Friday the 13th- and 6am came way too quick! We were up and packed and ready to go for our 6:45 pick up. We had to say goodbye to the Sandoval’s (thank you for an amazing stay!) Then we were off to Heathrow. The drive was uneventful and before we knew it we were checking in with Aer Lingus. After the security check we were in search of breakfast- we found a half decent hot brekkie and then the plane was boarding! It all seemed to fly by. After boarding - still exhausted I fell asleep and woke up as they announced our decent into Cork. They flight was only 55 minutes long but what a change in landscape. London’s bricks, smog and concrete had given way to green rolling hills and sweet fresh air. We checked in at the Avis counter, and despite the horror stories we had heard about Irish car rentals we had our car in no time. Blarney Castle here we come.
A brief 20 minute drive from Cork we found the stunning Blarney Castle- what an incredibly picturesque castle. We explored the grounds and then headed up to the top and the Blarney Stone. I got down and kissed the stone- no-one else wanted to. Frank has heard from Gary that the locals do all sorts of things to the stone knowing that people are kissing it- he was having no part of that. I on the other had can feel my new found eloquence shining through :) (I did slather my lips with chapstick before hand too!) The castle was a small one, but yo could really visualise a family or families living there. The stonework is so well persevered for a castle that is so old. We walked to what was once the dairies and had a light lunch of sandwiches. There was a small stone circle on the grounds too- there seem to be a lot of circles in and around Ireland.
After the amazing castle and grounds- we headed back to Cork, but past it and on to Kinsale. Arriving in the beautiful little town, we were in search of a B&B or hotel. Both hotels we checked did not have a family room and 2 rooms seemed costly. Frank walked in to the local grocery store and had the owner on the phone finding us a place in no time. The Friar’s Lodge had a family room, free parking and breakfast included for 90 Euros- sounds good to me. We checked in and then headed into this colourful little town on the bay. What a beautiful town, we walked the streets and alleys and explored lots of little stores. 6pm and dinner for the girls found us a “the Shack” they both had burgers that were yummy. Frank and I still weren’t too hungry - so we all walked around a bit more and then we all entered the Jim Edwards. I had a to die for fish pie au gratin and Frank a burger and Guinness of course. They girls and a fudge pie! After all the late nights and day of travel we have turned in early and are now watching Bear Grills on TV- an early night for all.
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