Cork, Ireland

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Hello everyone!

So, last night in Cork was a blast. I walked downtown to E Sine (don't ask me how to pronounce it). It's a tiny little pub that has Guiness on tap. It was packed. But there is always one stool at the bar, and so I sat. In the corner five musicians played wonderful traditional Irish music. It was grand! Every once and awhile, one of the patrons would burst out in song. I sat next to an older gentleman who turned out to be a really nice guy and we chatted for several hours over several pints. It felt so good to laugh again after England...where if you sit in a bar, you sit alone. In Ireland they sing to a much different tune and readily engage in conversation. I should have taken a taxi home after the pub, but risked a walk. The streets were still crowded at 11 p.m. so I had naught to worry. It was a grand time.

Needless to say, I got a bit of a late start today but ended up at Killearny National Park where I toured the Muckross estate. It is my photo tonight. Oh my gosh, can you believe that is one house? 25 bedrooms, and 62 chimneys. It took 22 indoor servants to run the place. And all the furnishings were still intact, it was a little bit unbelievable----Jade fireplaces and opulent Waterford chrystal chandeliers. The gardens....everything was beautiful and meticulously cared for. We got to see the servents bells, just like on Downton Abbey. Each bell was a different size, so the servants would know which room they were needed in. Pretty amazing. Alas, I was born in the wrong century.

After the grand house I went to a tourist village where they showed what life was like for the cottagers and small farmers. That too was very interesting. I got to hold a 2 week old baby pig. He was so cute! And they burned peat from the bogs as fuel. You would not believe the smell---it is wonderful. So wonderful that I stole a small peice of it from the ground and am going to bring it home and burn it. Honest, it smelled that good.

After the tour I drove up to the little village of Glin, where I am spending the night at a small bed and breakfast. I am going to have a change of plans for the next couple of days. I was going to go up to Ennis and then Galway. Instead, I'm going to head inland and go to Caher. Apparently Caher castle is the largest and most intact castle in Ireland. Eventhough the coasts of Ireland are beautiful, I am drawn to the green rolling hills and inland farming country, so that's were I'll stay.

Tonight I give blessings to Guiness. And I dare New Belgium to come up with a stout half that good. God Bless!

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Comments

[donna moos]

awesome!
Oh Lori, it does sound grand! I've heard of cather, I'm am sure it will be amazing! ! Love the picture, and love sharing the trip :)

[Pat Gustafson]

?? Sense of Smell ???
Dear Miss L, I believe all that Guiness you've been drinking has distorted your sense of smell. I've had more than one whiff of burning peat ... our sense of smell is definitely different!!! So glad to hear you're having such a great time. Pat

[hen again Mama]

Lovely!
Yes! I agree with Donna. It's so cool to be able to see your "journal" for this great, empowering adventure, Lori! Thanks for taking us all along for the ride with you. We'll look forward to our rendezvous in Dublin!

[hen again Mama]

Lovely!
Yes! I agree with Donna. It's so cool to be able to see your "journal" for this great, empowering adventure, Lori! Thanks for taking us all along for the ride with you. We'll look forward to our rendezvous in Dublin!