Day 49 Cobh, Ireland.

July 7

Today we arrived at Cobh, a picturesque village in Cork, Ireland. We had a day-long tour, starting with a bus ride through the countryside to the village of Youghal. We then had a short tour of Cork city before having lunch. Following lunch, we went to Blarney Castle to see the famous Blarney Stone. I then made my contribution to the Irish economy in the "Largest Irish shop in the world", the converted Blarney Woolen Mill Shop. When we arrived back at Cobh, there was an hour to spare before the ship was to depart, so we took a walk in town.

As soon as the ship entered the harbour and made its approach to Cobh, I could smell the countryside  from our balcony, earth, grass and warmth, it was wonderful. We thought we might get the cold wet weather as we approached this part of the world, however it couldn't have been more perfect for our visit, 25 degrees.

The passengers who stayed in Cobh were treated to a Irish welcome as the locals celebrated Australia Day "Irish style". There was a day of festivities in town including music, dance, food stalls, arts and crafts. 

I love the countryside in Cork, so much green, fat healthy looking cows. The villages that we passed were charming, beautiful houses, lots of colour, peaceful and quiet on a Sunday morning.

At lunch we were treated to a two man Irish band who played traditional Irish music, some local girls performed Irish dancing. People were singing and clapping along, it was great. I had two glasses of stout, the local drink.

Set in a beautiful park, Blarney Castle was once a stronghold of the McCarthy clan. At the top of the castle sits the Blarney Stone. It is said that visitors who kiss the Blarney Stone will be gifted with the power of eloquence, or gift of the gab. I didn't kiss the stone, I think people are better off if I keep my mouth shut. That, and thousands, if not more, have kissed the same spot. And, it takes some effort and the assistance of another to actually kiss the stone. 

The locals of Cobh, treated us with a farewell, waving both Australian and Irish flags. A brass band played, and we went on our merry way, with a chorus of Ozzy, Ozzy, Ozzy, Oi, Oi, Oi.

Approach to Cobh. "bh" makes "v" sound.

Cobh.

Cobh.

Castle.

Drive to Youghal.

Fiddle de de, potato field.

A pub that still has a thatched roof.

Youghal.

Youghal

Tynte's castle. 15th century tower house.

Youghal.

Youghal.

Cork city.

Cork city.

Blarney gardens.

Blarney Castle.

Blarney gardens. I wish we had more time to walk around and explore. There were even a couple of rivers and a lake.

Blarney Castle.

Dungeons.

Poison garden. Collection of poisonous plants from around the world including the ones from Harry Potter, like Wolfsbane and the Mandrake. Signs display information about their toxicity, traditional and modern day uses

The floors that separated each level are no longer here.

View from up top, you can see Blarney house. We had to climb a narrow spiral stair case to get to the top. The only aid you had was a thick rope that you use to pull yourself up in place of a handrail.

The Blarney Stone. The darker patch is where you kiss the stone.

Here is the position you take to kiss the stone.....

From below, you can see the grating where the Blarney Stone is.

These beautiful flower displays were everywhere in the villages of Cork. I think it was called "tidy town", they have awards to keep the place looking great.

The converted Blarney Woolen Mill Shop.

There were two levels to this store filled with Irish goods. Linen, food products, cut crystal (Ireland is the home of Waterford crystal), jewellery, woollen products, kids clothing, souvenirs, among other products. We didn't even manage to get to the second level. 

Some of my purchases. Barry's tea is really popular, or so I was told, so I got some. Jameson whiskey is made in Ireland, so I thought I would try some whiskey chocolate.

The entertainment the lovely people of Cobh treated us to. 

Cobh. Colourful pub. 

Cobh. Really lovely. I would have liked to have more time to explore.

St. Colman's Cathedral in the back.

Titanic memorial. Cobh was the last port that the Titanic stopped before it sunk. Seven (I think) lucky people got off in Cobh before the Titanic set sail.

Ladies dressed in the clothing that was worn in the time that the Titanic set sail.

Our farewell.

Hopefully I can return one day.

Tomorrow we arrive in Dublin.