Trish welcomed us in a warm and friendly manner and was able to accommodate our early morning arrival by meeting us at the dock and storing our bags while we went for breakfast. Barge living has different requirements than those of landbased properties. She was very precise in describing the tasks needed to maintain the vessel durring our stay. (These activites are also well documented in a barge manual.) While it was our responsibility to replenish the water tank when needed, I found that Trish and Mick had topped it off just because they were around. Well done! The neighborhood is unique, as it is on the water! There is a wonderful Irish Waterways visitors center, which educated me on the history of the Grand Canal. The docks are very quiet at night, with many lovely restaurants within easy walking distance. There are several nearby grocery stores for stocking the galley. There are two locked security gates for accessing the docks, and we felt safe and secure at all times. The trip up the canal and back was a slow paced thrill that not many people can say they have done. It provided a view into a past transportation technology that was long ago forgotten. Who would have though I could pilot a barge! We had an exquisit stay and would highly reccomend a barge experience for anyone looking for unique accomodations off the traditional path.