“Isn’t that the way God works? She’d thought. He takes the things in our lives that are ugly, disgusting, and downright wicked, and transforms them into something magnificent.” – J.E.B Spredemann / “I hate slick and pretty things. I prefer mistakes and accidents. Which is why I like things like cuts and bruises – they’re […]
cork
Alchemy Coffee & Books
Alchemy (/ˈalkɪmi/): a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination. Just south of the Grand Parade, on the south side of the Lee, you’ll spot The Flying Enterprise. That establishment leads up to Barrack Street. The street itself is rich with a kind of exciting derelict feel (you never know what you could discover down […]
Glanagear Woods
If you’re heading in the direction of Killuvullen, from the south (Cork), you’ll drive past a parking area with a sign marking the Glanagear Woods at the foot of the Nagel Mountains. The trail is part of a bigger network and can be followed all the way to Ballyhooly! It could take up to five hours […]
Myo Café: A Happy Birthday
Generally I’m quite a birthday enthusiast; days before my birthday I start dropping hints about my favourite macarons, photos I want to print or whatever art supply I’ve run out of. I think about baking something surprising for my brave colleagues (the lab rats), when to fit in tea with family and what I’m going […]
filter
If you find yourself in the south of the city somewhere near 19 George’s Quay, step into filter. And even if you’re not nearby, get there ASAP. You’ll be rewarded with really great coffee and a selection of mouth-watering deliciousness in a super cosy atmosphere as well as tunes that don’t make you want to […]
Ballincollig Regional Park
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 […]
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 […]