Ardea

Today began with a stop on the top of a rock. A big rock! The Rock of Cashel is a cluster of medieval buildings sitting high on top of a hill overlooking the town below. Legend has it St. Patrick came here himself to convert the king to Christianity. The buildings that remain here today are mostly from the 12th and 13th centuries. Cormac's Chapel was covered by frescos -- look close at the photo below.

We stopped by Cahair Castle but could only see it from the outside as it was closed. The park next to the castle was full of geese...and one gosling!

The yellow fields of rapeseed are beautiful this time of year. I remember them from when we lived in England as well. They make rapeseed oil from the plant. I asked a guy at one of the places we were eating what oil they used to fry their chips (french fries), and he said rapeseed. Is it the oil or the potatoes or the place that makes them taste so good!?! 😄

We arrived in the city of Cork in the afternoon and rang the Shandon Bells at St. Anne's Church. After the climb to the top of the bell tower (which offered great views of the city), we stopped in at the pub across the street - Jack Forde's The Shandon Arm's for a pint. The English Market was next on the list where we bought chocolate and cheese. The history of the covered market dates to the days of when the English ruled Ireland.

Our accomadations for the night were between Cork and Cobh (Cove). The town of Cobh is "famous" for being the last stop for passengers to get aboard the Titantic and for the sinking of the Lusitania off the coast.
It has a stunning cathedral and some great fish and chips!Read more