Recently we explored the lovely Ballincollig Regional Park, just a few minutes drive from our house. It has marked running routes in a forested area, next to the Lee with views of the farms and fields on the north bank. Part of the route is tarred and part of it gets very muddy and boggy with […]
Exploring Ireland
Mizen Head via the Altar Wedge Tomb
It was a cold and wet day when we headed out for a drive to Mizen Head. I first found out about these cliffs at an art exhibition in the AIB Bank in the city centre. There was a beautiful illustration that I really enjoyed looking at. So much so that I unfortunately forgot the […]
Blarney Castle in Winter
Perhaps you’ve heard of the Blarney Stone. Legend has it that kissing the stone will give you the gift of the gab, the gift of flattery and of knowing how to use words in a wonderful way. Many people, famous and not so famous, have kissed the stone at the top of Blarney Castle. I […]
A Trip to Kinsale
We recently went for a little outing to Kinsale harbour and enjoyed a good fish supper from Dino’s (it was really tasty). We drove there from Cork city, it took about half an hour and there was a free parking lot that had a few spaces available. I think there is paid parking as well. […]
Sheep’s Head Peninsula, Ireland
On a fairly rainless day we drove out to the end of Sheep’s Head Peninsula will take you about two hours of south west travel by car from Cork city. The way we went included a stop-over in Bantry, so that took a bit longer. If you’re planning on visiting Bantry House keep in mind that it’s closed in […]
The Real Bantry Bay
Just for fun, we thought to take a drive out to the real Bantry Bay, south west of Cork. Most of the drive was on an “R” road which means a 100 kilometre per hour speed limits most of the time, minimal road markings and lots of pretty winter trees. Even with such a generous speed limit, […]
Hiking at Gougane Barra Forest Park
We trusted the weather report for sunny weather, but when we arrived at Gougane Barra National Park, it was pouring. With a bit of patience, the rain cleared and the rest of the day saw a light drizzle at most. Walking at a decent pace, we soon warmed up (it was 4 degrees Celsius) and […]