SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
LOUGH HYNE
Lough Hyne, near Skibbereen, is an ocean marine that many millennium ago was a fresh water lake. Warmer than the ocean because of it’s shape, it’s a popular swimming hole for locals, and curiosity for many others because it contains a variety of marine animals not found anywhere else in Ireland. Steep inclines, cliffs and high hills surround the lake-like ocean.
Since we had been here before, and climbed the hill with cliffs, we decided to try a walk that loops into the land behind the lake. Somehow (haha) we got lost.
In the end, we walked over eleven kilometres through farm lands, passed many black and white cows, over hills, many very steep and long, along narrow dirt roads, and eventually back down a paved road that sided Lough Hyne. We faced a strong wind often, which made it all the harder. Near the lake, we passed a few large private homes (one full of donkeys) and began to pass others (ah, civilization again) along the road.
Every day, everywhere, we are overwhelmed by the beauty, the fresh green, the clean air, the ocean views. It didn’t rain as it had on my morning walk with Saffi, and it would later when we went to the market.
We dropped Saffi at home and went back to Skibbereen to the Saturday Farmers Market.
SKIBBEREEN FARMERS MARKET
Even when raining, the Market is busy. Farmers and shoppers alike come from as far afield as Cork.
From the Olive Guys, we bought three types of olives, one with chili and mint, one with smoked sundried tomatoes; and some fresh mozzarella. A French woman sold us a big, sturdy, incredibly yummy sourdough bread. We loaded up on veggies, including a parsnip. And bought ourselves a falafel wrap. There was so much fresh food, so many farmers and so much on offer — homemade soups, and other prepared foods, fresh fish, specialty chocolates, handmade eco detergents, hand knit sweaters, scarves and hats, etc.
Because so much business revolves around tourist season, vendors have learned to sell at outdoor markets. It’s not worth paying rent for a shop when only part of the year is busy. For this reason, the markets are vibrant.
The prices are a bit expensive…we spent almost 30 euros, which is a lot for us, but my guess is that it will go a long way.
For dinner, we had barley, lentil veggie soup, the sourdough bread, olives and we finished with our homemade apple pie.
Walking and eating…that’s what we are doing. Not bad.
