For our last stop in Ireland, Linda and I chose the shore excursion to West Cork’s Scenic Wonders. We boarded our motorcoach early for a drive through County Cork. There was a fair bit of rain last June, so the countryside lived up to Ireland’s reputation as The Emerald Isle. It was beautiful.

Irish coast in County Cork

Along the way we stopped to view an aluminum replica of a Model T Ford in the area Henry Ford’s ancestors came from. My dad would have loved seeing this.

Our first stop was the seaside village of Clonakilty, known for the world’s only “Random Acts of Kindness Festival.” After scones and tea, we had time to explore the village. I found a delightful shopping area known as Spiller’s Lane where I was astonished to find an Irish surf shop! But yes, there is surfing in the area, and honestly, how cute is this?

Irish Surf Shop

In a gallery across from the surf shop, I found pretty handmade pendants to bring home to my friends. After shopping, we re-boarded our motorcoach for more scenic touring.

Our last stop was at Gouganne Barra, Ireland’s first National Park. I’ll do a separate report on that area in a week or two.

Linda