Sunday Drive

On Sunday morning, we attended service at the Methodist Church, just a short walk away. Afterwards, we joined Tom (Greg's supervisor), Carolyn, and their three daughters for scones at the cafe at The Bank House. It was such a gorgeous day that we wanted to take advantage of the opportunity to go on a long Sunday drive along the south coast of County Cork.

Heading west from Kinsale, we enjoyed beautiful views as we drove along the coast. While some roads were alarming at times (narrow roads bordered by tall hedges, only wide enough for one vehicle, never knowing if another car may be coming around the next bend), the drive was very pleasant. We enjoyed viewing the countryside, the sea, and the cows and sheep grazing on the hillsides. (Oh yes, there are many cows here.)

Our first stop was at Timoleague Abbey, a Franciscan friary originally dated to the 13th century which now lies in ruins. The Book of Lismore was written here in 1480. The friary was burned down by Cromwellian soldiers in 1642. Over the years, the ruined friary has been extensively used as a cemetary. It certainly had a strange loveliness, with crows circling the tower and the beautiful arches and windows still intact and allowing gorgeous water views.

From Timoleague, we drove to the town of Clonakilty and took a walk through that charming and vibrantly colored town, then drove on to see the Drombeg stone circle. Dating back to 150 BC, a circle of 17 stones stands in a field with a gorgeous backdrop of hills and the sea. At the winter solstice, the setting sun shines directly on the flat altar stone.

Our drive concluded at the town of Baltimore, where 100+ citizens were kidnapped by Algerian pirates in 1631 and carried off as slaves. Baltimore enjoys a beautiful harbor, and with the lovely weather, there was a truly festive atmosphere as all the locals congregated in the outdoor seating at a string of restaurants overlooking the water.

By the end of the afternoon, we were tired and hungry and we got a bit lost trying to use the GPS to get back home, but a hearty dinner at Hurley's in the town of Ballinspittle made us both feel better and rounded out a memorable Sunday drive.