COBH, CORK, AND BLARNEY, IRELAND: MAKING THE BEST OF A RAINY DAY!

Tuesday, August 25
Cork (Cobh), County Cork, Ireland
60F and rainy

TK took this photo as we were

arriving in the port of Cobh

This colorful charming town--

a reason to explore the world!

Today the ship docked at Cobh, just 13 miles from Cork.  Cobh (pronounced Cove) is a colorful deepwater port and serves as a spectacular maritime entry point for Cork. This is our third visit to the area, so we easily went on our own to the nearby train station for tickets to Cork just as the train was arriving.

Not sure you can read this, but 

as far as I think I understand

they are required to put

both names in English and Gaelic

We really like Cork because of its true Irish atmosphere full of pubs, but today’s agenda was taking us to the woolen mills in Blarney.  Despite the cold and rain, we walked a short way to the bus station in Cork for tickets to Blarney. After a short wait we were on our way to Blarney.  Other cruise passengers had the same idea in mind, but they were prepared to kiss the Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.  In 2024 we opted out of that opportunity and really did damage to our pocketbook at the Blarney Woollen Mills and thought we might try that again! 

From the Cork Train Station we had a hefty walk to the bus stop to take us to Blarney.  

This was not our bus!

TK tried to capture a firetruck

Our comfy bus

The historic Blarney Woollen Mills was established in 1823 and originally used power from the River Martin to spin and weave wool and tweeds. It is a major family run Irish business. The colors and textures and variety of items are a sight to behold!  

https://www.blarney.com/ 

I spotted some sweaters in colors that I love and TK found a beautiful jacket that makes him look spiffy. He also opted for another flat-top hat!  We ended up having our items shipped home (no charge) and at the same time found out about the new U.S. tariff.

Which color do you think I bought??

After warming up in the woolen mill, we decided to make the trek home—bus from Blarney to train from Cobh this time. Raining more and colder yet—this could be Erie.

Scene looking out of the train window

This is a better photo of a city sign

in Gaelic and English

The Sapphire Princess 

awaits us!

Dear Readers, this was our day, not exciting---we are really anticipating the upcoming sea days—we have almost worn ourselves out.   It was another 11,000+ day, and TK, with his titanium pins and screws and plastic parts from ankle to knees to upper femur, trudged through.

TK’s Takes: He is resting now after dinner, will find out momentarily