We had our last breakfast in Kinsale and checked out of the hotel about 11:30. We hadn't moved the car since arriving on Thursday and got in to drive it back to the airport. We won’t need a car while we are in Cork. During planning for the trip, I thought we’d do more touring around Kinsale while we were there, but we were content to walk to the sights nearby and skip the ones farther away.

On the way back to Cork, we stopped in the village of Riverstick for a photo op in front of Allen’s Bar and Lounge. I had seen it on the Google map photos before we left home and wanted to see it in person. It wasn’t open then and did not have hours posted so we just took pictures and left. There was one man sitting at an outside table talking on his phone, but he didn’t have a drink so that made us certain that Allen’s wasn’t open.

Finding the car hire lot was easy using the GPS system and returning the car went smoothly. We found a long line of taxis waiting for fares and were soon on the way to the Garnish House. It’s a B&B near the campus, but they also have five apartments to rent by the day or week. After enjoying a welcoming treat of tea, scones, and bread, we settled into the apartment -- one bedroom and bath with a small, open living/dining/kitchen area. It looks perfect for the week. I don’t expect to do any actual cooking, but it will be nice to have the fridge and microwave, just in case.

The eastern gate to the university is right across the street. We spent the afternoon wandering around, first to the university to find the Aula Maxima, the site of this evening’s reception, then into town to find a grocery store. The campus is beautiful with huge trees (some varieties I have never seen before), wide, almost-perfectly manicured lawns, and impressive stone buildings covered with thick vines. We found the main quad and signs to the reception hall so we could go there directly later on. Centra has a location just about a half mile from us, and we bought bottled water and a few snacks to start the week.

The genealogy workshop started with a reception this evening. We met Lorna who is in charge of the whole event and had a chance to visit with some of the other participants. Also, one professional genealogist gave a short introductory talk. They served wine and beer and had a few small bowls of chips and nuts available. Afterwards, about 7:30, we were hungry and walked to the River Lee Hotel for a proper dinner. Good food and okay service. If we need an easy place to eat again during this week, I wouldn’t mind going back. I imagine we will be able to find more interesting places though.