Cork

Clann Eirann sang us out on our last day in Cork. We stopped by for dinner and they were just starting to play for the evening. They played after the whole pub erupted in celebration of Cork beating Tipperary in a hurling match. How utterly Irish can you get!?!?
We arrived in Cork on Friday and walked around downtown a bit before heading to our lodgings. The sisters were lovely here - as always.

Our first full day here, we set out for Blarney Castle. I saw the Blarney Stone - Mary Louise kissed it. There are beautiful gardens around the castle and we walked through them. Amazing!!
Then our bus took us out to Cobh (pronounced Cove). That is the Irish name for the town. Most immigrants for the Americas set out from Cork harbor. There was a heritage center that gave you a feel for the challenges in Ireland at the time and the challenges of a sea crossing to an unknown land. It reminded me of today's refugees facing similar challenges both at home and on their journey. May God bless them and keep them safe.

Next we toured the Jameson Distillery and then headed back to Cork City and took in our first Irish band. They were good, and whetted our appetites for more.
Then today, we set out on our own to see the sites in and around the downtown area. We started out with Mass in the Irish language. I guess I never realized that Irish is and has been very much a part of life here. It is really a bi-lingual culture.

We saw much of Cork today, and we were introduced to Leo, the Cork harbor seal. Apparently he is sited regularly in the two rivers flowing into the harbor there. We visited the Gaol - it is a prison that closed in 1923. Its history was told, mainly through they eyes and stories of those who had served time there. Then ending video had actors playing former inmates. They urged visitors not to forget their stories, not to forget those who are incarcerated, particularly for poverty crimes and based on discriminatory systems. Lots to think about!
We then made our way to St. Finbar's Cathedral. St. Finbar was Bishop of Cork in the 6th century and is patron of the town. We were at the Cathedral for Evensong with an amazing choir.
After that, we headed back to the center of town and landed in the pub I mentioned at the beginning. All in all, a wonderful experience.
Peace,
Amy