Kinsale, the start of the Wild Atlantic Way - 22 April 2023

22 April 2023 - Kinsale - start of Wild Atlantic Way

Thank you Lidl - quiet night with no problems. Another huge truck parked up, so didn’t feel so bad.

Me driving today. Just over 90 minutes to first stop. Had to navigate around the confusing roundabout after roundabout with traffic lights and lots of traffic around Cork - and yes we took the wrong exit once!

Also stopped off for LPG, so full of gas in case it’s harder to come by in coming days.

We parked up in Kinsale, (the start or end of the route!) and walked back into town. Guess where first? Yes, the tourist information. Lovely chatty lady - think it’s our biggest haul of brochures yet!  6 Regional maps covering all the Wild Atlantic Way (“WAW” from here on in), plus towns and places along the way.

Decided to walk out to the star shaped Charles Fort. Didn’t pay to go inside - have visited many similar forts! The British occupied this fort until Irish independence in 1922. Photos will give you the general idea!

We headed back to the Bulman bar in Summer cove. It was 12.10 - and not due to open until 12.30 - so sat outside in the sunshine reading through leaflets. People were literally queuing to get in!

Tintin had moules frites, and I had crisp battered fish with homemade delicious tartare sauce, fries and buttery smashed peas. And yes, we both finished it all - really good (€50).

Walked back into town - it was packed. A lady said it was the ‘once per year’ food festival!

Wandered around, but too many people, plus we’d already eaten. Took a few photos of the bright and cheerful coloured buildings. Back to Dave via the supermarket for fresh fruit. Did wonder whether we’d be able to get Dave out of the carpark as people were parked wherever they fitted, legal or not! Luckily the person behind was in their car, so reversed to allow me easy access to get out.

Drove out to the Old Head Signal Tower. The Lusitania Museum is there. In 1915, the passenger liner Lusitania was torpedoed by the Germans, and 1198 people lost their lives.

The scenery looking around the coast is stunning! We then drove down to Garrylucas beach, which is our home for tonight.

It’s 7pm, high tide and can hear the sound of the waves crashing on the shore just below us - not a bad spot!

I did briefly think about going for a swim, but at home I warm up in the shower afterwards, which isn’t as practical in a Dave. Think I’ll have to work up to it!

Think we might have some fun and games with the roads! Fair to say narrow on some roads now we’re on the WAW, luckily a car reversed for us. Also quite a few potholes - Dave will feel like he’s back in Italy.

Dare I jinx it - another day without rain! About 16,000 steps today so will hopefully sleep well!