Well Cork is not a very lively city at 7:30 on a Sunday morning, nothing was open, no cafes not even the supermarket.
See a hive of activity..
Well McDonald's was open, but as you know, I refuse to eat there in Ireland.. The Irish aren't big on advertising their opening times here in Cork, so I had no idea what time the supermarket, Hungry Jack's or anything else was going to open, so I decided to walk around Cork to get the feel of the place without all those other annoying touristy folk. Well that took all of 20 minutes!! I sat and watched the locals put up their stalls at about 8 o'clock. I was taking a tour today to Kenmare & Killarney and it didn't leave until 9:30 am, so lots of time to fill in. I was getting decidedly hungry but still nothing open, so okay! I swallowed my pride and a bacon & egg McMuffin.. but I did use their toilets too, just to make me feel better!!
Well the tour was really great. All the countries over here are so beautiful, lush and green and they have the most amazing old buildings that just take you right back. I swear some of these places you can just imagine the knights/Lords riding down from the hills. It is brilliant.
Our first stop was Kenmare, a lovely little village, I had a quick bite to eat there, it was about 11:30 when we arrived. Ireland may be small but it takes ages to get from one place to another, really amazing actually.
Kenmare Village
We then went on to Muckross house, it was very impressive. For once I didn't pay and go in, I have seen some lovely palaces, castles & homes, I wanted to see the garden, so that is what I did. I meandered around the grounds and they were spectacular. i shall post some pics.
Muckross House
Some of the gardens
More of the gardens. Lovely view in the background
After we left Muckross House we went on to Killarney and that too was a nice town. I did a bit of personal shopping, browsed the shops and had a cup of tea. That is the first time ever I have had a cup of tea handed to me in one of those plastic cups with the sipper lid they use for coffee. I am not sure if that was it, or if it was just me, but it did not taste the same, it was pretty ordinary actually.
I kept falling asleep on the bus, and Sheonagh you can tell Ally it wasn't culture fatigue. The bus driver did a running commentary the entire day and although he was really nice and a lot of what he said was really interesting, I am not the only one he put to sleep. Seriously half the bus was asleep at some points. Maybe that is how he keeps everyone from getting too rowdy, he bores them to sleep. Even the young Americans fell asleep, and they usually don't want to miss anything. But he was very nice, just monotonous, he went into way too much detail on everything, from Gaelic words to how they make hay.... He did tell us how the Purple Rhododendron is a noxious weed in Ireland, I thought that was interesting. See I did listen when I was awake.
Ireland's noxious weed
We arrived back in Cork just after five, so I took another walk around, it is a very nice city. I am now relaxing back at my hotel. I shall post some pics for you to see and then I must answer some emails
Cheers
Lones
When hubby worked in Ireland he always said the first thing to move in the morning were the children going to school. Still you seem to be coping and seeing a good bit of the countryside. Pics are lovely. McDonalds?........Traitor!
ReplyDeleteJust catching up wiv ya Leonie ...If u get the chance to go to the totally off topic forum on RC .. a lady called Joyful is looking for advice on hotels in London whilst coming to tour UK...I wonder if I can give her the link to your blog ...email me if you get time ... thoroughly enjoying your trek ....Hope to catch up withyou when you get back over here ...xx Polly
ReplyDeleteHey there Leonie,
ReplyDeleteAlex Brook here, just had a look at your blog site, I had lost your original email but found it at last. I am now with Department of Justice for 3 months. Sounds like the trip is going fantastically well. Amd great photos, I would much prefer to be there than freezing Bendigo. The time is flying by, you must be finding it all fabulous.
Cheers
Alex