This country just keeps on getting better. We have worked out the weather here, the forecast always predicts it to be better than it actually is! This morning we had mist and drizzle but that eventually cleared to a stunningly beautiful, warm and sunny day.
First stop was Carrigadrohid Castle to the west of Blarney. It is of the beaten path and the castle ruins sit alongside the river, with a stone bridge connected to it. Only a handful of houses and an old 'apple tower' (in case you were wondering where iPhones come from). Originally built as a folly for entertaining, it was used to store apples in more recent times. Enjoyed seeing some of the early wildflowers appearing amongst the moss growing on the stone walls.
Had our city experience by visiting Cork. Bit of drama trying to park but finally managed to get into a parking building that we think was built for leprechauns - the parks were seriously small, as were the entrance and exit ramps. The London Market was sensory overload with sights, smells and sounds abounding. Couldn't resist trying roast potatoes, Irish sausage and fried onion topped with delicious relish. It was so good and I don't even particularly like sausages or fried onion! Wandered through some of the city streets enjoying the different buildings jammed into narrow lanes and alleys. As we drove out, the views along the river were equally impressive.
Along the coast to Cobh (pronounced Cove and previously known as Queenstown) located on the Big Island. This is definitely a tourist destination, but thankfully we are early in the season. A classic stone church with a commanding view over the the village and the bay and then steep streets with colourful terraced houses tumbling down the hillside. The sun shone and you couldn't help but smile at how pretty it is. Lots of fishing boats along the harbour edge, with seafood restaurants in abundance. This was the last port that the Titanic visited so plenty of places named after the ship and shipping company. Also a memorial to the Lusitania a luxury passenger liner that was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915. Pretty sobering reading about how many lives were lost.
We walked some of the Ballycotton Cliff Walkway, which certainly helped blow any cobwebs away. The sunshine was warm but the wind was not. Lots more wild flowers starting to bloom along the path and some spectacular views of the rugged coast line. Quite a bit of mist about but still pretty spectacular.
Heading toward our home for the night, we stopped off in the outskirts of Kilkenny to visit Aimee MacRae, daughter or our old neighbours, Graham and Annette. It was so nice to see her and her wee boy CJ and catch up on their news. I have a hug to deliver when we get home.
Tonight we are staying in Borris, about 30 minutes from Kilkenny. It is another historic village with an impressive railway viaduct, old station, mill, wheat store and Borris homestead. The viaduct is only a few minutes walk from our wee terraced house Air BnB and we caught it with the setting sun shining. Suspect that David will have captured some great photos. Lots of things to see as we head to Dublin tomorrow for our last night is this beautiful part of the world.
First stop was Carrigadrohid Castle to the west of Blarney. It is of the beaten path and the castle ruins sit alongside the river, with a stone bridge connected to it. Only a handful of houses and an old 'apple tower' (in case you were wondering where iPhones come from). Originally built as a folly for entertaining, it was used to store apples in more recent times. Enjoyed seeing some of the early wildflowers appearing amongst the moss growing on the stone walls.
Had our city experience by visiting Cork. Bit of drama trying to park but finally managed to get into a parking building that we think was built for leprechauns - the parks were seriously small, as were the entrance and exit ramps. The London Market was sensory overload with sights, smells and sounds abounding. Couldn't resist trying roast potatoes, Irish sausage and fried onion topped with delicious relish. It was so good and I don't even particularly like sausages or fried onion! Wandered through some of the city streets enjoying the different buildings jammed into narrow lanes and alleys. As we drove out, the views along the river were equally impressive.
Along the coast to Cobh (pronounced Cove and previously known as Queenstown) located on the Big Island. This is definitely a tourist destination, but thankfully we are early in the season. A classic stone church with a commanding view over the the village and the bay and then steep streets with colourful terraced houses tumbling down the hillside. The sun shone and you couldn't help but smile at how pretty it is. Lots of fishing boats along the harbour edge, with seafood restaurants in abundance. This was the last port that the Titanic visited so plenty of places named after the ship and shipping company. Also a memorial to the Lusitania a luxury passenger liner that was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915. Pretty sobering reading about how many lives were lost.
We walked some of the Ballycotton Cliff Walkway, which certainly helped blow any cobwebs away. The sunshine was warm but the wind was not. Lots more wild flowers starting to bloom along the path and some spectacular views of the rugged coast line. Quite a bit of mist about but still pretty spectacular.
Heading toward our home for the night, we stopped off in the outskirts of Kilkenny to visit Aimee MacRae, daughter or our old neighbours, Graham and Annette. It was so nice to see her and her wee boy CJ and catch up on their news. I have a hug to deliver when we get home.
Tonight we are staying in Borris, about 30 minutes from Kilkenny. It is another historic village with an impressive railway viaduct, old station, mill, wheat store and Borris homestead. The viaduct is only a few minutes walk from our wee terraced house Air BnB and we caught it with the setting sun shining. Suspect that David will have captured some great photos. Lots of things to see as we head to Dublin tomorrow for our last night is this beautiful part of the world.
4 comments:
Great to hear you are enjoying it.Lots to see in such a small place.Say hello to Kildare for us on your way back to Dublin.
😊 it looks gorgeous!
Loving these photos David, the coloured houses are super quaint!
Great text. Great photos. Rural life has so much memory packed into it and a welcome relief from the go go of urban life. Glad you are still enjoying yourselves. Kenneth.
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