At The Shrine in Gougane Barra

Little sweetheart, on our drive back down the coast to Cork City, we had a wonderful day! First we stumbled across a lovely country fair! I'll try to find and post a picture or two from that! 

And then we stopped at Gougane Barra. 

You were delighted ... and surprised - when Kris mentioned it, you thought he said something about a bank and that we had to make some stop to get cash or something. 

Gougane Barra is a gorgeous heritage site - kinda like a national park - where Saint Finnbar (hence: Barra) built a monastery in the 6th century amongst a little island and surrounded by an old growth forest. It's also the source of the River Lee. 

You were completely enraptured by its beauty! We traversed the grounds where the monks prayed in little meditation caves, looked at the lovely churchyard and the cozy, beautiful chapel. I took this picture of you there, after lighting a candle. There was also a lovely hotel there and you and I went inside to get info - you wanted to come back in the spring to Kilcrohane (you also really wanted your whole family to come for a Christmas sometime) and you thought it would be lovely to book a night or two right here in Gougane Barra - the hiking trails alone were worth the stay! 

It was actually a very romantic spot. I think we both felt that, little sweetheart. I so looked forward to coming back with you!

Our Night at The Snug!

Little sweetheart, one night we drove over to Bantry - not exactly a city but the biggest village in West Cork. Kris and I loved a place there called The Snug - it was a rustic bar and restaurant - and we always went there for a meal when local. It was invariably packed. We could never get a table but instead ate, quite comfortably, at the lovely bar. 

The night we three arrived was like none other - we basically has the place to ourselves. We settled into a comfy banquet and ordered. You weren't much of a carnivore, little sweetheart, but you would have a nice grass fed burger now and again. We were in rural Ireland and it was the perfect place for just that. I rarely had steak but always did at The Snug. That's what Kris and I ordered, ourselves, and on the menu for you was ... Two Cheeseburgers! I'd never heard of such a thing and there weren't exactly sliders - they were two big cheeseburgers! 

That was your order and, as you often did, you saved the second for later, taking it with you for home after. 

Needless to say, we has an incredible evening. This is you enjoying yourself and the culinary delights, immensely. We lingered for two hours and when we emerged outside, Bantry Bay was filled with swans. I'll try to find that photo, too. 

All my love forever.

Heads Together at The Lighthouse

Little sweetheart, before we headed back and almost got lost (!) we took this picture together out at the edge on the other side of the lighthouse. We also saw a stone circle on the way out there. I know I have a picture of it. I'll find and share it here...

The Happy Ending!

Little sweetheart, that same day we took an epic hike to the end of the peninsula, I got us lost on the way back!! I stupidly thought instead of going directly back on the path we'd taken to get to the lighthouse that we should take another uncharted one on the other side... and we got waylaid! 

The sun was beginning to set and I got super worried that we were going to get lost - without another soul around - out in the wilds! I ran ahead of you, still recovering from that foot you'd injured during Tir na nOg - looking back every now again until I saw a sign you could only see if you were going the opposite way (as I was). Thank gawd! 

I ran back and rejoined you and we took the correct turn back to the car park entrance which had a little picnic spot. We breathed a sigh of relief and you sat on one of the tables, looking gorgeous against the sky and setting sun. 

A beautiful day with a typical bit of Summer drama! 

Love you forever!

At the Lighthouse

Little sweetheart, one day we walked all the way out to end of the Sheep's Head Peninsula. It was a long and winding trail that eventually led to a little unmanned lighthouse atop a peak. There was a railing all the way around it and as we looked out at the ocean, we could see a little set of stone steps on the other side of the railing and a sign saying Do Not Cross. 

Naturally, that is exactly what you wanted to do and so you carefully climbed over and perched right there. I joined you a moment later but first took this picture of you at the edge, looking back at me. 

Love you forever!

 

 

At The Pub

Little sweetheart, one afternoon we walked over to Johnny's house. He was one of our favorite locals and had us in for a drink. You charmed him enormously - like everyone - and we all walked together back into town for a drink at Eileen's. 

Johnny had just turned 69 that year and you promised him that we would come back for his 70th. In a world less cruel -indeed, in Heaven! - we always do that very thing. 

With all my love forever.

At the Edge of the World

Little sweetheart, Kilcrohane is at the edge of the Sheep's Head Peninsula and one day we took a super long hike all the way out. I'll post several of these photos over the next few days but this is one of my favs. Love you forever!