Friday, July 27
Founded in the 7th century by St. Fin Barre, Cork is the gateway to romantic Ireland and to the dazzling Cobh Harbour. The central district of Cork floats on an island that was shaped by the River Lee's diverging channels. Cork has evolved into a cosmopolitan and artsy atmosphere that is characteristic of the youthful energy of the local university's student body.
Region: Southwest part of Ireland. The River Lee flows into Cork Harbour, the second largest natural harbour (after Sydney) in the world. Locals are called Corkonians.
Population: 119,418 (est 2010)
Climate: Temperatures average in the cool to pleasant mid 50's to mid 60's.
Language: English and Irish
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Today was the first day since leaving home that rain was predicted, so our plan was to stay on board if it was raining and if not to get the train to Cork.
We woke to grey skies and much cooler temperatures but it was not raining so we met our friends for a 9am departure. The train station is very conveniently located right in front of the ship and the trains run every 30 minutes. We purchased our tickets for 20 Euros for the two of us return trip (no discounts for seniors).
The train journey was very picturesque passing through beautiful little villages and took about 30 minutes to reach Cork. The station and the train had good fast free wifi.... always a bonus!!
We had a map of Cork that had a good walking guide to see the main highlights which we followed. The overcast weather was ideal for walking.
Peter opted for a haircut at a barbers which cost 10 euros for cut, beard and eyebrow trim..... some opted for coffee and some headed off on the walking trail me included.
Our walk took us across the River Lee via the St Patrick's Bridge, through the narrow shopping streets, past the Post Office and into the English Market which sells predominantly food. We then ventured on to the St Fin Barre's Cathedral where we paid 5 euros entrance fee to see the inside which had a lot of beautiful stained glass windows. Seventy stained glass windows tell the Bible story in 150 scenes from Genesis to Revelations.
From the Cathedral we made our way to Elizabeth Fort which was free to enter and gave some good views over the city.
From here we headed back to the main part of the city where I met up with Peter for our lunch break. We found Dukes, a very nice cafe up a narrow lane way which had good food and of course fast wifi.
We decided we had pretty much covered the highlights of Cork so made our way back to the station for the 3pm train. Just as we got close to the station the rain started so good timing. Apparently it had been raining quite heavily in Cobh from midday.
Back in Cobh we made our way to the Rob Roy Hotel for a Guinness (wine for me!) and to listen to some good Irish music. The band was the same as last year and the pub was packed.... standing room only!
The band packed up around 9pm and we made our way back to the ship in the rain for our 10.30 departure.
Tomorrow is the first of two sea days before Reykjavik.
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