On our last trip home we decided to go on a tour of the Jameson Distillery. Established in the 18th century, the distillery is located in Midleton, Co. Cork. The “Jameson Experience” is a walking tour with an expert guide through mills, maltings, and other beautifully restored old distillery buildings which date back to 1795. Set on fifteen acres of land it is a must see on a visit to Cork. The tour lasts about an hour and ends with a complimentary glass of Jameson Whiskey. I wasn’t sure if the boys would like the tour but as you can see from the picture below they fit in just fine. Don’t worry, we just let them smell the whiskey 🙂

After our visit to the Jameson Distillery, we hopped in the car for a quick drive into Cork City. Founded by St. Finbarr and built on the River Lee; the city is filled with grand historical buildings like Shandon Steeple, City Hall, and Holy Trinity church (pictured below). Patrick Street runs through the heart of this city built on water and you will most definitely find what you are looking for when it comes to shopping and dining. Music often fills the streets as buskers (street performers) entertain locals and visitors.

While exploring the city another must stop is the Old Cork English Market (pictured below). It is a cultural destination just off the main shopping streets in the city. The market is very multicultural and fresh produce from around the world can be purchased there. I can remember going to the market with my mother as a child. We would hop on the number ten or number fourteen bus which would take us right to the city center. The smell of fresh vegetables and produce greeted us at the entrance to this friendly food market. My mom would go up and down both sides of the market picking out fish, veggies, and meat for our weekly dinners. It often took a while as my mom chatted to the market vendors and other customers who would chime in on the conversations too. I remember there were lots of conversations and laughter as we made our way through the market.

So now you’ve had a glimpse of Cork City, I hope you come back and join me tomorrow as I round up my journey to Ireland. Tomorrow, I will take you on a photographic tour of the beautiful Irish countryside where the grass will be green, the ocean will wave hello, and the land will whisper softly beckoning you to its shores 🙂