This week, an old friend from high school, Russ, came to visit. He is currently studying in Rotterdam, so it was just a short flight for him to get here. Determined to show him a good time, I made sure the weekend was packed with plans. First, we went to a Munster v Edinburgh rugby match at Thomond Park on Friday night. I had purchased the cheapest tickets, standing room only, which I assumed meant that we would be high up in the stands. On the contrary, we were standing as close to the field as possible.
Munster won the match and everyone went home happy.
On Saturday, we went to Cork and began to explore the city. It wasn’t long before we stumbled upon a small street market, where they had surprisingly fresh and delicious falafel, kebab, and crepes. Later, we walked through The English Market, an impressive indoor market selling any type of food you could think of. The atmosphere was similar to the Pike Place Market in Seattle, but it was much more cramped. Either way, I liked it. I’ve been told that, while Dublin is the capitol of Ireland, Cork is considered the people’s capitol. I can understand why. The city centre is beautiful, but still relatively small and laid back.
Later, we took a bus to Midleton to visit the Jameson distillery, which has the world’s largest pot still. There was a guided tour that brought us from building to building, covering each step of the whiskey making process. It was actually very informative. I found the visual display of whiskey at different ages particularly intriguing.
The tour concluded with a tasting to compare Irish, Scotch, and Bourbon whiskey. As touristy as the distillery was, it still made for a fun and interesting afternoon.
On Sunday, we went into Blarney to visit the Blarney Castle, sight of the famed Blarney Stone. No, I did not kiss the Blarney stone, for multiple reasons, but mostly because I refuse to pay a creepy old man to grab onto my hips while I backbend off a ledge 13 stories high, and kiss a rock that is frequently urinated on by Irish practical jokers. Russ opted out as well, but some of my friends decided to take the plunge.
Not my cup o’ tea. However, I did climb to the top of the castle, on slippery, narrow, stone steps. The view was great and walking through the castle was fun, despite the impending sense of danger. The injury disclaimer signs weren’t very comforting.
The castle is located right next to an elaborate garden and rock close. This area has many legends associated with it, including a witch and a fairy glade. I’m not surprised, because it’s an absolutely breathtaking storybook setting. With all the rock formations and scenery, it’s easy for the imagination to wander.
When we finally made our way out of the gardens, we were all exhausted and soaking wet (it rained the whole time we were in Blarney). It was time to go home. All in all I think it was a pretty fun weekend, and Russ said he loved Ireland. Mission accomplished.
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