Exploring West Cork, Ireland

I woke up late this morning. My travel companion decided to arrange to have her own car; so I’m on my own exploring.

On my way to the car, there was a gentleman watering the garden at the hotel. He said don’t forget to water your flowers at home. He was very sweet. Started my day off nicely.

I stopped in Skibbereen for a coffee. It seems like it’s in front of a grocery store. It’s very busy so it must be popular in this little town. There is food between the counter and the line. There’s food options and of course coffee. I just ordered a mocha so I can be on my way.

Next up is Lough Hyne, Ireland’s first Marine Nature Conservation Reserve. Cute lake. Some people were even swimming in it!

On my way to Baltimore, there was a sign for gardens at Innis Beg. Wow gorgeous! A lovely older couple walking the gardens asked me for help continuing on the path. I saw them later as I waved bye to them.

I drove to the Baltimore Beacon. It was a steep, rocky climb up to the top!  Once at the top, you finally see the iconic view of the beacon. I was the first of a full parking lot to trek up there, so I had a moment or two for some uninterrupted photos. Down the cliffs are stunning rock formations. It was beautiful but scary too. There was a warning at the parking lot about not saving people. It is very foggy on the top of the hill and here in the harbor city.

I stopped on the way into town and asked, what looked like a local, where the best place to eat would be. He gave me a few options, but when I asked his favorite he told me Jolie Brise. He explained where to park and how to get there. He was very kind.

I easily found the parking lot and even a parking spot the first place I turned! The parking lot overlooks a harbor. There was a family getting out talking about taking the orange boat which turns out to be a ferry. I found my way to La Jolie Brise. Originally I found a seat inside, but it was very warm so I decided to sit outside with a view of the lovely harbor. I started with a coke and the soup of the day, which was leek and potato. I wasn’t sure if I was going to enjoy it, but wow it was good! After seeing another table order a pizza, I decided to order one too. I ordered a four seasons pizza which has ham, peppers and mushrooms. I added pepperoni. While I waited for my pizza, I chatted with my waiter. He is from India and has only been here a couple weeks. He explained he had been working on a cruise ship for ten years and needed a change. He said his favorite place while on the cruise ship was Alaska!

On the way back to Leap, I made a turn after seeing a sign for a castle. While I didn’t find a castle, I did find a small waterfall just off the road! It was so cute! It looked pretty deep where the water fell. Leap has a historic waterfall. Hidden between some restaurants is a gorgeous waterfall!  There’s moss growing on all the rocks.

Connolly’s for pizza, cranberry alcoholic drink, a comedy show & lovely people. I met the bar owner, got to go back into the kitchen and see where they make pizzas. I met the chef, who happened to be my new friend’s nephew. I also met the daughter of the owner of the gardens I went to earlier that day! They told me so many wonderful stories. It was so much fun.