An Irish Summer

I am a champion of the Irish climate. I cannot understand the tired jokes and utterances about our terrible weather. They can only be made by people who reserve their outdoor activities for a small window of time in the week. We have a temperate climate, rarely too hot or too cold, making it mostly optimum temperature for growing grass which, combined with our healthy rainfall, sustains a rich agriculture. Having driven a motorbike as my main mode of transport for 5 years I found that we rarely have days where it is raining all day but mostly with confined showers and plenty of pleasant weather in between.

And with that I present you photos of the most beautiful day this year so far (18th September), although I've crowned about 100 days "the most beautiful day of this year". I took these on Inch beach near Whitegate. We haven't gone on an overseas holiday in five years and recently I've been wondering if I am playing it too safe and not taking risks as a parent. But then yesterday, after collecting my 5 year old from school, we headed straight to the beach that lies only a few minutes drive down the road and I really felt like I was in one of the most beautiful places in the world. Maybe next year we'll get on a plane.

Here is the same beach (and same children) a week later, and it was just as beautiful and fun:

With the right gear, the beach is definitely not just for sunny weather. It can feel like a completely different landscape on a dull day. Love it!

Promoting Local Organisations

I love browsing informative websites that are gardening and nature orientated, but find myself constantly drawn to British organisations. Their standard is not to be denied and the country has a long history of conservation and study but it suddenly occurred to me that it is ridiculous I am not automatically seeking out Irish resources that are dealing with my native environment. I became aware of it while I was browsing The [British] Wildlife Trusts website and I thought, maybe there is an Irish Wildlife Trust? And of course there is!

Similarly, I’ve always admired the community gardens springing up around the UK. We spent a weekend in Bristol a few years ago and were amazed walking through the public parks to see vegetables growing among the flowers. I since discovered the Incredible Edible Bristol movement through an excelled TED TALK by one of the founders Pam Warhurst. Then while out for a drink with a friend one night, she introduced me to a woman who was just about to embark on a community garden in Knocknaheeny/Hollyhill, Cork City, which is now going strong. It made me realise that this was happening in my own locality. This year I learned that a community garden had opened in Dunmanway, the town I attended secondary school in. A GIY group meets every month in Passage West holding practical demonstrations such as apple pressing and Indian cooking and visits to local polytunnels and gardens. Cork is full of interesting people doing fascinating things.

An enlightening little publication that has taken off this year is The West Fork, a supplement with The Southern Star newspaper that features profiles on Cork food producers, from those who harvest the raw materials to the people who create the finished product. The most recent edition introduced me to specialist businesses such as Roaring Water Sea Vegetables who farm seaweed and sell it as a dried product and Ruby Harte Floral Design in Drimoleague who can create an edible bouquet for you.

Buying all local produce is undeniably expensive but maybe do as I have and start replacing one big brand product with a local variety every week. So the next time I go to buy a supermarket own brand box of biscuits, I'll stretch the extra euro and choose a box of Régale Cookies Of Character that are handmade in West Cork using Clonakilty free range eggs and local unsalted butter among other local ingredients. Or I'll bring my salad to the next level by trying some Macroom Buffalo mozzarella, from the only milk producing buffalo herd in the country. Cork is vibrant and innovative and it is a joy to take an invested interest in promoting my local economy. 

 

Outdoor Activities for Toddlers in and around Carrigaline

Toddlerhood is a fabulous time for exploring the world with your child. They are so excited and enthusiastic about the smallest detail - a plane in the sky or water flowing from a pipe. It's also a challenging time to be outside of the house as it is so difficult to give them the freedom they desire while keeping them safe. Structured play centres including playgrounds and indoor fun houses, although ideal in theory, are sometimes not so suitable for the younger toddler. Or maybe just my toddler who is more interested in fire escapes, hydrants, opening doors and running for the hills than playing with swings and ball ponds. Here are some of the things we like to do in Carrigaline and the surrounding areas. All are free of charge and outdoor.

1. Fountainstown Beach at Low Tide

I usually park in the car park and walk to the furthest end of the beach by road with small man in the buggy. He's only just two years old so is still happy to be wheeled around, thankfully. The front strand is quite rocky so I find the far side of the beach to be much more child-friendly as there is a huge stretch of flat sand with shallow pools of water. Here they can have a really good run and splash around without going near the actual sea. Obviously fine weather is the optimum time for this but I am thinking about buying some neoprene waders so he can splash through water in all weather without a chance of getting soaked through.

2. Monkstown Wall and Playground

Another buggy walk, Monkstown Wall provides plenty to see from marine birds, wind turbines, speed boats, anglers, dog walkers, and my son is particularly fond of a pipe on the opposite side of the road that gushes out water coming from a stream. If you bring some food, there are plenty benches with a scenic view for some al fresco dining. For a run-around, there is a small playground opposite The Monkstown Inn on Glen Road. Although in excellent condition, it is not a great playground for very young children - there is no baby swing which is surprising - but it is well enclosed and there is a stream running alongside it (at the other side of the railings) which should interest a toddler.

3. Near the Ferry Terminal at Ringaskiddy

A popular loop walk starts from a small public car park by the ferry terminal entrance. It is not really suitable for a buggy as the path gets quite narrow and stony in places but is ideal for a sling or a toddler you can trust to walk safely alongside you. There are meandering paths through brambles with some open spaces but some of the path runs right next to the water. The view of Cork Harbour is spectacular. It is an unbelievable place for spotting rabbits - they are everywhere but watch out for the holes in the ground as some of them are quite large. A toddler running around excitedly could easily let their foot slip through. They wouldn't fall in or anything but I'd be worried about breaking or spraining an ankle. It is also a wonderful place for blackberry picking and if you are carrying your toddler on your back, you can do the picking and hand them berries over your shoulder while you walk around. Pure bliss.

There is a playground in Ringaskiddy village.

4. Camden, Crosshaven

The area around the fort is a lovely area for a walk, blackberry picking and watching huge cruise liners coming into Cobh. The views are unbelievable. I'm not a swimmer but gazing at the sea on a calm day makes me dream of leaping from a diving board in the sky and plunging into the shimmering, cool aquamarine expanse. It's lovely to see random people gather just to enjoy the scene in front of them. If you walk up beyond the car park, there is a football pitch that, if empty, is a great place to let your little one have a run around. There are great views from here also. And of course you can visit the fort but it currently only opens during the summer weekends.

There is a great playground in Crosshaven village.

5. Weaver's Point, Crosshaven

When you approach the roundabout in Crosshaven, coming from Carrigaline, take the third exit which leads you up past the graveyard. This road will take you to Weaver's Point, a road of amazing houses with extraordinary views. There is a viewing point where you can park and from here there are a few little paths that will take you down to a walk that runs along the side of a grassy cliff (I use the term "cliff" loosely - although it is steep in a few places). This is a perfect walk for sling wearers. The views make you feel like you are holidaying on an exotic island (I suppose Ireland is an exotic island for a lot of people) and you can eventually descend onto a little beach. At places the path opens out into big grassy flats that allow you to really immerse yourself in your surroundings and give older, responsible children a place to run around.

6. Carrigaline-Crosshaven Railway Walk

This is a mostly off-road linear walk and cycle path that runs along the water. It's 5km in length and is an extremely easy and pleasant walk. The car park nearest to Carrigaline town is often serviced by Lulus, a bright pink van serving drinks and treats with plenty seating. The coffee is amazing and the cake slices are moist and generous. Along the walk, at this time of year, you'll find blackberries, sloes, elderberries and hawthorn berries. The walk is dotted with benches for you to sit back and enjoy your surroundings. If you have a bicycle with a child carrier, this is a great safe cycle for you. At the end of the walk, on the Crosshaven side, is Hasset's restaurant which serves great food in a beautiful building.

7. Carrigaline Library Not outdoors I know, but I had to mention it.

The library is located near Dunnes Stores and is a wonderful relaxed place to spend an hour. They have a nicely sized children's section with plenty of seating and a great selection of books. It may stir a bit of nostalgia in you when you see old favourites such as Stone Soup and The Goose Girl. They do story time on a Friday at 3pm and a children's book club on the first Wednesday of every month at 3.30pm. From there you can take a walk up to...

8. Carrigaline Park and Playground

The large duck pond is a banker when it comes to amusing toddlers. Nothing funnier than being circled by a volery of ducks, seagulls and crows as you share a snack on the bench. If you're into rat spotting, which always excites me, the banks of the pond are a good place to see some rodents scurrying around. Beyond the ducks and rats, you can walk along the Owenabue river, preferably not at low tide so you're not "looking at shit" as my other half would say. Down here you can pick blackberries at this time of year and walk back on the other side of the pond. The park is dotted with public gym equipment for adults and has a large playground divided in to two - for older and younger children. Of course my escapee gives about five minutes exploring the play things until he makes a run for the exit but in general it's a pretty good playground.



Hopefully I've given you a few places to explore. Enjoy!

There's No Such Thing As Bad Weather..

...only bad clothing. This is one of my favourite sayings because being realistic about the climate that you live in is a big step towards a more enjoyable life. Apart from extreme conditions, which thankfully are not a major worry in Ireland, getting out and about should not be hindered by the weather. 

I am very passionate about rain gear. Every one of us, adults and children, should own a proper rain suit and wellingtons. In fact we should all own two sets of each so that one can be kept at a second location (vehicle/work/school). We live in a damp climate - accept it, prepare for it and enjoy it. Keep a bag in the car with a mix of clothes for everyone - warm jacket, rain gear, hats and sun cream! September is exactly the kind of month where you can get any type of weather. We headed to Fota early one morning last week and I couldn't believe how cold it was. Thankfully there were a few jumpers in the car since last winter (never empty the car of clothes no matter now messy it gets!!!) so we were able to wrap up and walk on.


Always by the back door:





Biking in the rain:





Fishing in the rain (that's a painted ray of the beach in Borth, Wales - he went back alive):





Walking in the rain (as you can see I never leave home without my trusty yellow (orange?) rain coat):





Playground in the rain:





Gardening in the rain:





So suit up, boot up and get out!

"Weeds" Are Beautiful

With the recent heat and rain, the garden is claiming back its wild areas. This morning as I was pottering and poking around, I was amazed at the range of pretty little flowers that are growing naturally. I love the way they grow out of cracks and corners, while your expensive purchased plants fail to thrive. I've tried to get the correct names for them all.

Veronica persica (Speedwell)

Delicate little blue and white flowers brighten up this patch of green foliage. These hardy flowers have erupted from behind a piece of wood.

This patch of wild flowers has emerged from the corner of my onion patch. I don't think the photo does it justice but in the flesh it really is so pretty with tiny red, white and blue blooms and an array of different leaf shapes and heights.

Prunella vulgaris (Selfheal) adds a dash of purple:

I think this creeping tall pink flower is Stachys officinalis (Betony):

The humble Bellis perennis (Daisy) is so widespread that it is easy to stop appreciating just how beautiful this flower with its vivid yellow centre and brilliant white petals is. Holly Blue butterfly anyone? 

And it's very sweet when my 3 year old hands me one as a present. They really are the archetypal child's flower.

Here we have some Trifolium repens (white clover) and Ranunculus repens (creeping buttercup) hanging out together:

This persistent pink flower, Geranium robertianum (Herb Robert) grows out of cracks in the paving, the roof shoots and here out of a disused barbecue:

These precious little red/peach flowers are Anagallis arvensis (Scarlet Pimpernel):

My favourite weed of all, and one that has a great public campaign promoting it in recent years, is the lowly Taraxacum vulgaria, commonly known as dandelion (or pissy bed for those in the know!). I've seen bees, hoverflies, butterflies and a huge range of other flies visiting my dandelions. And remember that all insects who visit flowers are pollinators, even the little black fellas that you'd hardly notice.

Small Tortoise Shell:

Honey Bee:

Red Soldier Beetle:

Might look like bee but it is in fact a hoverfly:


And another honey bee:

So don't be too quick with a hoe and let your garden surprise you with its native wildflowers.

First Ladybird of 2015

I couldn't get a better photograph without disturbing it, but here is my first sighting of a ladybird this year, nestled in my purple sprouting broccoli, hopefully feasting on any pests that the plant might be harbouring. It really seems apt to see this spotted beetle on the sunniest day of the year so far.

The Irish Winter Landscape

The days may seem too short but winter in Ireland bestows on us some of the clearest, sunniest, heavenly days of our climate. These are the days I choose to remember and this year I have visited some beautiful local spots.

1. Charles Fort, Kinsale

The views from inside and outside the fort are one of my favourite in the Cork county. Even if you choose not to go inside, there is plenty to enjoy if you want to just stop your car at the side of the road for a few minutes. Note the bird of prey just over the low clouds on the right hand side.




From the busy front promenade in Kinsale town, there are some peaceful water views.

2. The Owenabue River, Carrigaline

Just ten minutes walk from my house, this river has a wonderful desolate poetic bleakness on a dark winter's day.

3. Ringaskiddy

Ten minutes drive down the road brings me to Ringaskiddy, which I think is a harmonious meeting of industry and nature (aesthetically anyway, local cancer rates might say different...). Boat yards and industry adorns the shore line, which opens out into Cork Harbour. It's a great place for a walk, but watch don't you fall down one of those giant rabbit holes.

4. Killarney National Park

Whether you desire a short stroll or a day-long hike, the area covered by Killarney National Park abounds in natural beauty including sights like Torc Waterfall and the lakes (below).

 


For a tamer, more manicured walk, explore the gardens of Muckross House with their pretty features including the Stream Garden.

MOSS GRAFFITI

Whether you consider it guerrilla gardening or eco friendly vandalism, moss graffiti is a way of making living, breathing art. Try it in on your own property!

Bees Yes, Wasps No?

The more I learn about the horticulture, the more I read about the importance of bees for pollination of plants. Well the wasps in my garden far out number the bees, they seems to be everywhere so it got me hoping that they were benefiting me in some way. I did some research and this is what I read from an entomologist (one who studies insects):

Most wasp species are predators. Their function is in the control of many other insect species. They are actually very effective parasitoids, and because of this efficiency they have been used for decades as biological control agents. Many crop pests including hornworms and scale insects which cost millions of dollars in loss annulally are controled by wasps. Without these predators, tomatoes, oranges, tobacco, and many other important crops would be so scarce that the price of them would skyrocket.

Their method of efficiency is that they will lay one egg on the back of a caterpillar, and throught the process of polyembrony, the egg multiplies itself, producing hundreds of larvae. These larvae hatch, kill the caterpillar, and pupate. Once development is compltete, the newly formed wasps will emerge and go out in search of their own caterpillar to deposit eggs on. After a year, there are millions of these wasps and they are naturally able to control the number of potentially devastating pest species.

In nature, most moths and beetles have some species of wasp that is their specific parasitoid. Without these parasitoids, longhorn beetles would reduce the forest to sawdust and caterpillars would strip every leaf off of every plant they can find. Wasps act to control theri numbers, and keep a balance between the pests and the hosts.

Certain wasps, like yellow jackets (the ones by the picnic table) are actually pollinators and ensure the survival of many plant species, just like their very close relatives, the bees.

Sounds good!

Garinish Island and Glengarriff

Poxed lucky with the weather for an October weekend away to Glengarriff. It is a very quiet time of year for most West Cork towns but perfect for seeing the sights without the crowds, and as Irish people know well, our off-peak season can produce the best weather conditions.

Glengarriff’s great strength is it’s woodlands and walking areas and probably it’s most famous attraction, Garinish Island. The island’s topography is rare in our climate, and is borne from the effects of the gulf stream and the shelter of the woodlands.  Ferries depart from a few places, the most picturesque being Poll Gorm (meaning Blue Hole).

This sheltered cove belies the open sea that awaits through a narrow opening

A quick spin past the seal rocks (with Maureen O’Hara’s house in the background)

and we arrive at Garinish.

The first attraction to feast your eyes on is the Italian garden

Behind which are beautiful views onto the water

Some curious plants to be found along the way

Beautiful stone walkways

The Martell tower looks impressive at a height

And the view is ten times better from the top

If you see a pathway, explore it because you’d never know what’s hiding behind those trees

Back on mainland, the Glengarriff shore looks out on a fabulous vista

A beautiful place.