This row of houses is called the "deck of cards."

Cobh was renamed Queenstown in the 1800s, in honor of a visit from the Queen of England. It reverted to Cobh in 1922. As Queenstown, it was the point of departure for the majority of Irish emigrants during the Famine.

A French Gothic-style cathedral looms over the town

Tom went into Cork for an evening of live music.

He ended up buying a round for the band.

2.5 million people emigrated from Ireland via Cobh on what came to be known as coffin ships. Later, Cobh became a port for ocean liners and cruise ships. The Lusitania was sunk off the harbor during World War I; the survivors came to Cobh. This was the last port of call for the Titanic, a fact which is exploited to the max here. Cobh is part of the "Titanic Trail."

Back on the road again.

Another amusing sign.

The spectacular Lough Gur is a lake a few miles south of Limerick, surrounded by a fantastic collection of archaeological sites. We stopped to take a look, needless to say.

The hike to the top was slick and muddy. We thought it would be a breeze because we were following a grandmother and her young grandson. The only handholds consisted of nettles and brambles. Sue slipped and fell and got covered with mud. Thankfully, there are no photos of that part of the experience. How did Tom stay so clean?

Wedge tomb (above) and stone circle (below)

It's nice that Ireland went smoke-free recently.

We were able to check out the local pubs.

Paudie and Nuala in front of their new house

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Kim's pictures of Ireland and Amsterdam.

©2007