Kerry to Cork – 15-16 July 2010
We said our sad farewells to Gail and Sean’s Kerry House to take two days to reach Dublin. Just after leaving our house we viewed a Staigue Fort. This is a circular stone walled structure which probably sheltered people in the surrounding district. This staigue probably dates from the 3rd or 4th century and is one of the best preserved staigue in Ireland. We travelled through Sneem, Kenmare and Bantry before arriving in Cork. These 3 villages each have their own individuality, with Bantry being particularly pleasant, as it is on the coast. Bantry Bay is also the home to Oyster and Mussel farms and these could be seen in the bay.
We overnighted at Cork. Cork is built on the River Lee and last Christmas was subjected to extensive flooding. It was founded in the 7th century by St Finbar who built a monastery there. As usual there is a history of struggles with the English, until William of Orange reigned supreme. Cork is famous as the last port of call for those Irish who emigrated during the Famine and subsequent years. It is a mixture of old and modern and we spent a great night at Clancey’s bar listening to the Irish music. The port of Cobh (Cove), an island on the Cork harbour, was the last port of call for the Titanic and also saw the survivors of the Lusitana.
Cork is the capital of County Cork, Kevin’s ancestral county, although the Irish tell me everyone claims Cork as so many people left Ireland from there!!