Rock Island Lighthouse
Now so! A joint post from Robert and Finola…
It’s been exactly a year since we rebranded (that sounds so cool and corporate) and relaunched the blog. Roaringwater Journal: Six Months in West Cork became Roaringwater Journal: At Home in West Cork. What follows is a selection of links to some of our favourite topics of the past year (each link covers posts grouped under those tags), and some photos that didn’t make it into blog posts but which capture for us some of the magic of West Cork.
Carrigadrohid Castle
You, our dear readers, have taken the journey with us as we explored and settled into our new home, falling more in love with it with each passing week.
Kiss Kiss
Well, perhaps Finola didn’t fall in love with irish bureaucracy – but, in fairness, like, St Gobnait herself wouldn’t be able to accomplish that. Although we experienced different aspects of bureaucracy, it was all the driving stuff that nearly did her in.
Rosscarbery Horse Fair
We certainly fell in love with traditional music! And with the food of West Cork, the birds and the gardens. We learned a little bit about talking like a native, and a lot more about how to cope with the weather.
Yes, it’s always raining here. You wouldn’t like it.
We explored the archaeology of this region, the folklore and the history – from the most ancient monuments, to the stone circles and standing stones, the forts and the castles, and more recent sites like the Schull workhouse. Above all, we visited rock art sites, appreciating more and more about them and about the conservation challenges they face.
Shelly Beach
Mostly we have spent our time on two peninsulas – the Mizen and the Sheep’s Head. And yet we have only scratched the surface: there is so much more to discover about this beautiful part of the world.
Cottage window, Rathbarry
Before we embark on year two – a huge thank you to all our loyal readers from both of us! We love that you drop by to visit and we hope you continue to enjoy this gorgeous part of the planet.
Selfie, on the ferry to Sherkin
We leave you with a little slideshow – a few remaining images to whet your appetites for a trip to West Cork.
We’re off to the Beara Peninsula today – look out for more about the Beara in future posts.
Roaringwater Journal 
We loved meeting them, Nancy. Come back soon!
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Love reading your articles…keeps me close to cork while in the USA. My family was featured in one of your articles The Newman’s of Schull…was so happy to see their smiling faces here…can’t wait to return to our beloved Ireland!
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Congratulations on your anniversary. It is wonderful to get your weekly blogs and photos. One of these day I’ll have to travel west!!
All the best
Alastair
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The guestroom awaits!
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Happy anniversary to the two of you! – Ours will be in 6 days time… All the best, Sigi and Jens
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We have finally met! It only took a year…
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Such a tough place to live but someone has to!! What a wonderful anniversary journal entry – here’s to many more, we met through it too didn’t we 🙂 And I actually like the photos of me! Copies please. Have a fab time on the Beara, catch you soon
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Photo on its way!
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I see that the rotten weather there is just like it is on Vancouver Island. At least the reputation keeps the unworthy from visiting God’s Country.
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Shhhh…people might figure it out…
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It’s been wonderful to read your blog and see West Cork through your eyes! And thanks so much for helping to share your enjoyment of the Sheep’s Head peninsula with people. Ye’re great ambassadors for the area!
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Thanks so much SHW! And thank you for all the shares – we so appreciate them!
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F & R, Jane & I are counting the days, minutes and hours. We want to see it ALL!!!
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Just keep all fingers and toes crossed for good weather.
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Love your site and finally got to see photo of Shelly Beach…tried to walk there when visitng the area in April and never found it from directions I was given. Next time.
Fell in love with the Mizen in 1980 and am ever so grateful for your posts and lovely photos.
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So glad you like it, Mary Jean – us too!
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