Cork, Kinsale & Blarney

Cork is the second largest city in the Republic of Ireland, located in the south of the country. A large, active seaport, Cork has two branches of the River Lee flowing through the city, forming an island on which the city centre is built and providing it with a certain charm. Steeped in history, as it has been suggested that Cork already had a settlement in the 6th Century, the city exhibits some interesting architecture and numerous bridges. Compact in size, with friendly and helpful locals, Cork was our choice of destination for a few days break, and also included visiting nearby Kinsale and Blarney.

We managed to get cheap flights with Ryanair, although this involved an extremely early morning flight, and therefore meant we lost sleep but saved some money. The flight took about an hour to Cork's International Airport, which lies to the south of the city. On arrival, we caught a bus outside the airport to the main bus terminus in Cork city, which cost € 3.80 each, and lasted about half an hour in duration.

The weather wasn't very welcoming, being decidedly overcast, cold and windy, as we made our way up Cork's hilly, steep streets, attempting to find our B&B. We booked with Parkview Bed and Breakfast, not only for their reasonable rates, but also due to its location, being within a short walk to the city centre, bus and train stations. Situated on a hill, the B&B therefore has a panoramic view over the city (when not obscured by the cloudy weather). The room itself was large and clean, and the breakfast served by our friendly host was tasty too.

With no specific destination in mind, we walked toward the city centre, until we came to St Patrick Street, which is the main shopping street in the city. Various department stores and restaurants are housed in impressive buildings along this broad street, which eventually reaches St Patrick's Bridge. Over the bridge is St Patrick's Hill, which is quite a steep climb up, but for those willing to attempt it, the reward is a worthwhile view over the city and beyond. We traversed the rest of the city, crossing bridges and strolling amidst narrow passageways, and other larger streets such as the South Mall and Grand Parade, all lined with shops, offices, pubs and restaurants. There is also a large old English market in the city centre, with a variety of stalls, the majority selling food. Two of the most popular tourist attractions in Cork are Shandon Church and St Finbarr's Cathedral. Shandon Church, also known as St Anne's Church, is a famous landmark in the city. Built in 1722, it is possible to climb to the belfry and have a go at ringing the eight bells that are housed there. Saint Finbarre's Cathedral, an impressive Gothic structure with three spires, is located on the site where Saint Finbarr built a place of worship in the 6th Century.

As we managed to see most of Cork in one day, we decided to go to Kinsale the following morning. There are regular buses leaving from the main bus terminus in the city centre, and they take about half an hour to reach this picturesque harbour town. A popular holiday destination for locals, Kinsale is famous for its sailing activities, as well as its seafood restaurants. The town itself is quaint, with winding, cobblestone streets and colourful shop fronts, with a few historical attractions such as Desmond Castle, initially built as a custom house in 1500 but which is now a wine museum, and Charles Fort, a fort constructed in the 17th Century. We enjoyed our day in Kinsale, investigating its myriad of streets, visiting its welcoming pubs and walking along the harbour, admiring the yachts.

We also made a brief trip to Blarney, famous, of course, for its castle and the Blarney Stone situated therein. The village itself has a few shops, restaurants and pubs catering for the many tourists visiting the castle. Blarney Castle was built in approximately 1446, and the part of the castle that remains today, is actually the keep of what would have been a much larger fortress. There are also extensive gardens and trees surrounding the castle, with various paths on which to walk, providing the area with a sublime and mystical quality. Admission to Blarney Castle and its gardens costs €8 per person, and if you are not travelling on a budget and can afford it, is well worth a visit.

Despite the rainy and windy weather we experienced during our entire trip to Cork city and its surrounds, we had a good time. Experiencing new places is always interesting, no matter how much of an ardent traveller one may be. We still want to explore the rest of southern Ireland, preferably by car, to be able to see as much as possible of this beautiful land.