Day 76 1st May 2017
Mia, the young Australian woman who had checked us in the night before was there again to greet us as we wandered in to our surprisingly extensive buffet breakfast.
Brandishing a map and brochures Mia showed us recommended spots we would not have found easily –
First stop The Gearagh – the Alluvial forest and while it was fascinating and a lovely walk we are still undecided as to whether this is a natural beauty or manmade disaster!
On towards Gougane Barra we stopped at the Dairy and discovered it closed – disappointing for us, a bonus for our hearts we were bypassing cheese.
On and on along small country roads wondering what we were heading to when all of a sudden we came to a busy road, with cars parked in every conceivable spot and a sign posted Gougane Barra . This was unexpected and more cars, tour buses and people than we had seen so far.
As we walked towards the park the tiny, over photographed, pretty chapel of St Finbar jutted out into the lake. We walked around St Finbar church and beside it the 12 stations of the cross following many who appeared to be more devout and understanding of the meaning than we were.
There were signs pointing to the Gouganne Barra park so we followed. People were walking, running, picnicking along the path. As we approached the base of the hills it seemed time to turn back (the old cues toilet and food!)
Lunch was at the café – simple, good and fun. Toilet was nearby a thatched toilet with a plaque voting it the prettiest toilet in Ireland.
On to Clonakilty through the slow, time consuming ‘L’ roads and finally we arrived at Ard Na Greine to be greeted by the lovely Norma with our choice of room, fresh scones and apple pie. After long weekend we were the only guests and chose Room 6, a light filled room overlooking the farmland.
Drove into Clonakilty and chose a place for dinner Scannells Pub. Lovely place for a drink. They apologised that meals were only served till 4pm.
