Kenzie, Zoe and I took a last-minute overnight trip to County Cork in the southern part of Ireland. The drive took a little over three hours and €23 worth of road snacks. Our first stop was in Cobh (pronounced “Cove”), known for being both the last port of call for the Titanic in 1912 and where the dead and survivors were brought after the RMS Lusitania was sunk by a German U-boat in 1915.

Cobh was a busy town when we were there because a large cruise ship was docked. We enjoyed listening to buskers perform Irish songs near the harbor.

After a quick lunch, we hopped back in our mighty Prius and headed for Cork. The city is situated on the River Lee and reminded us of Duluth with its steep hills and industrial vibe.

Clockwise from Top: shopping on Patrick Street; mural at Montenotte Hotel; view from the Montenotte Hotel

Our second day in County Cork started with a delicious breakfast buffet at our hotel, then we headed for Blarney Castle. We decided not to wait in the 90-minute-long line to kiss the Blarney Stone at the tippy-top of the castle and spent our day wandering around the castle grounds instead. From a sculpture walk to a poison garden—which includes mandrakes for all of us Harry Potter fans!—there is so much to explore.

Blarney Castle grounds.

We’re already planning another trip back to Blarney Castle. And this time, we’ll even pucker up!

Photos by Zoe