( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat in Eire
A drizzly morning, but having seen the beach yesterday evening, we were determined to go for a dip before heading for the lovely new warm showers.
A beautiful sandy beach, and clear fresh water - but very cold!
As it then poured with rain, we took the opportunity to work and watch Heather Watson play Kaja Juvan at Wimbledon, before walking around the bay and into town. We also looked at potential spots to tie the dinghy if we go over; James at the sailing school near the Trident Hotel offered his pontoon.
TS Pelican of London, and its sister ship, the Fridtjot Nansen, are tall ships used as a training vessels for young people and offer confidence-building opportunities for living and learning on board. They are owned by the charity Seas Your Future.
Pelican sailed from Liverpool this year and has called at Douglas, Isle of Man, and Dublin.
Along the front there is an anchor memorial to all those seamen lost at sea, and a sculpture of a stylised yacht with the last verse of Thomas Osborne Davis’ “The Boatman of Kinsale” inscribed in the hull. Davis (1814 - 1845) was one of the founding editors of ‘The Nation’.
His hooker’s in the Scilly van
When seines are in the foam;
But money never made the man,
Nor wealth a happy home.
So, blest with love and liberty,
While he can trim a sail,
He’ll trust in God, and cling to me—
The Boatman of Kinsale.
Thomas Osborne Davis
We found the Market Bar for Kevin’s daily dose of Guinness. Loads of music paraphernalia around, and it seems to be in a time warp from our youth with some great music playing.
Kinsale is said to be the food capital of Ireland. Certainly the little restaurant, Saint Francis Provisions, enhanced that reputation.
Owned by Barbara, the chef, with the help of Nick and Emily, we were served delicious vegetarian and fish dishes with organic wines.
We had seats at the bar so enjoyed the bustle of service and watching the food being prepared.
Avalon almost hidden behind the Custaim Launch.
Castlepark Marina.
Walking back over the bridge.
It seems, just by chance, we’ve found the best marina in Kinsale Harbour. The walk into town might be considered a negative, but the location is lovely, the staff great and the facilities good - including Wi-Fi that actually works; a first for us in a marina.
Warm enough to sit under our tent with a coffee to watch the tennis highlights.
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