One of our goals for this year is to get out and see more of Ireland. So, going back many months, to chilly February, we took a weekend trip down south to Cork.
In order to get out and see Ireland, you have to just go. Last year we made the mistake of waiting for nice weather, which doesn't really work here. Now we know, and off we went - heading south to Cork with our friends Abby & Brandon. The trip was loosely planed around a Craft Beer Festival at a local brewery, The Franciscan Well.
First stop was at about the halfway point, The Rock of Cashel. My photos don't really do it justice, but check out this
Google Image Link. It's a super old heritage site that served as the seat of the King of Munster at one point in time, long, long ago.
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| Abby & Brandon |
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| Inside the ruins |
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| I love this one Abby took of the boys |
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| There were really intricate carvings and art |
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| Staying warm inside - kidding - there is no roof, and it's made of stone |
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| Checking out the grounds |
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| It was beautiful, even on a freezing cold foggy day |
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| Getting our culture for the day |
Then it was on to Cork City. One might say, it's a small city with a big ego. They are known as the Food Capital of Ireland, and arguably have the most beautiful scenery in the whole country. The Cork accent is said to sound like their singing when they speak, which make them sound happy and friendly. I mean, what's not to like? Food, beautiful scenery and friendly people.
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| Cork's view of Ireland |
There is a big market in Cork, called the English Market, and this was high on our agenda to visit. We started our trip by cruising the streets of downtown Cork and stopping there for lunch. It was an incredible market, stuffed with local produce, seafood, meat, fresh breads and locally produced artisan foods. You know, a real European market. After seeing this food mecca, I think we all started to agree with the photo above - Cork IS the center of the Irish Universe.
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| One entrance to the market |
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| One of the seafood stalls |
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| Looking down near the entrance |
It's not that Dublin doesn't have it's highlight, it's just that Dublin doesn't have any markets that comes close to this, and we've never been able to figure out why. This market was packed full of locals in Cork, one would assume a market in Dublin would be just as popular.
Well, we enjoyed it, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the market cafe upstairs. Full of food an on a Cork "high" we headed to drop our bags at our B&B and then to the Craft Beer Festival.
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| On the way to the Pub |
Again, Cork exceeded our expectations. The festival was on the back patio of a local brewery, with a good crowd, lot's of Irish micro-brews, fun music and a guy making wood oven pizzas. It was perfect. I would like to say we tried a few brews and moved along on our journey, but really, this is where our night started and ended. We just sat, enjoyed the company, the craic and a few pizzas.
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| The night begins |
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| Abby and Brandon |
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| Same pub, different seats |
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| The girls |
After a great night, a good sleep and an Irish brekky at our B&B, we were back on the road heading for the southern coastal town, Kinsale. Kinsale is a little fishing village that's a quintessential Irish seaside town. Just before you get into town, there is a huge star shaped fort, Charles Fort, so we stopped by to explore.
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| Inside Charles Fort |
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| It was really pretty, but would have been stunning in the sun |
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| We're a little wind-blown |
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| Another view in the Fort |
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| View looking over to Kinsale |
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| Cute little town. I loved this blue round building on the corner. |
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| This windy & cold day was definitely a lovely day for a Guinness |
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| And that Guinness would give us strength |
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| ......or not |
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| Streets strung with bunting are the best |
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| and just a pretty shot on our way out |
It was a little too early for Guinness, and we had a long drive ahead, so after we walked around the town, which took all of 5 minutes, we settled in a cafe for a morning cuppa. All in all, a wonderful weekend exploring a new corner of our country with good friends.
And Cork, I do declare you the Food Capital of what we've seen of Ireland, earning you a special place in our hearts.
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