County Cork

CORK CITY, OUTSIDE ENGLISH MARKET! (Mary, Dana, Sally, Grant; photographer MFE)


While Mary, Ed, Sally, and Grant were here, I (MFE) took a Saturday off and we went to County Cork. Dana and I had been there only briefly - once to the airport on a foggy December morning, and once to an all day workshop which didn't allow for much sight-seeing.

Our first stop was impulse - the Prince August Toy Soldier Factory - and it was great. It is in Kilnamartyra, near Macroom. They do molds of many historical and mythical figures and have them in all sizes. They also sell kits for "do-it-yourself" molds at home. We were all fascinated!


We then drove in to Cork City - the driving was not fun. We had rented a 6 passenger van, and Dana did a good job of navigating round-abouts, city traffic, and a lot of helpful advice from his passengers and go us safely parked. We all went our separate ways, but all enjoyed the English Market - a city centre market of fresh meat, fruit, veg, and sundry other things. Some went to the Butter Museum - reportedly a missable attraction! However, they enjoyed the Shandon area of Cork, which is very ethnic. Dana and I took the "hop on hop off" bus to get an overview of the city - we didn't hop off at all because it took so long the in the gridlock traffic. However, we got a good feel for the city and the places we will visit in the future! Cork is a big city - fun, but not where I'd want to live.

We next drove south toward our B&B, which was in Kilbrittain. It turned out to be more rural than expected, but with a beautiful view of Port Courtmacsherry.That night we ate in a pub in the nearby village of Timoleague; here is a picture of the old abbey there - it was almost too dark, but gives you the idea (mfe photog).







On Sunday most of us drove to the beach at Garretstown - a beautiful beach - and enjoyed walking. We then drove in to Kinsale. (mfe photographer) This is a big tourist destination and seems beautiful, though we weren't there long. It is famous for it's cuisine, which we did not sample!

We then hurried back to the B&B and set off for the highlight - lunch at OCC (Otto's Creative Catering). Otto and Hilda run this organic farm and restaurant, and are internationally famous for "slow food" - Otto speaks at conventions and conferences. We were there almost 4 hours and thoroughly enjoyed both the experience and the food. As you can see there are is a grape arbor on the inside ceiling. It is a short walk to the beautiful cliff and beach, and Hilda encourages (??forces) a walk between courses! It was a great experience. These are the area and the restaurant. All are Dana's except the one of him (a tiny spot down on the rocks), and the one of me, which Mary took with my camera.






On Monday we drove to Blarney Castle - it was raining hard, so we didn't get the full visit of gardens and mountains, but some of us did kiss the Blarney Stone!

Yes, I really did this, but enjoy the picture because I don't think it will be repeated!













We then went on a pilgrimage for Grant - but one that we all enjoyed. Edmund Spenser wrote "The Fairie Queene" at a castle north of Mallow, near the town of Buttevant. So, we went in search of Kilcolman Castle - not a really highly advertised destination. We ate lunch in Buttevant, which we found to be the least friendly and least alive town we have seen in Ireland! We then followed a nice tourist sign to the castle, only to find that it is not only not a tourist destination, it is on private land across two fields! But, that was not obstacle to our intrepid ones - (minus Mary & me!). They felt the trek was worth it - not only the castle, but an eaglet they found in the castle.







All in all a great trip and a taste of a county we will want to explore more.