Kinsale

This past week Josh and I have officially moved to Kinsale!

Kinsale:

...take one spectacular location,
season liberally with Norman, Spanish and English influence,
add one major battle and let it simmer for 400 years.
Kinsale is not just a place - it's more a state of mind."

Peter Barry

The medieval town of Kinsale is not just about food (although it is the culinary capital of Ireland). It’s also about traditional bars, beautiful buildings, narrow streets, shops and galleries and lots of activities on land and sea.  Feeling as though we are still on vacation, Josh and I are very lucky to be living in the laid back fishing town of Kinsale.  The people here are very friendly and are always sure to say a big HELLO as they pass by.  We have enjoyed discovering quirky shops, Farmers Markets, and booming pubs.   Today we visited James Fort, which guarded the harbor's entrance during The War of the Two Kings in the 1640's.  Construction cost 645 euros.  You can tell I read the tourist informational guide!

Path leading up to James Fort

The mighty wooden door guarding the entrance to the Fort

Secret tunnel leading out of the Fort

I can only assume another secret escape out of the tunnel :)

The Fort and all of her glory!

Fort with escape route

View of Kinsale from the Fort

Our new house:
Josh and I love our new place!  Our home is three stories of charmed bliss: from the ornate chandeliers, to the crystal knobs on the kitchen cabinets, to the waterfall/Koi pond in the backyard.  Since being here, we have taken the time to rediscover simple pleasures, such as reading by the fire in the sitting room, listening to the rain in the family room, and cooking together with the Aga.  The renting agent, Maggie, is taking me to an Aga cooking class next Tuesday!

We hope you enjoy the virtual tour of our home.

Updated Kitchen

Cooking Aga

Sitting room with view of Kinsale

Family room with view of backyard

Formal dining room

Front entrance

View of Kinsale from our door step

Kinsale

Front of house

The car

Koi pond

Backyard with a stunning view

Steps leading to the upper garden

Where Dax and Callie will be spending much of their time!

View from the upper garden

Sammi the guard dog.  I've used peanut butter, lunch meat, and a left over enchilada to try to coax Sammi to come inside on wet days.  He won't budge, he is very dutiful.

Our house is the located on the Compass Hill Scenic walking tour.

Narrow roads in Kinsale.  This is not a one way, but it should be!

Steps leading to town!  The walk to town takes less than 5 minutes.

Wonderful husband and view.

Me at the pier.

The harbor.

We have a lot coming up.  Be looking for pictures from our day in London, our trip to Spain, and mom and dad Wesling are coming for Thanksgiving!