KLS was all worky-work today so I shuffled my regal self down south to the port town of Cork. The train took about two hours, mostly through fields of cows. It was peaceful.
That’s a little church – called St Anne’s – up on a hill just north of the CBD. For a measly sum you can climb the bell tower and ring the bells. Naturally I partook.
I’ve climbed many towers on several continents and I have to say that while shortish – only 132 steps – this one was pretty grand. The stairs were steep and narrow, and the (natural) lighting gave it a bit of a dungeon feel. I approved.
The bells were wonderful! I’ve seen many in towers before but never actually rung them myself. I ‘played’ Ode To Joy using the provided songbook by pulling the ropes connected to the eight bells. For miles around Corkonians likely raised their heads: “An angel“, they no doubt mused, “is on the bells today.”
Then I climbed to the balcony and saw Cork from high above. The headphones were lest some lesser musician played the bells while I was up top, but no one dared follow my lead. I was alone atop the tower in the breeze, and soaked in the Irish air.
I used to like butter, and would eat it by itself on bread. I’m not a fan now, but that didn’t stop me from entering the Butter Museum when I stumbled upon it.
Cork used to the the world epicenter of butter production, and exported it even to Australia! I learned more about butter today than any man has a right to know, but this:
Perhaps animated me most. Where’s the nearest ring fort? I want to see fairies! I’m in the land of the Tuatha Dé Danaan and I hadn’t really thought about it. Maybe the fairies are hiding themselves from even my thoughts? Stay tuned…
Another cathedral, this time south of the island that holds the CBD. It was raining when I took the above, and my plan to ride it out indoors was thwarted by a service that had just begun.
So I hopped and skipped over to the Catholic Church and just had enough time to light a candle and snap a quick photo before a service began there as well:
There was more I did in Cork, like boggle at the fresh food in the English Market…
Or shop for souvenirs…
Or just enjoyed the city itself…
But the day was long and I’m very tired so that’s enough for now 🙂
