated two Sicilian treats we had bought in Howth market - don't know what they are called, but they are like miniature Vesuviuses filled with rice, meatz, veg and mozarella - delicious hot food on the move.  We made good time, but were nonetheless pleased to make it through the narrow gap into the tiny marina tucked into the corner of this fishing harbour.  We were very glad of assistance from yachtsmen on the pontoon who took our lines (on Benj's second approach to the slot!).  We quickly put up the cockpit cover against the continuing rain, and changed out of one set of waterproofs into another and walked to the village.  There is essentially nothing in Ardglass apart from a shop and a pub, so we chose the latter!  In fact the Harbour View Inn was a very friendly (albeit empty) place, taken over and refurbished two years ago as a family business, and we were looked after by Margaret, the wife, who told us there was freshly caught scampi on the menu.  We decided to stay put rather than go back and forth to the boat in the rain and cold, so we did a bit of emailing (free WiFi there) and had early dinner (scampi and crisscross chips - very nice) with Guinness, then headed for shelter back on Vega.  As I write this I have thawed out only by the use of our electric blower heater. The one thing I regret not doing in preparation for the trip is not having the Eberspacher heater replaced, but hey! £700 is a lorra money, so we just have to be good Scots and wrap up warm!