Skibbereen to Kinsale, a journey along the south coast

We set off late today, feeling the weight of doom and gloom on our heads.  Britain is  to leave the European Union.  The Leave Campaign won with 52% against 48% for the Remain Campaign.  A small margin only.

We have lived in Britain for twenty four years, and have appreciated being there, but we also have strong ties with mainland Europe too, and a split does not sit well.

We have become increasingly aware in Britain of the ever increasing gap between the rich and the poor, the punitive attitude of those in power, the harshness  of education policies and poor funding of the NHS.  Plus the increasing blame for all our woes on the workers from Europe.    Would this not be due to mismanagement by the present government rather than being part of the European Union?

But 52% of the people, a large majority of those voters being more than 50 years of age,  voted to leave.  And the older the person was, the more inclined they were to vote to leave.  Yet no consideration has been given, as yet, to the people of Northern Ireland and Scotland where the majority of people voted to remain in the European Union.  Or the 48% in England who want to remain in the European Union.  Or the young people, whose futures are at stake. 

As if we were not feeling depressed enough, we decided to visit the Skibbereen Heritage Centre, to view their display called 'The Famine Story'.   Apparently Skibbereen was the one of the worst affected areas in Ireland during the famine of the 1840s.  The display focussed on the stories of people living in Skibbereen during the famine.  It was a harrowing experience to listen to the stories.  During the famine one million Irish people died and at least another 1.5 million emigrated.  

We drove through the township of Skibbereen, twice, and could not find a carpark. A very busy market town.

We drove towards the village of Leap, turned right onto the R597, destination Drombeg Stone Circle.

We passed through a tiny village called Glandore, where there were some brand new units, and an expensive looking restaurant and cafes.  A sailing club village.

The church in Glandore.

Glandore harbour.

Drombeg Stone Circle.  The seventeen stones are oriented towards the winter solstice sunset, and once guarded the cremated bones of an adolescent.   This circle has been dated as 500 AD but the original circle was probably built during the Iron Age.

An Iron Age cooking pit.

There was a lovely view over the valley towards the sea.  I could have sat here all afternoon, as the grass was dry, and the sun warm.  It was very peaceful.

We carried on to Clonakilty, another busy market town, and managed to find a park in the church carpark.   It was a lovely church, although I am not sure of its name.

Clonakilty is well known for two things:  the birthplace of Irish Free State Comander-in-chief Michael Collins, and the home of the most famous black pudding in the country.  We decided not to try the black pudding, as it would have clashed with our lattes.  Instead we ordered two pieces of lemon drizzle cake with cream.  Delicious.

A very busy street in Clonakilty.

We continued on our way to Kinsale, but sadly there was no time to stop in the town or go out to the point where there is a Lusitania Memorial. 

We did see a harbour that contained large yachts, but nothing else really.  A town with plenty of history and picturesque as well.

We also missed quite a few stunning ruins today, but could not find anywhere to stop to take photos.  We also missed going to see Lough Hyne, which is south of Skibbereen.  Lough Hyne is a Marine Nature Reserve and unique salt water lake.  It also has two special holy wells beside it.  We had to be content watching a film about the area at the Skibbereen Heritage Centre.

Due to the drop in the value of the £, Walter has told me that we will only buy one piece of cake from now on and share it.  But I argued that this will not help the Irish economy.

The people of Ireland are not happy with the idea of Britain leaving the EU.