Little by the ocean Kinsale and big Cork

We arrived in little by the sea Kinsale.

Its name comes from the Irish Cionn tSáile, meaning “head of the sea.”

Nestled at the head of a sheltered estuary, it had a strategic importance.

In the Middle Ages, Kinsale thrived through maritime trade with Spain and France.

Its busy port also attracted pirates !

In 1601, the battle of Kinsale saw Irish and Spanish forces face the English.

This defeat marked the end of the great Gaelic uprisings against the Crown.

Kinsale later grew as a fishing port, especially known for sardines.

                            From the 19th century, its commercial role declined in favor of Cork.

Yet the town reinvented itself as a tourist destination.

                            It shows colorful center, with narrow lanes and vibrant houses.

Today, Kinsale is called the “gourmet capital” of Ireland.

There is a gastronomic festival each year.

Everywhere since the 1st day,

some declarations or flags proPalestina.

                                                                                    The street of love...!!!!

Amané did an oral about this woman pirate !

We didn't know she was born here !

Amané found her irish hat !

Same as in the american movie

The Quiet Man...

Yuta our captain !!

Then, let's go to the big Cork !

Cork is the second largest city in Ireland.
Its name comes from the Irish Corcaigh, meaning “marsh,” 

as it grew on islands in the River Lee.

                                        

Founded in the 6th century by Saint Finbarr, it began as a monastere.
In the Middle Ages the Vikings turned it into a busy trading port.
In the 12th century, the Anglo-Normans seized the town and fortified it.
Cork became an important merchant center, exporting wool, butter, and salted fish.

                                                

The 17th century brought turbulent times, including the Confederate Wars and the Siege of 1690.
Thanks to its vast natural harbor, one of the largest in the world, Cork prospered in modern times.
The 19th century saw industrial growth but also the devastation of the Great Famine.

 

The city played a key role in the Irish independence movement in the early 20th century.

In 1920, Cork was scarred by fires and violence during the War of Independence.

Today, it is a lively city made with briks !

But even in this big Cork, Amané's ginger ale is too small...

But for diner...!

Yuta's fish and chips is so huge !!

And we had parmentier...

But as Amané said: green vegetables are not cooked...!!