After the shady peat winners had finished releasing sequestered carbon last night we thereafter had a restful and unmolested stopover.
This morning started with a visit to the nearby Kanturk castle; an imposing and really well presented relic that's still in really good condition. It was a pleasant visit. There were a few information boards dotted around but no formal visitor facilities and no charge. We were the only ones there.
Shortly after, we passed through Kanturk itself; a well provisioned little town. Emma decided to stop off to seek out some authentic Irish artisan cuisine. She's a bit of a foodie (not infrequently dining at Michelin-starred establishments) and didn't want to pass over the opportunity to sample some of the local wares. After a bit of foraging she came back with a six-pack of Hop House 13 lager and a multi-bag of Tayto crisps. I supported her choices.
Taking on diesel was next, and at a price much better than on mainland UK at the moment at the equivalent of £1.45/l.
The afternoon saw us taking a steady potter up to the Shannon estuary to a place we've stayed before (coordinates). We both did an out-and-back run from here and then just settled in, catching up with a bit of life-admin and watching the world go by.
Though it's not the most productive time of year for birds on the estuary I did spot a few greenshank, decent numbers of ringed plover, two grey plovers (one still in breeding plumage) and a few dunlin, again a couple of these were still in breeding plumage.
Post composed at 22:15 on Wednesday 22nd July from our intended overnighting spot N 52.56665°, W 09.53256° / http://maps.google.com/maps?q=loc:52.56665%2C-09.53256
