There are few things better than waking to sunshine in the morning, especially here, after multiple days of rain. From the first beams of light casting a soft pale glow into bedroom windows to the sounds of gravel crunching underfoot of the very early risers taking their morning walks. There is no need for obnoxious alarm clocks, snooze buttons to repeat the alarm process five minutes later, or harsh, indoor lights to shock the system into realizing it is morning. The obnoxious is not needed; only the sun and the gentle sounds of morning. A peek outside reveals our small slice of paradise has been encrusted with gems in a variety of colors, as everything is still wet from rain, and it sparkles and shines. The rock wall outside my bedroom window, appears to be a jewelry showcase as the wet ivy, moss, and flowers climb from one side to hang over the other, glistening in the sun. I love my sleep, but there is definitive beauty in waking up if one takes the time to look.

I am afraid our cows have deserted us. We were not here to greet them during our outing to the Aran Islands and yesterday, they did not come for a visit. I am sure they will be back at some point, but they were missed as we have become accustomed to having them around. We did stay around the cottage for quite some time yesterday, in hopes of their arrival, but eventually made our way to Cork for some afternoon fun. After our first traffic jam in Ireland and a very scenic drive, we took a tour of the Cork City Gaol; an astounding castle-like structure that once housed 19th century prisoners. The gaol was designed by architect Sir Thomas Dean and work began on the Georgian Gothic-style prison in 1818 with the first prisoners being admitted in 1824. For many prisoners it served as a detention center for those awaiting transport to Australia, and by 1878 it was a women’s prison. Male, anti-treaty supporters were imprisoned here in 1922 and 1923 and August of 1923 the prison shut down. This, now museum, showcases life at the gaol through mannequin recreations and interactive activities; a fascinating travel back in time. Ellery filled out the kids’ questionnaire as we toured, and received a green apple flavored sucker and a sticker that said, “I escaped the Cork City Gaol,” and was elated by the prize. We perused the gift shop, picked up some unique finds and continued on our way.

It was a short trip from the gaol to Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold, and to this point, the rain that had been threatening all day, had yet to come. We took a few hours to tour the castle grounds and gardens, walk the winding steps up to the top of the castle so Kevin could, unexpectedly, kiss the Blarney Stone, marvel at all of the plants in the Poison Garden, and explore a cave. The whole experience was a wonder and strangely, an event that was not high on my priority list but one, I am so glad we took time to enjoy. One could potentially spend a couple of days taking in all there was to see at Blarney Castle, but we limited it to a few hours as today was supposed to be a rest day. The rain threatening skies opened up to a downpour as we entered the last of the gift shops for the day. Our family appears to be gift shop maniacs and it is probably an apt description. I am not sure where the love of buying items from every place we have ever visited came from, but we do it every time. I am confident that by the time we return home, our magnet collection with supersede the size of our refrigerator.

We took a pause in Killeagh on our way back home and stopped in for dinner at the Old Thatch Bar and Restaurant. The Old Thatch is Ireland’s oldest thatch pub, established in 1650, and the food was a dream. Kevin and I had the day’s specials including potato and leek soup, fresh smoked haddock and the best mashed potatoes of my life. Ellery had her usual burger and chips and Audra had fresh seafood chowder and a Mexican burger. We topped off dinner with desserts of an ice cream bowl and chocolate fudge cake with fresh cream, everyone sharing in each others masterpieces. I do not normally take photographs of food, but last night, our food was picture worthy so a picture was taken. We ended the night with a quiet evening at the cottage with books and quick calls home to check in.

Ellery bought a small doll with a green dress and bright red hair and named her Pumpkin. They are now inseparable. She also described the climb to the top of Blarney Castle as the best and worst climb of her nine year old life, loving the circle stairway but irked by the narrowness of the steps and closed in walls. Audra acquired new books from the gaol and happily dug into them last night. Her highlight, however, was the Poison Garden at Blarney Castle. Kevin surprised us all, including himself, by kissing the Blarney Stone and I am happy he decided to do it. The Cork City Gaol was a source of fascination and astonishment, and he thoroughly enjoyed the walk through Blarney Castle. As for today, breakfast is ready, the kids are waking, and it is time to begin the day, but only after I finish my cup of tea.