C o r k

We visited Blarney Castle that is near to Cork, where we stayed for a night.

 The castle is a partial ruin with some accessible rooms and a keeper's watch tower

 Not much to watch about but the sky.

 What would be the original Blarney Castle.

 View from the top.

 Tourists queuing to receive the gift of the gap.

The saying is, if you hung upside-down to kiss the magical Blarney stone, you would receive the gift of eloquence. I rather save the kiss for my wife.

 The Blarney House is spotted from afar.

 A closer look at Blarney House.

Surrounding the house are gardens with manicured lawn, rose beds and hectares of parkland filled with rare & unusual trees.

A uniquely looking tree at the castle ground...

...that prompted the Tarzan in me to climb it. Unfortunately, my landing was terrible and I sprained my ankle that hurt for few days. 

 From Blarney, we drove to Cobh, a seaside town on the south coast of Cork County.

 Tilting houses?

 Saint Colman's Cathedral

 Side view of the cathedral.

Titanic Memorial - Cobh is the final port of call for the RMS Titanic as she set out across the Atlantic Ocean on her ill-fated maiden voyage.

I supposed the atmosphere in Cobh was a lot lively and full of vibrancy when the Titanic came to town. In contrast, the current day of Cobh is a quiet town, with many businesses closed. I do hope their economy would pick up soon, as the town has certainly more to offer. Perhaps another 'Titanic' might call to berth here.

And another travel trip awaiting....