Cork, Ireland – Day 13

Howdy! Our day started with Mamafer’s amazing driving into Cork City. After we parked, we walked across the river to the Butter Museum. We watched a series of videos about how to make butter, the significance of Kerry Gold Irish Butter, how it differs from all other butter, and the history of butter making from ancient times to today. Did you know Ireland was the first place butter was ever made – 3,500 years ago?

After the museum, we visited St. Anne’s Church, where we climbed the Shandon Bell Tower. We rang the bells and then climbed to the top, from which we could see the whole city below us. It was 132 steps to the top! We also got to visit the inside of the church. There were some really cool old books. Real old.

Now lunch. We ate food at Seventy Seven. Then we split up for two hours. Vee and I walked around and shopped. The moms and the twins visited the English Market and St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral. Here’s Mama to tell you more about that!

Jen here—the English Market was awesome. It’s been around since 1788 and features loads of vendors at the many stalls. We explored a bit and then bought some fruit, honey, and crackers to complement our dinner, and the twins purchased chocolate from one of the fancy chocolatiers.

We also crossed the River Lee once more – it splits for a small distance in Cork, and the city center is built on the island it creates. Walking the short distance to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, we saw many beautiful murals. This seems to be a consistent pattern everywhere we have traveled in Ireland – murals abound!

Entering the church, I was impressed by the beautiful stained glass, vaulted roof, and mosaic floors. The church sits on a site that has been used by Christians since the 7th century C.E. This version of the church was started in 1865 and finished in 1879. While we were there, a young man was playing the enormous pipe organ. He let us watch for a bit!

Back to Addie—We met up at 4 p.m. and headed back to Airbnb to have dinner and start getting ready to head back to the States. Now I am going to go to bed. Peace!