Bantry, Mizen Head and Kinsale

Bantry, Mizen Head and Kinsale

Mizen Head. Most southerly point in Ireland

When I awoke this morning and saw the rain falling softly on the harbour outside my window, I was wondering how much of today's planned trip was going to  be visible. My thought was to go to Mizen Head,  which is the most southerly point in Ireland and it's only  about 40 minutes outside Bantry. When I was telling the lady in the breakfast room, she didn't like my chances and suggested I waited for another day. However I didn't have that luxury of time, so once again I decided to take the plunge.

But first I wanted to have a look around in Bantry. It seemed a lovely little  town when I  drove in last night, but I'm always concentrating on finding a hotel, so am a little distracted. BTW, my hotel last night was great - The Maritime Hotel if anyone goes to Bantry!!

The first thing I saw in town was the statue of St Brendan.

Statue of St Brendan

My Melbourne friends and family may remember that my first teaching appointment was St Brendan's Flemington so he has always had a special place in my heart. Also, he is the patron saint of travellers, and he helped get Mary and Nicky (my Dublin hosts) out to Australia!

St Brendan is very big in this part of the world, especially Dingle too, where there is a legend that he actually built a boat and and sailed significant distances -  some even suggest he got to America. It's reconised as a good story more than anything else, but he has serious currency over here.

The next statue was Theobold Wolfe Tone who  tried to unite Ireland

Theobold Wolfe Tone

I had to have a cup of coffee after all that historical stuff... in the main street..

Bantry town

Then I walked up to the Church to light my candle... have had a few extra people to add to my prayer list over the last few days...

St Finbar's Church Bantry

And of course I couldn't resist taking a pic about the Sisters of Mercy on the noticeboard...

Sisters of  Mercy in Bantry

View of Bantry harbour from my hotel room window

So, after my little tour and being fed and watered, I decided to risk it once again  and head off for Mizen Head. It actually looked like the rain was clearing a bit, and once again the Gods were smiling on me, because although it was still overcast, the weather was great and I was able to see the views and take my pics.

One slight problem was that the visitors centre at Mizen Head was closed for the winter, so I wasn't able to go down and climb across the little bridge they have to the island. But the drive was still very pleasant and once again I had beautiful scenery along the way.

This is the bridge I couldn't cross (saved from Google images!)

Mizen Head Bridge

So once again I had to stop continually with my trusty camera and see what I could capture. Here's a few samples..

On the way to Mizen Head

On the way to Mizen Head

Mizen Head

Mizen Head - couldn't get any good pics unfortunately

Another couple were there, so "Cheese!"

On the way back from Mizen Head

On the way back from Mizen Head

Mizen Head road

 It was a lovely journey and although it was disappointing that I  couldn't get down to the point, the trip was beautiful anyway. As I mentioned in the photo caption there was another young couple there and they just jumped the fence and went in, but I was a bit reluctant to do that. Especially as they were leaving just as I got there and I was on my own there... There's nothing so eerie as being on your own at the end of Ireland!!!!

My target for accommodation tonight was Kinsale and the road from Mizen Head to Kinsale took about and hour and a half. I hadn't had any lunch, so I stopped for some in Skibbereen

Skibbereen

I went via Clonakilty and got into Kinsale about 4pm which is just about an ideal time. Dusk was just starting but it was still well and truly light enough to go for a walk and take some more pics... once again I chose a hotel opposite the water (I'll worry about the Mastercard bill when I get home!). It's lovely and again I have a window facing the harbour. I think mid week  in the nearly winter is not the busy season! And you do get reasonable rates too....

Anyway, it was a lovely sunset, so I'll leave you with a few pics of Kinsale at dusk!

Kinsale across the harbour

Kinsale across the harbour

Kinsale across the harbour

Kinsale Village

1601 Galleon Mast

Yachts in Kinsale Harbour

So, yet again, I have had a beautiful day. Although it did not look promising this morning it turned out to be ideal weather for this tourist! With only a few days left, I'm treasuring every minute and trying to embed the images into my mind and heart so I can carry them with me when I return.

And how enriched will I be then.

Hope some of it has rubbed off for you too!