It's fair to say I can be partial to a pint of Guinness. And where better to enjoy a pint or two (or three) of the legendary black stuff than in Dublin on St. Patrick's Day? Well, I'll stick my neck out here, and conclude - nowhere. Especially when St. Patrick's Day falls on a Saturday too.

If you wasn't aware, the Irish know how to party. As the city woke up you were hard pushed to find anywhere not kitted out in their best orange, white and green get-up. And you'll never see so many leprechauns, of all shapes and sizes, in your life.

And the majority of these leprechauns, it would seem, know how to drink too...

As thousands of people lapped up the colourful parade, as it snaked along and past the River Liffey and into town, the pubs across the city quickly filled to the brim.

The atmosphere throughout the place was upbeat, brash and bold - with plenty of singing too.

It seems every pub has a resident guitarist who can sing. And from what I heard there was no dearth of quality. The pubs make sure their musicians are high grade. And they can entertain from dawn to dusk. And beyond.

Nowadays too this special day is closer than ever before if you live in south Essex.

With no bags to check-in flying from Southend Airport couldn't be easier - or faster. It wasn't far off a two-hour trek from stepping out of my front door to stepping on Irish soil. This included a Flybe flight which took little more than an hour.

The only thing I'd say is book early. Costs do get steep if you leave it late.

Another word of warning. If you go to Dublin to party it's not cheap. The Guinness is best value, from 5 euros (Roughly £5). And other drinks, pints and bottles, can cost seven/eight euros and more.

So. Was it worth it? Of course it was. And it's true what the people say. The Guinness there does taste that bit sweeter.