If you ever happen to be in Ireland on the R603, somewhere between Cork and Kinsale, and want somewhere really relaxing to stay - head for Leighmoneymore. Our friends, Kate and Ferg, run a B&B there (it's a B&B in the same way the titanic was a dinghy).
Southern Ireland is beautiful. The locals (of whom somewhere between 30 - 50% all drive permanently on learner plates) somehow avoid killing each other as around every corner you'll find them walking in the road to get fit. If they're not doing that then they're all hanging off every bridge available fishing. On roads that would be classified using letters towards the end of the alphabet they drive at speeds that would stun a motorway copper. It's amazing to watch when the guy's in front of you and terrifying when he's coming towards you on all sides of the road.
The beaches are stunning.
and the water is clear as a bell and damned cold.
There's a restaurant, called "Fishy Fishy" in Kinsale that is definitely worth checking out.
The food was as good as anything I've enjoyed in London. For less remarkable food - but better views - a pub called "The Dock" over the harbor is worth visiting. "Vista" wine bar serves a good selection of wine and Tapas - even if the service falls somewhere between "slow but in a laid back, Irish kind of way" and "oops - we forgot your order". It has a balcony with great views over the mariner.
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