Kinsale

This morning, before joining Paul's family for his niece's birthday party, we went to Kinsale. This fishing town  near Cork city is a popular tourist destination especially in the yachting season. The town is quaint and very cute with the traditional colorful facades of various commercial and residential houses.
{{ I will be posting many more photos (especially those of the town) later, when I can upload them through Paul's laptop}}

Inside Charles' Fort

Sandy Cove

Kinsale Marina

James' Fort

It is cold! Charles' Fort behind me, hiking up to James' Fort

Dock Beach - very popular in the summer

Enjoying my morning Barry's tea

Paul with Annelise & Freya
 

The Kinsale harbor was protected by two forts  - Charles' and James', built in the 17th century. Charles' Fort is much larger and well maintained (tourist attraction charging admission), while the James' Fort is smaller and appears abandoned. While it is closed to the public, you can hike up to it and walk around its ramparts. We strolled along the Dock Beach, walked along the footpath across a small field, and then climbed a few feet up a steep hill to arrive to the ruins of the James' Fort. I was not expecting to see it, as Paul didn't mention there were 2 forts in Kinsale. It was a great surprise!!! A stunning little secret!
These forts were built to protect Kinsale from the French and Spanish invasions. An underwater chain used to be strung between the two forts across the harbor mouth during times of war to destroy the enemy armadas by ripping the bottom out of the incoming vessels.
We then drove to Sandy Cove where we saw a triathlete in his wetsuit and goggles walking down the freezing beach into the even more freezing water to train. It was a painfully amazing sight. It was at most 10C/50F out + wind chill.
The harbor smelled lovely of seawater and seaweed. We walked around the town, chatted with a tourist couple from Long Island while ordering cappuccinos, and then headed home to meet the family. The birthday party was a nice family gathering with sand castles, swings, and cake. Uncle Paul is very popular with his nieces! A million instagrammed photos later, [ compliments of Uncle Paul ], we arrived home for a lovely rogan josh with lamb masterfully prepared by Mama Kay. Life is good.

Tomorrow - The Ring of Kerry. Stay tuned.