Baltimore or Skibbereen?

Roy · Guru

Baltimore or Skibbereen?

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I like both towns and Baltimore DOES have the harbor, but you are probably better off in Skib. More choices, more to do and more directly accessible to other places.

While in Skib, catch a meal at the Church, visit the Heritage Center and the Famine mound in the cemetary across the river.

I wouldn't be TOO quick to 'discount' that 10 mile difference. Bear in mind that, in July, with traffic, on THOSE roads, you're probably talking about 30 minutes of drive time -- EACH way. Even though you WILL have about 22 hours of daylight (I exaggerate - but not TOO much!), there is SO much to see and do in the area - Mizen Head, Sheep's Head, Bantry, etc....

Bob

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 10:27, 2007-04-15

Roy · Guru

Bob,

Good words on the roads- I wasn't trying to discount the 10 miles, just point out that I didn't want that to be the deciding reason. We will have to drive it regardless.

Roy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

It is nice to see your photo added to your postings. I think you will be very happy at PK Lodge in Skibbereen. Tell Pat & Kathleen hello from me. As Bob said, Skibbereen has more to offer since Baltimore is quite tiny. Unfortunately, the Church Restaurant burned down a year or so ago. I don't know if it has been rebuilt yet. If you get the time stop by Castletownshend (it is a village with a tree growing in the middle of the street) and Mary Ann's Pub. Otherwise, Skib will have everything you need.

Michele

Roy · Guru

Michele,

Thank you for affirming our choice of Skibbereen.

The avatar I chose was from Doolin last August.

Roy

YaYa · Guru

Michele,

This has nothing to do with Ireland travel but may I ask Roy if his photo was taken at Goulds Inlet on St. Simons Island. My son and I both think it's in front of the Johnson rocks. Roy, I ask because I lived 26 years just up the street. If not sorry for the bother and have a wonderful trip.

Thanks, Joan

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

I am HEARTBROKEN to hear about the CHURCH burning down ... cry

We had a TERIFIC meal there just last April, upon the reccommendation of locals. The place was PACKED - mid-week, during the off season -- which is ALWAYS a sign of a good restaurant!

Another resaurant HIGHLY recommended by our landlords (from Durrus) was Willie Pa's in Colomane (about 1/2 way between Drimoleague and Bantry. We didn't end up there, so I have no first-hand evaluation...

Bob

I just did a Google search and discovered that the fire occurred about 7 PM, Sunday 9 April 2006. At that point in time, we were probably mid-Atlantic, on our return home to the US. A 33 year old resident of Moldavia was charged and denied bail on 11 April....
FYI: The Church was opened by the well-known owner of Currans on Adelaide Street in Cork. Currans is a restaurant with a twist, as it is made up of radiators, staircase, tables, etc., which all came from well known Cork landmarks (cinemas, hospitals, schools) that were closed down. Robert Maxon as Head Chef at The Church Restaurant, was one of the Judges of the Taste Of West Cork Food Festival, first held in Skibbereen in September of 2004. Some of the other nearby buildings -- the Social Welfare Office and a nearby hardware store were severely damaged. Of historical interest, the Masonic Lodge also suffered significant damage.

-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur at 19:26, 2007-04-15

Roy · Guru

The picture was taken in Doolin near where we boarded to take the ferry to Inishere last August.

Roy

YaYa · Guru

Thanks Roy,

it's a good picture and it does look so like Goulds Inlet.

Joan

wojazz3 · Guru

Now that everyone has sent you to Skib, I like Baltimore. I don't know how bad traffic is in July there, but it wasn't a concern at all in May and I found it a nice drive in. Of course, I always prefer a place with a view of water. That's just me.

The problem only problem with Baltimore is that it's smaller now as the main pub in town has been leveled and being rebuilt. I think it will be a while before that work is done. There's a little place outside of Baltimore called Casey's which has a great view from it's dining room and good food.

It didn't look like much work was being done to rebuild The Church, though I didn't specifically look for it when I was there in February.

Bill

Itallian Chauffeur · Moderator

Bill,

According to the news reports I've read, the building was a total loss. I'm guessing that even if they DO eventually restore the structure, the Restaurant will either open somewhere else, or not reopen at all under the same name.

I like Baltimore, too. In fact, I'm tenatively planning to spend at least a half day there this coming June. I just feel that Skib probably has a lot more to offer in terms of sights, activities and ammenities, but Baltimore DOES have the ocean!

Bob

Roy · Guru

We will be going to Baltimore and Clear island for a day trip, so it's not that we will be snubbing the town.

I am hoping we spend a night in Howth too. My wife just received a letter from a friend of hers who lives there. It would be nicer than just a day trip to Dublin. We are planning a Dublin trip by train while we are in Co. Westmeath staying with my wife's family.

Roy

Michele Erdvig · Host

Roy,

It sounds like a nice trip. And it is always better when visiting family and friends. Enjoy!

Michele