Exploring UCC & Blarney

We have been exploring University Colllege Cork, it is two blocks away from our apartment and it has such beautiful spaces to stretch our legs.  We also made it to Blarney Castle this week...

 

Some pics from the main building at UCC ...

  And Blareny Castle is about a 10min drive outside of Cork city...

Eventually we made it to the top of the Castle where I kissed the Blarney Stone. You have to lay down backwards, hold your head down a small hole, and this is where the stone is located... According to legend, kissing the the stone endows the kisser with the gift of great eloquence or skill at flattery... The pics are not that flattering but funny!  

It was such a rush...

The castle and the grounds are really well kept and it was a fun touristy adventure!  

I woke up to this rainbow one morning this week and it was such a treat... 

...And the kids and I stalk this sweet swan family that lives in the river below our house. 

Our neighborhood in Cork...

This week we have just stayed close to our apartment.  Going to parks, the gym, and Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral.  

Fitzgerlald Park is about a 15min walk away, and it is Grand (as the locals would say)...

The pubs with beer gardens and Beamish... (And tiny doors?) 

 Our gym, with a great tennis court/soccer field and indoor pool...

And Saint Fin Barre's Cathedral, one of the most historic sites in the city, only a couple blocks away...

...and Harrison gets the photo cred for the last picture!  

Killarney

    We decided to take the weekend and travel to Killarney.  It's about a two hour trip west.  The lakes and mountians are breathtaking...