Exploring Éire (Ireland) - Part 2

17 - 21 October

Inis Mór is part of a group of three islands, popular with tourists due to it's deserted, bleak karst landscape and nature of it's inhabitants, who identify themselves as strongly Irish and generally speak Gaelic as their first language. A morning ferry delivers everyone there, and I hired a bicycle to explore the island for the day, enjoying the quiet and the moody serenity of it all.

Harbour at Kilronan

Low tide

Some of the karst stone constructions viewed through a stone wall

Reputedly the smallest church in the world, at 3.2 x 2.1 m - Teampull Bheanáin

Panorama of the island

Western coastline of Inis Mór, somewhat reminiscent of the nearby Cliffs of Moher

The pre-historic fort of Dún Aonghasa, thought to date from 1100 BC, perched perilously atop the cliffs

Panoramic view from the Dún Aonghasa fort

After marvelling over the unusual beauty of the island for a little too long, I only just got back in time for the return ferry to the mainland. Unfortunately I only had just over a week to visit Ireland, and so the next morning it was off to the south of the country, and another day of bussing got me to the tiny spot of Ballymaloe, near Cork, where my cousin Robyn lives with her husband Darren.

Darren's family own a large farm, which also runs a cooking school and a boutique hotel with all of their produce sourced either from their own farm or locally. They live in a cottage on the property along with this cute little new arrival...

Baby Xanthe and I at Ballymaloe cooking school

Darren and Robyn were very good hosts for 4 days, and I was beginning to wish I was able to stay in Ireland a bit longer. I helped out a bit on the farm - as much as a city boy can (read: I followed Darren around one morning), and enjoyed the Allen family hospitality, both in the restaurant and for a couple of "shneaky pints" - stout only - at the local pub. Plus - I got some of Robyn's famous handmade soap!

Turns out I'm a bit of a wuss in a beekeeper's suit. When I got stung I ran away like a little girl.

Robyn, Darren, Xanthe and the dog defying Irish weather

It was pretty cool to see where Robyn lives, in this out of the way spot on the other side of the world. I also got to be the second person from her side of the family to get baby cuddles!

My last day in Ireland I got a lift into Cork itself to take a look around, and took the opportunity to visit the famous Blarney Castle, which dates from 1446. The huge grounds and castle were neat to look around, despite the drizzling rain, and of course I climbed all the way to the top to the kissing stone...

Central Cork

Blarney Castle walls

Blarney Castle grounds

View from the top

Gaining the gift of the gab at the Blarney Kissing Stone

I have to admit I very much enjoyed what Ireland had to offer, and was a bit sad to be flying over to the UK. I definitely want to visit this country again!