Ireland Part 2
Ireland Day Three: It would be really hard to top the trip to Great Blasket. But that experience sits on its own; it was amazing that it all came together so perfectly: the time of year, choice of tour guide, our location and journey distance, weather and the participation of the marine life.
Blarney Castle and Gardens
We decided on a shorter journey. Blarney Castle and Gardens, Cork city and the English Market are less than a 40 minute car ride from Kinsale. We decided to visit Blarney first, in case the weather turned. If you go during the summer, it is probably best to buy your tickets in advance and you can do that online at the link above.
In mid-April, Blarney Castle doesn’t have the throngs of tourists waiting to kiss the Blarney stone. We did not venture up the tower to do this- it requires a wait to make your way up the winding stairs, a caretaker at the top to help position you upon a ledge. You lie on your back, lean your head back and try to kiss the stone wall. No, thank you. I’ll take the Gardens instead.
Blarney Gardens are lovely; full of mature, specimen trees, perennials and Blarney River. You can meander along the paths at your leisure. It’s a gardener’s dream. I recommend the Poison garden, even though most of the perennials were not yet in foliage or bloom, there is fascinating, educational information beside each. Also, not to be missed is the Boardwalk and River garden.
There is so much to see in the Gardens that you’ll be surprised at how quickly the time passes. It was already early afternoon before we left.
Shopping at Blarney
And how convenient it was that Blarney Woolen Mills is right there as you exit? Perfect, to do some shopping… No need to worry about stuffing your purchases in the luggage- they will ship to the U.S. and often have a dollar amount at which you can get free-shipping. Spend on! Seriously, the quality and softness of the merino wool is superb.
Cork and the English Market
Finally, we were ready to head over to Cork and its famous English Market. Being the Friday of Easter weekend, we wanted to buy fresh meat and accompaniments. Little did we know that the market closes at 6 p.m and it was already after 5! Unfortunately, this is why I have no pics of the entire, short experience.
In a frenzied rush, we managed to locate some fresh lamb chops, cheese, vegetables and new potatoes. We quickly swooped up a few small cakes and chocolates – sometimes it’s better not to have much time to ponder -‘should we get this or that’?
The English Market is large and you will find high quality, fresh local food. I wished that we had been able to return before the end of our trip as well as spending more time walking through Cork. It’s a lovely city without the smog and frenetic pace that we have back home.
Killarney
The drive to Killarney was straight through on the N22 from Kinsale. Under 1 1/2 hours, and we were in the heart of the Ring of Kerry. It is a gorgeous, scenic area and I recommend planning to spend at least a full day to enjoy the entire area of Killarney National Park. The park has lakes, waterfalls, the highest mountain in Ireland and over 26,000 acres of natural oak woodland- the most in Europe.
Muckross House
On this trip, we headed directly to Muckross House, Garden and Farms. The Muckross estate was donated to Ireland by the Vincent family and is said to be the centerpiece of Killarney National Park. Entrance to Muckross Gardens is free, while a tour of Muckross House along with entrance to the Farms can be purchased when you arrive. I highly recommend the tour as you will learn the background and history of all the occupants of Muckross House through the last two centuries.
Traditional Farm
After the tour, we walked across the grounds to the farm. Comprised of three, separate working farms authentic to Ireland of the 1930s and 1940s- including animals, a blacksmith forge and workshop. Staff dress in clothing of the era and are eager to engage with you, sharing information about their traditional farming life in Ireland.
You are welcome, in fact, encouraged to watch the farmers work: I did and learned how to make and shape butter, using two wooden paddles, shown in the photo.
(real yellow butter from grass-fed cows that has not been seen stateside in over 40 years!) It was terrific.
Follow the well-worn paths around to the next farm and you can see the animals- a sow had just given birth earlier that morning- cows grazing and chickens roaming about. Definitely a place for children.
My husband had to drag me out. Well, I couldn’t help it: I love animals, outdoors and am obsessed with the 1930s and ’40s aanndd I’m in Ireland!
It was early evening by the time we arrived back in Kinsale. Tomorrow we would enjoy our Easter dinner and prepare for the journey home. I can’t wait to come back to Ireland.
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