We are finally touring Ireland! We were scheduled to be here in June, 2022 but while in Amsterdam we contracted Covid and we were unable to board the ship. Back then we had to wait 10 days before the USA would allow us back into the country. What a crazy time that was!
Today we arrived in Cobh, Ireland. The land of rolling green hills, dramatic cliffs, and a rich history that stretches back centuries. As with 99% of our excursions, we are only here for one day so we spent it on a panoramic tour of Cobh since our priority is to get to Cork so we can kiss the Blarney Stone! It was a delightful day exploring the charming towns of Cobh and Cork, both brimming with beautiful scenery and an amazing countryside.
So a little about Ireland. It’s an island nation off the coast of Great Britain with some fascinating history. The Celts, who arrived around 800 BC, laid the foundation for Irish culture and language. Christianity arrived in the 5th century, leaving a lasting impact on art, architecture, and society. For centuries, Ireland endured conflict, including Viking raids and English conquest. The 19th century saw a devastating potato famine that forced millions to emigrate. This period, known as the Great Famine, significantly reshaped Ireland’s demographics, leading to a population decline that continues to be felt today. During the Great Hunger, as it was also called, roughly 1 million people died and more than 1 million more fled the country causing the country’s population to fall by 25%. Between 1845 and 1855, at least 2.1 million people left Ireland, primarily on ships and steamboats. This was one of the greatest exoduses from a single island in history.
Continuing on to our adventure in Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city. Cork’s history stretches back to the 6th century, and it quickly became a vital port city. Cork’s demographics reflect its welcoming nature, with a population of over 200,000 people from diverse backgrounds.
And now to the main attraction in Cork. The Blarney Castle. This magnificent 15th-century stronghold, built by the MacCarthy dynasty, is famous for the Blarney Stone, a piece of sandstone embedded in the castle walls. Legend says that kissing the Blarney Stone bestows the gift of eloquence. We, of course, had to partake in this unique tradition, carefully maneuvering ourselves upside down with the help of assistants to pucker up on the stone (don’t worry, hygiene measures are in place!).
It wasn’t an easy task but I did it! I don’t think it worked though, I still sound like a Texan! Unfortunately Chuck couldn’t climb the 100 steps of the spiraling stone staircase or stand/walk for the two hours we waited to get to the stone. He said he wasn’t disappointed at all. In our walk back to the entrance we walked through some beautiful “poison” gardens.
Many of these plants are used for medicinal purposes. I read that opium and nightshades are also in a garden but not one we could view.
Our journey continued to the seaside town of Carrigaline. The drive offered stunning vistas of the iconic Irish coastal landscape – rugged cliffs carved by the relentless waves, endless stretches of green fields dotted with cows and horses, and charming villages nestled in the hillsides. We even spotted a group of golfers enjoying a round on a nearby course. Golf is a hugely popular sport in Ireland, with courses boasting breathtaking scenery and challenging layouts. Who wouldn’t want to golf here? The view was spectacular! We didn’t want to leave, it was that beautiful!
In the same coastal area, we walked around to the Old Head of Kinsale, a dramatic headland jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean. When I come upon a word describing something, I always try to find something a little easier to understand. Well, I can’t find one for headland so I’ll just point it out on the photo. Anyway, this scenic spot also holds a somber reminder of a maritime tragedy. In 1915, the RMS Lusitania, a British passenger liner, was sunk by a German U-boat (submarine) just off the Old Head of Kinsale, resulting in the loss of over 1,198 lives. A memorial commemorates this event, serving as a reminder of the fragility of life.
To cap off our amazing day, we stopped for a typical Irish experience: a large glass of Guinness for Chuck and some freshly baked scones for me. I shared! Chuck, in particular, savored the rich, dark beer, a perfect complement to the warm, buttery scones.
But the evening wasn’t over yet! Cork, it turned out, was in the midst of a major sporting event – a hurling match. Hurling, a fast-paced and physical game played with sticks and a ball (a sliotar), is considered Ireland’s national sport. Imagine lacrosse on steroids, and you’re on the right track. Players use wooden hurleys to carry, strike, and score with the sliotar. While Cork’s team unfortunately didn’t win the match and therefore the championship, the entire city was painted red in support. The atmosphere was electric, with fans cheering themselves hoarse in the town square where a giant screen broadcasted the game.
After the match, we surprised our friend Jane with a birthday celebration at a cozy local pub. The pub was filled with Irish accents but we added British, American and Australian to the mix. We had the perfect setting for a night of laughter, stories, and traditional Irish music. We raised a toast to Jane, to Ireland’s magic, and to the unforgettable memories. It was such a wonderful day with friends!
Next stop is France!
May God bless you always.
Chuck and Lea Ann
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