Europe and Cruising 2016: Kinsale

24 and 25 October

On leaving Thomastown we took the (very narrow) back roads to the Rock of Cashel. Sitting prominently atop a hill, it is a Gothic cathedral sited next to an older Romanesque chapel. The chapel is covered in scaffolding, and has been for several years, because the sandstone blocks used to build it were badly waterlogged. It was covered in mould and in danger of collapse. The Irish government have spent years and thousands of Euros drying it out and working out how to preserve the building. Under all the mould they discovered some amazing frescoes. The site also affords great views of the surrounding country side.

We then drove to nearby Hore Abbey, which is much less visited. Dale walked out to the Abbey while Gary chatted with the farmer whose cows graze (and poo) in the surrounding field.

Next Irish Heritage site on the list was the very awesome Cahir Castle, a well preserved 15^th century castle. (Our IH membership is proving worthwhile!) It is situated on an island and surrounded by a beautiful river inhabited by geese and ducks. Despite being attacked and besieged several times, including by Oliver Cromwell, it is largely intact. We were able to clamber through, up, over and around towers, curtain walls, the barbican, the banquet hall and a keep with impressive internal defences.

It was then on to Kinsale, a seaside town just south of Cork.

In the morning we joined an interesting history walk around the town, learning how historically Kinsale always seemed to support the losing side in any conflict. Lately however the town has been revitalised through concerted community effort, winning them a Tidy Towns award and an influx of tourists. Houses have been painted in bright colours and there are some lovely flower displays. It is a really lovely town.

After lunch I persuaded Gary to walk the 4 or so kilometres along the Scilly Foreshore Walk to Fort Charles. (He can be motivated when there is a fort or castle at the other end!) Charles Fort is a Vauban fortress, sited to guard the entrance to Kinsale Harbour. It is largely intact, making it easy to see the layout. Clearly well-guarded from the seaward side, it fell to a land attack from the surrounding high ground. It was really impressive and gave great views back to the town. We rewarded ourselves with a cup of tea at a nearby colourful pub before our walk back.

For the record, Gary would like it known that he walked around 11 km today, as recorded by Strava, the walking app on my phone.