we lived in Dublin for a summer and I must be used to saying Temple Bar, my mistake.

@stoke - the river cruises were actually a pleasant reprieve from the cold in my opinion. usually were nicely heated and at one point we bought hot cocoa on the ride to Greenwich, which was a longer trip.

@latedaytraveler - the shower issue was in the mornings, usually around 8am/9am. at night it was not an issue whatsoever. the Jane Austen tour was by Hidden Britain Tours, and the guide is Phil. definitely a highlight for me as an avid fan!

Thank you, jumper22. I'll have to do that.