Friday 25th August 2017
Yesterday we made the journey from County Wicklow to Blarney, County Cork, which is located on the southern coast of Ireland. We are making this our hub for the next week so that we can begin to explore the Wild Atlantic Way.
Towing Kilometres – Today: 307 – Cumulative: 1,016
Our base for the week, is Blarney Camping and Caravanning Park which is situated a stones throw from Blarney Castle and the famous Blarney Stone.
Saturday 26th August 2017
The weather was promising so we headed off to Kinsale, a popular seaside village south of Cork, and the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way, a touring route along Ireland’s west coast.
We had a wander around the harbour and decided as the weather was so promising to drive out to the Old Head of Kinsale and take in some sea air. The Old Head of Kinsale is a very picturesque headland sticking out to sea and almost cut off from the mainland in the middle.
At the end is a very exclusive, private golf course, Old Head Golf Links, which the public cannot access. (I did Google the course and check out the green fees and accommodation just out of curiosity and wasn’t surprised in the least. I wouldn’t be disappointed if Ray booked a surprise break here!)
As luck would have it there was an open day at the lighthouse which is situated at the end of the headland, so we decided to give it a go. The day was one of a few, which is organised as a fund raiser towards the creation of the Lusitania Memorial Garden at the Old Head Signal Tower.
We boarded a minibus which took us through the golf course and up to the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse.
We ascended to the very top of the lighthouse via numerous steps to take in the breath taking views all around. We were not disappointed, they were fantastic!!
After our descent back down the lighthouse we paused for a cuppa and purchased a fantastic mounted photograph of the original signal tower by Michael Prior, a local photographer who was supporting the fundraising day.
After a drive back to the Signal Tower, we wandered back to the entrance of the golf course and walked to the cliff top, which was accessible, to enjoy the stunning views.
An enjoyable and educational afternoon, well worth the 20 euro contribution to support and maintain the restoration plans.
We made our way back to Blarney, stopping off at the Blue Flag beach at Garrylucas to enjoy a walk on the sand.
Don and I did a golf trip over there many years ago
This course had an honesty box to pay 😋
http://www.1golf.eu/en/club/gap-of-dunloe-golf-centre/
Loved the scenery. Just a bit envious!
Looking forward to getting to Killarney, so we will try and check it out.
Can’t be long till you head off the the US (bet you’re glad it’s not Houston!)