Wind, rain, and thick layer of white fog have greeted me upon waking this morning. I cannot hear the cows up on the hill or the birds that make their home in the woods that border the property. I cannot see much of anything beyond the stone walls of the cottage. What is, normally, a clear view across the water to the town of Youghal, is currently a sheet of white as the fog has settled in across the bay. It is a strange phenomenon; To know the town is there, but hidden from view, just as we are secluded from the world, in our own little bubble, away from the lights and noise. Today is the perfect morning for it. As thrilling as it is to be ‘on the go’ exploring new places, and the driving need to see as much as possible during our time here, there is something to be said for the joys of a slow morning wake up, staying warm and cozy in pajamas, comforted by my hot cup of tea, and content in the knowledge that I have absolutely nothing to do and no where to be today.

Last year, during our stay, we noted signs for the Youghal Medieval Festival and so wished we could be there for it. Unfortunately for us, it took place a few days after our departure last August. Much to our delight, this year we were able to join in the festivities. After a leisurely Sunday morning at the cottage, we drove around the bay and made our way into the stunning St. Mary’s College Gardens and Collegiate Church grounds. We explored the high stone walls that surround the area and walked down steep sloped, mulched paths leading to the festivities accompanied by the music from bag pipes. Although there were many in costume which was exciting to experience, more were dressed in preparation for the rainy, cool weather of the day with rain coats and wellies. We walked the length of the grounds to get acclimated, stopped briefly to visit with the birds at the birds of prey exhibit and then took our time touring the primitive medieval village stopping at different vendors to learn about the foods, tools, and weapons of the time.

There were many workshops to participate in including Viking coin striking, archeology digs and bead, pouch, and dagger making. The girls took time to paint their own shields under a tent with groups of other children and somehow, we will find space in suitcases to pack them up when it is time to return home. Much to Ellery’s dismay, the balloon art and face painting queue’s were extremely lengthy so we opted out of those activities and instead stuck up conversation with a vendor selling smaller scale versions of ancient weapons. I picked out a crossbow and both Kevin and Ellery took a sword. I have always wanted a Viking drinking horn. I am not altogether sure where my fascination with them came from but, I am now the proud owner of my very own and will proudly display it in my kitchen when we get home. Audra was content with her painted shield and perhaps a bit, ‘shopped out’, after spending time at the mall the previous day.

After pausing to listen to a hauntingly beautiful music group that transported us back to the times of the Vikings, Kevin and I enjoyed a quick sampling of mead. We then headed over to the the beautiful and historic St. Mary’s Collegiate Church, a National Monument of Ireland, built over ruins of a former church founded by St. Declan of Ardmore in the mid fifth century, and made our way around the outside of the church to admire the current structure that dates back to around 1220 and is still in use for worship today. I stepped inside to snap a quick picture, pausing briefly to enjoy a familiar hymn emanating from the grand pipe organ, and we went on our way to walk through the historic cemetery. Although many of the tombstones were illegible, we did stumble across some from as early as the 1500s. It was a fascinating walk. We took a scenic drive out of Youghal and drove into Dungarvan for an early dinner at The Local.

After a quick stop at Garvey’s for food provisions for today, as today is a Bank Holiday and many places will be closed or have shortened hours, we headed back to the cottage for an evening of games and phone calls home. The fog has cleared enough to see the neighboring fields and we have a day of fun to get to, but only after I finish my cup of tea.