Ireland in Retrospect: Cork

Cork September 24

We packed up, checked out of the guesthouse, and started driving toward Cork. To my dismay, we did not immediately find a place to eat breakfast. I had wanted to stop at a place in Killarney that had been recommended to us, but Justin wanted to find something on the way to Cork. Let's just say I started to get pretty hangry. But at least the scenery was lovely, as usual!

We finally found a diner to eat at. It seemed like it was popular with the locals, which was great. I got the mini Irish breakfast, and Justin got the full. For the first time I had an opportunity to try (Justin's) black pudding. I wasn't excited about trying it, since I know what it is, but I made myself sample a little bite. I was definitely underwhelmed. 

After breakfast - or was it brunch? - we continued on to Cork. We found our bed and breakfast, which is located right on Oliver Plunkett Street. This is an award-winning street known for its "local character, commercial success, and environmental sustainability" (yes I copied that line from an Irish Examiner article haha). It seems to be pedestrian only during the day, and then they lower some barrier poles in the evening so cars can get through. There are tons of shopping, restaurants and pubs on the street. 

Justin and I first parked the car in a parking garage, and then started looking for a place to get some tea. On the way, something interesting happened. I saw a sign for the English Market, which is a well-known indoor public market. Strangely, the gate to the market was only open partially. We weren't sure what was going on, but still entered the building. Immediately, we noticed big production lights pointing at the fish stall and a bunch of people standing around. We thought they might be filming a commercial. We stood off to the side to watch for a few minutes. Not long after that, a large man came over to us, and ever so kindly told us that the market is closed, because they're shooting a movie! He then told us about the movie - it's called The Young Offenders - which was a low-budget film on Netflix, and the BBC had decided to do a sequel! It was so cool how the guy not only was friendly about telling us to scram, but he also told us the synopsis of the movie! I mean, it is unreal how nice everyone is in Ireland!

So, we moved on to a cafe to get some tea. And an afternoon pastry. After spending some time enjoying each other's company and people watching, we contacted the owners of the B&B, and found out we could check in right away. 

I have to confess that I was a wee bit disappointed in our place. It's called Creedon's Traditional Irish Welcome B&B, and it didn't really live up to its name. Well, at least we didn't get a traditional *Irish* welcome. The woman who greeted us was very nice at least, and she told us where we could park our vehicle over night, since the parking garage our car was in closed promptly at 7. Anyway, we put our bags in our room and rested for a bit. (Clearly, afternoon naps are our M.O.) And here are a couple shots from our room of the streets below. 

I decided I wanted to do a bit more shopping, and since we were on a pedestrian street, I could go by myself. So, I did!

Oliver Plunkett St.

A little later we put our names on a list for dinner at Market Lane, which is a restaurant just a few doors down from our B&B. Then we moved the car to the other parking garage, which was several blocks away. We got cleaned up for dinner, and walked on over later this evening. We sat at the bar for about 20 minutes or so before we got sat. 

This was another fabulous meal experience! Our waitress was great, and the food was delicious!

Chicken, mashed potatoes, root veggies, and cabbage. Yum!!

Ice cream sundae with popcorn on top! 

I can't believe our trip is almost over!! These last handful of days have really flown by!