On the Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, which lasts for over two hours, the emphasis is firmly on 'Literary'. There are just a couple of 20-minute breaks for refreshment along the way. The rest of the time we're treated to entertaining and informative performances by two actors.

The pubs are those that were frequented by the writers we learn about. There's also a stop at Trinity College, where we hear about Oscar Wilde and others. Perhaps we can be inspired by the spirit of these places (and I'm not referring to the whiskey).

It's also a great way to meet fellow travellers, as there are opportunities to chat along the way, and at the end of the crawl.

I'd highly recommend this particular brand of pub-crawl to any visitor (indeed, any Dubliner). Full details are available on the website.

Tel: +353 1 670 5602; www.dublinpubcrawl.com

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It's fast, frequent, well-run, and cheap (about 20 pence for any journey when we were there in August 2005). However, I'd advise travellers to learn the Russian alphabet (at least) as it can be difficult to find your way around the system otherwise. You can't always see the station name from inside the train, and the (Russian) announcements are sometimes not audible. So it's useful to be able to follow the map. You can buy postcards that show the map - handy to carry around if you don't want to bring your guide book. There's a wealth of info on the internet - just type "Moscow Metro" into Google.

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This Conran-designed hotel is a haven of tranquillity. The location - at the top of Grafton Street - is perfect. You're within easy walking distance of many fine restaurants and pubs (check out The Dublin Literary Pub Crawl, which starts from the Duke pub in Duke Street, off Grafton Street). The staff are friendly and helpful. Although the executive rooms are the smallest, they overlook the garden and so are quiet at night. Unlike the larger rooms, they have full-width windows and a window seat. The bathroom lights are dimmable - a very nice touch. There's a CD/tape player, so it's worth bringing along your favourite music (although there is a CD library).

St. Stephens Green, Dublin 2; tel: 353 1 478 7000; www.fitzwilliamhotel.com; email: enq@fitzwilliamhotel.com

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