( Overview
/ Two Bullocks on a Boat Go West
Midsummer’s Day, but it doesn’t feel like it. You wouldn’t want to be out west today Nora! We donned our waterproofs to take the dinghy to the jetty to fill water containers.
In the afternoon we caught the bus into Bantry (the bus drivers are so friendly and helpful here). A surprise bonus was to find we still have money on our Leap cards.
There is a Chamber Music Festival on in town, and we discovered this little exhibition by cello, violin and bow makers.
There was also an ‘international’ festival in the square.
As well as Indian dancing and Chinese dragons, it also included Vikings!
We picked up a leaflet from the tourist office, and set off on a walk which took us through the grounds of Bantry House.
Bantry House has been owned by the White family (formerly the Earls of Bantry) since 1739. The dining room (or the library) are where wedding ceremonies - notably Graham Norton’s - are held. Painted blue in the late 20th century, portraits of George 111 and Queen Charlotte hang on the walls.
A quartet rehearsing in the library for a concert this evening.
Upstairs the bedrooms are much lighter, and have magnificent views over Bantry Bay.
Richard White, 2nd Earl of Bantry, and his wife Mary created the gardens in the palazzo style after travelling on the continent. They contain seven terraces, with the house located on the third.
Summoning up courage to walk out in the rain, we stopped for a delicious cup of tea, sausage roll and scone.
Visiting children, including this little one, Colin, didn’t mind the weather.
In the 1990s the gardens were neglected, but after a few years of European funding in the 2000s restoration was started, and continues slowly.
Rain brought our the vibrancy of the green.
There are 105 steps offering fantastic views and a forest walk at the top.
Walking through the woods we rejoined the road near the 7th century Kilnaruane Pillar Stone, and continued down the Rope Walk. This is a long lane where strands of material were laid before being twisted into rope.
And it rained and rained….
…so much so, we thought the sailing school might actually be on the road.
Overlooking Bantry Harbour.
Ma Murphy’s, with a coffee shop and off licence in the front, going through to the bar, and then seating at the back.
Love the way the benches are laid on beer barrels.
We then ate in the snug (or confessional) of The Snug Bar.
The bus takes a beautiful route along the coast, but the dark skies looked foreboding. A combination of rain, and increasing winds making the waters choppy, meant we were soaked through by the time we got back onboard Avalon.
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