Us We Travel

Summer is perhaps Ireland’s most awaited season of the year, albeit Irish weather can be pretty unpredictable. Temperatures can soar to 25C (77F), or they can be misty and rainy – or anything in between. And yet – summer months have the most extended daylight (sometimes up to nearly 18 hours), with some of the driest average weather. Even at its warmest temperatures, Ireland is never excessively hot, making it an ideal place for camping, hiking, cycling, kayaking, or running.

Unfortunately, summer this year was a bit slower because of the government restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Everyone has been affected by a coronavirus in one way or other. Some people have had their lives turned upside down with the loss of a loved one; others have succumbed to the virus and, thankfully, managed to beat it; while the vast majority have had their daily lives put on hold, their livelihoods threatened, and their freedom curtailed.

However, life must go on. Summer is always fun. As a new family, we were excited to hang out or spend our weekends at the beach-walk, parks, or the woods. We get it—it’s hard to resist the temptation of hot sun, calm waves, and good company, even as a pandemic rages across the country. As long as possible and within guidelines, we tried to go for something fun, restful, or just a change from the routine.

Here are some of the places within County Cork we’ve visited during summer pandemic.

And although the world is beginning to get back on its feet with restrictions cautiously being lifted, we still need to observe social distancing and preventive measures. We need to be sensible and safe and find joy in what is available. Keeping hope is essential – as things will get better.