Cork and Kerry A.R.I.: Clonakilty

Mallow had a wonderful day in Clonakilty recently. The forecast was not too good so we had our umbrellas but would you believe we did not use them! We had some clouds but a lot of sunshine.TG
Our first stop was at the Munster Arms Hotel for Coffee/tea and scones. We got a great welcome and were promptly served with delicious scones and tea//coffee. They even had delicious Gluten free muffins for our coeliacs.
Our next stop was at the Michael Collins museum in Castleview out in the country not far from Michael's birthplace and Beal na Blaith where Michael was fatally shot.The museum itself looks like a jumble of old farm outhouses white washed and with a red corrugated iron roof. The view from here is fabulous , wide open countryside with hardly a house to be seen. We were made very welcome by Tim and Dolores Crowley who are passionate about local history and well able to tell the stories. We were shown into a large room like an old farmhouse kitchen with flagstone floor and an open fire and the smell of turf was gorgeous! Dolores had a bastible over the fire and she told us she had a cake of bread in cooking for us. She had made a curreny loaf and had a roaring turf fire and cinders on the lid of the bastible. It reminded me of long ago when my mother used make bread and apple tart like this. Nothing matches the taste!
when the bread was cooked and cooled on the wire rack she wrapped it and gave it to Mary our organizer to divide amongst us.Then we were entertained by Tim with stories and slide show and by Michael O Brien with singing and more stories. We had a great laugh and had a most enjoyable time. I would recommend to other Active Retirement groups.

The turf fire

Dolores speaking with Eileen

Tim and Dolores

Michael O Brien

Painting of Michael Collins as he was shot

Our curreny loaf

The entrance to the museum

In the afternoon we went into Clonakilty for a light lunch and look at the shops and went to Dunmore House Hotel for our evening meal. We were made very welcome and had time for one drink before we were seated for our meal. And what a meal! We had an extensive menu and catered for vegetarian coeliac and herbal teas. the food was delicious and promptly served by friendly staff.The staff could not be more helpful and even took photos for us even though they were busy.I would highly recommend this hotel which has incidentally has a fabulous view over Inchydoney Bay.

Many thanks to Karen and all her staff.