Sunday in Kinsale, Co. Cork. . . . . . .

We took a bus from Cork City south to Kinsale, touted as "historic harbour town and

 gourmet centre" on a very warm (for Ireland), sunny Sunday.

It was crowded, busy beyond expectations as a large cruise ship had arrived in the 

nearby port of Cobh and passengers were directed to Kinsale for their afternoon ashore.

We loved this town!

Not long off the bus and we heard the somewhat mournful sound of a 

distant bagpipe. We followed the sound only to find up a small hill toward a church

a lovely sight, children lining up in preparation for a parade to celebrate their 

First Communion.

Another church we visited was St. Multose, erected in 1190 by the Normans, 

probably on the site of an earlier 6th century Celtic foundation. It is one of

 the oldest surviving churches in Ireland and has been witness to many

 important events in history.

Situated high on a hill, we spent time in the ancient graveyard and

 lovely SEA GARDEN, a tiny walled space dedicated to the memory of Kinsale's

 sailors and fishermen.

After enjoying a wander through the colorful streets, and viewing the busy boating 

community in the harbor, we asked a local lady in a gift shop for a traditional pub

 recommendation where they served good home cooked Irish food, and we

 could grab a much-needed cool drink. 

She sent us here to the renowned Kitty O Se's for bowls of steaming seafood

 chowder - a great choice. We tried many seafood chowders all over Ireland - all

 were very good, Kitty's was excellent, definitely the best one.

 We met delightful, vivacious owner Eileen who made us

so welcome - love the wording on her card, "The place to be, the home of good

music, song and craic". 

Sadly we had to hop on the bus back to the city or

 we would have stayed for the evening of music and more.

If you are ever in Kinsale, stop by Kitty O Se's - I hear they also have the 

best fish and chips, and the staff and service were great.

Oh beautiful Ireland, I'm missing you so much!

Brilliant blues of June. . . . . . . . .

Yesterday I worked out here. This morning, up early, I poured my coffee,

 sat on the front porch and just enjoyed the view.

Then of course I grabbed a camera and took some photos as the 

sun peeked through the humid morning air.

Mother Nature certainly worked hard whilst we were gone for

three weeks. Apparently there was lots of rain, then hot temperatures, 

meaning nonstop growing and blooming. As I write this, mid-afternoon,  

the temp. is 90F but feeling like 99F with the humidity, it's scorching out there.

Thunderstorms later according to those who supposedly know about weather. 

Kind neighbors mowed the grass while we were gallivanting

around Ireland. Bob mowed yesterday while I did a lot of clean up, pruning,

 watering etc. Now I need to shop for some Summer annuals for pots. 

I was not really expecting the hydrangeas to get this huge as in early

Spring they looked somewhat thin and sad. You can imagine my 

delight to come home to this magnificent show of blue among all the

 brilliant greens.

 

We already spy many, many figs. . . . . guess I'll be making jam again come late Summer!

View this morning from my wicker chair on the porch.

I have lots more to share with you from Ireland.

Life is busy right now as we get ourselves organized and settled

 into some semblance of normal routine. 

Thanks for all your kind comments on my recent Ireland posts - I'll catch up

 with you soon.

Kinsale 'Mansion'. . . . . . Raleigh 'Cottage'

Safely home and the trip was good from London's Heathrow to Raleigh/Durham,

 we even arrived early!

This was my favorite tiny home in Ireland, located in Kinsale, Co. Cork. 

It's even smaller than my Raleigh cottage!  Something is special when cobalt blue

 meets sunflower yellow, almost a French Provençal feeling. More pluses here

 are the climbing hydrangea on the chimney and the orange nasturtiums, 

the mini window boxes, and the lovely front door with the name The Mansion House

painted above. 

My cottage is still yellow however there is a mass of blue in the garden -

watch this space for details!

  Have spent much of today outside working. . . . . hot, mosquito proofed, dirty

 and getting things shipshape. 

There was a lot of rain whilst we were gone and now it's very hot.

Every growing thing has doubled in size it seems.

I hosed out the gazebo - lots of spider webs and such - so will be 

enjoying an aperitif there this evening, watching and listening to our

garden birds who seem so happy we're back and have filled their feeders.