Woke up refreshed, packed up and headed to Cork city (we stayed just outside), stopped for a very nice breakfast in a small trendy cafe. I had porridge with honey and banana and Song had Granola, whatever the hell that is. We were heading for the English market, one of the sights of Cork. We came across a small group of people who were clearly agitated and were pointing at the sky. There was a blue area amid the grey, and an old man said “I remember the great blue patch of 1965. It lasted for nearly 10 minutes. I didn’t think I’d live to see it again. Many witches were burned that day”.
Carried on around the town, found it very nice, small alleys full of cafes and shops, clean and friendly. Found the market which was also nice but small.
Walked back to the car then on to Blarney Castle. I liked Cork, even though we didn’t stay long it seemed pleasant.
Blarney Castle was nice, there were gardens with rivers and the setting was wonderful. We climbed up the narrow spiral stairs up to the top and had a great view of the area. We decided not to kiss the blarney stone, and climbed back down. As we walked through the gardens a miracle happened – the sun came out! I even took off my jacket. The locals were cheering and hugging each other.
Back in the car and did a bit of a backtrack to the Rock of Cashel, another castle. Only took about 40 minutes up the freeway, but as we got closer the clouds came in and the rain started.
Got to the castle which was impressive, but unfortunately there were renovations going on and a lot of it was covered in scaffolding. Took photos then found a place for a sandwich for lunch. Passed through Tipperary on the way to Waterford – I didn’t know it was a long way to Tipperary – and arrived in Waterford. Walked up and down the high street, not a lot to see, then back to the car and onto Wexford where we stopped for the night. Drove into town for dinner around some back roads and saw some magnificent homes – long, tree lined driveways, large grounds and huge houses – I’d noticed this before, on the outskirts of towns there tended to be these large properties. We parked in the city and found the 3rd best place in Wexford, called The Yard. I had cod with ratatouille and roast potatoes, Song had Monk fish with cous cous. I’m beginning to worry that she’ll develop gills.
Went back to the hotel, back to Dublin tomorrow.
