CRAIC, CEOL AND CAINT IN CORK

Nadd Pub was almost full when we arrived. Although we'd come way out of town to what seemed like the middle of nowhere in the dark, amazingly there were dozens of cars parked around the small whitewashed building. A wave of noise and warmth, smoke and alcohol fumes hit us as we pushed into the brightness.

 "This will be a  good night for craic," they told us. And ceol, too, they said, for tonight the musicians would be coming. Soon.

Craic, ceol and caint, Irish for fun, song and chat, is a combination that is almost irresistible to most people in this land of mists and magic. Mention there could be a story in it, mention a Guinness (or three) as a lure, sweeten the offer with a chance to mingle and sing, and no green-blooded Irish person can say no.

Cork, the largest Irish county, accounts for the south-western corner of Ireland, dangling several peninsulas like so many chilly toes into the warming Gulf Stream that curls up the west coast of Ireland. It brings with it a wash of palms and bamboo to places you would otherwise expect to see carpeted with pines and oaks.

 ……………

This article continues with details of the unique flavour of Cork in the Republic of Ireland and includes information on accommodation provided, local food and cuisine, things to do and see.

………………..

(finishes…)

Don't be misled by the atlas. County Cork may look small, but there is another dimension you need to take into account.

You must take time to experience places like Nadd Pub too. Yes, the musicians did come, finally, a half dozen of them shouldering in with their guitar, flute and tin whistle, fiddle, mandolin and button accordion.

Drinks all round for the boys, it was, and in no time the other drinkers turned songsters as the selections ran from ballads to bawdy, lubricated by the constant flow of  creamy-capped glasses of black Guinness ­– and, to be sure, craic, ceol and caint in full supply.

©Sally Hammond 2006

Picture Credits: ©Gordon Hammond 2006

(Sally and Gordon Hammond travelled as guests of Irish Tourism)

Please contact Sally Hammond for a pricing schedule or to discuss purchase of this article.

………………..

• Currently the article runs to approximately 1000 words plus Factfile (fact-checked and updated free with the sale of this article).

• The length of the article may be changed according to editorial needs, and the Factfile may be expanded, however if substantial additional work is requested it will affect the final cost of the article.

• Pictures are available

• This article has previously been published in Australia and first Australian print rights have been sold. Other rights are available.