Friday was designated a lazy day and was even lazier than anticipated! I don't think any of us were dressed by midday! Betsy, Ed and Tony all had extended day time naps. Me, Chia and Patrick hung out in the garden - the first time the covers had been off the garden furniture this year!!

We finally assembled ourselves together and headed for the 5pm bus into town! We missed the bus we were aiming for, so, what to do but have a quick scoop in the local before jumping on the number 2 to town.

Tony's boat was docked in the marina in the city so he took us for a tour - Betsy loved it! She got a little confused when some of the lads who work on the boat turned up called James and John! (Her uncle Jon owns a boat in London but this John looked and sounded quite different!) Tony showed her where London was on the navigation, showed her the satellite phones and her personal favourite - actual real life binoculars - that blew her mind! A big step up from the 'binoculars' in her local playground!

Next was The Sexton pub - where we helped ourselves to the free food they offer to patrons to welcome the weekend. Awaiting us was a lamb on a spit with potatoes and salad, completely delicious! As if that wasn't enough, we were then approached and asked if we wanted a free pint of half moon beer!! This is a great country!!

Home to get the babes to bed and an excellent steak dinner (yes after the lamb!). The menfolk nipped out to check in on the local pubs and returned having fitted in at least a quart, and, inexplicably, a cheeky rum!!

Saturday morning saw us heading to Kinsale, and a delicious brunch with Susan. Susan and my mum met in their teens and remain good friends to this day. It was lovely to see and catch up with Susan, who was so welcoming and hospitable, as only the Irish can be.

We then met Chia and Tony and got leads on Lynx, Snuff and Betsy and had a wander around Kinsale. Kinsale is a gorgeous town full of boats, pubs and restaurants. Ed and Betsy headed into a lovely independent book shop and Betsy reappeared delighted with herself - a local irish kids book? No, no, no! A Peppa pig mini library! We had a quick drink in The Greyhound pub - Tony having a port and brandy as the hair of the dog!! (It didn't work!) Back on the road again and the next stop was Clonakilty, home of black pudding! We picked up a shop from Supervalu which was the most amazing shop - an Irish version of wholefoods and onto Baltimore in West Cork - our home for the next week.

Rolf's was up a steep hill overlooking the village. We had a holiday cottage, but it is also a guesthouse with rooms and a bar and restaurant. It was great. We got ourselves unpacked and then we all headed to the bar for a quick drink. As we chinked our glasses and said slainte, I realised that Patrick had managed to produce another show stopper in the nappy department!! And of course we had left everything in the cottage as we were only going for half an hour!! But this needed immediate action!! I reluctantly left my g and t and took Paddy back to sort him out. A quick head to toe change for both of us (my clothes fell victim too!) and we were back in the bar!

We finished the evening off with delicious hake from the super Supervalu.