Kilbrittain, Ireland

Our first night in Ireland was spent outside Kilbrittain, on the southern coast below Cork. Here is the link for the Airbnb where we stayed. I wanted somewhere very off the beaten path and very Irish, and this little gatekeeper’s cottage was perfect.

Built during the late 18th century, it had been upgraded but still had the original fireplace and other features. Our host, Kate, was exceptional. Waiting for us was fresh bread, homemade jam and butter, milk in the fridge, and coffee beans and pods. We had a great breakfast before we were on our way to explore the coast.

Outside the gate on the side of the house was a small table for two, perfect for our breakfast. Beyond that was a driveway that I suspected went up the hill to the owner’s home. The seaside was a three-minute walk in the other direction. On my next trip, I hope to meet Kate and learn what living in Ireland is about.

I wanted to walk all over the area, but we had no time. Everywhere I turned, the scenery beckoned me to get out of the car and take a look, take another photo, or sit and listen to the sounds of nature that surrounded me. I had so many questions.

The photo below almost looks like a painting. It was low tide, and at one bend in the road, we watched flocks of birds feast on everything exposed on the temporarily dry shore. We drove for miles, and all the scenery was beautiful.

The green farms on every hillside made me envious. Ours is dry and dusty as we wait for the rainy season to begin. Ireland has a lot of rain and much cooler weather. I am curious to see what the country looks like in the winter, and if there is ever a season where it looks a bit ragged from the heat or the cold.

Castles and ruins are everywhere. Ireland has over 1,000 types of these things on the Wild Atlantic Way alone, which does not include the country's interior. There is simply too much to see.

These photos were taken near Timoleague. Above is the Timoleague Friary. The streets are very narrow, and like in many towns, cars are parked in one of the lanes of the two-lane road, making for a very slow drive.

If you haven’t picked up the theme yet for Ireland, it’s to slow down your trip, plan for twice as much time as you think you need, and give yourself time to explore. This part of the country will be worth it.

Next stop: Galway.