Cork/Cobh, Ireland - August 24, 2010

What a beautiful day!  The weather couldn't be better today.  Sunny and around 72 degrees for most of the day.  It's very windy here, but nothing that doesn't just add to the atmosphere of being in Ireland.  Today's tour is with 5 other couples.  We had Maggie and Tom as our tour guides and driver respectively.  They were great.  Lots of history along the way. 



We started the day with a trip to the Blarney Castle where, yes Shannon, I kissed the Blarney Stone.  Legend has it that those who kiss the stone receive the gift of eloquence....also known as the gift of gab.  Like I needed that kind of help!  We walked around the castle grounds and through the Poison Garden.  Lots of plants there that are supposedly poisonous to humans and animals.  This picture is of the Blarney House, however it's owners only allow it to be toured in May as they still reside there.

We left the Castle and headed into the town of Cork where we toured by bus.  The town is very colorful as their was a strong Dutch presence at one time.  Maggie tells that they have around 260 days of rain there, so the paint is used to add color to their gray days. 

The land is every bit as beautiful as you think of when you think of Ireland.  On our way to the town of Kinsale we got out at Charles Fort where the views of the sea were fabulous.  The shades of green were amazing.  Ireland is known as the Emerald Isles and you realize why.  In addition to the color and rolling hills the Hydrangea and Fushias are just unbelievable.  The bushes of blooms of both line the roads (called hedges).  I can't describe the amount of color there is here.

In Kinsale we had lunch at the "An Seanachai", an Irish pub where we enjoyed fish and chips and our first Irish beers.  Alan had a Murphy's Stout (looked like coffee) and I had a Smithwicks (pronounced Smiticks).  Irish music played in the background and we met up with some of the tour people and just had a nice time. 

They are known for woolen goods here and I purchased a beautiful cashmere scarf.  The lambswool was just too rough for my liking! 

We left Kinsale to head back to Cobh where the ship was docked.  We enjoyed again the rolling hills/countryside and some Irish music in the van.  We stopped for a breathtaking view of the ship and channel as well as St. Mary's church.  This is the last site you see as you leave port from Cobh. 

All in all a wonderful day and a great way to spend my birthday!  Off to Dublin!