Storm Dave leapt across the windscreen wipers as we left Labasheeda on Easter Saturday, heading to Allihies, West Cork. At Killimer, the Estuary bobbed about, tossing grey splashes of water high into the sky, while we queued to get on the Ferry to Tarbet. Roisin, Jack, Aine and Aoibhin joined us three cars behind. I waved through the window…not wanting to get out and blown into the sea. The boat pulled in, we drove on and we were away, off on our holiyers for a week. On the other side, we agreed to stop in Kenmare. Wow, what a pretty town, colourful shop fronts, hanging baskets, picket fences. Even Storm Dave couldn’t cloak its charm. We dived into a very crowded restaurant and having shovelled burgers and chips in as holiday nourishment, we got back into the cars and set off in convoy around the Beara peninsula.

Peaked mountains of a golden green hue rose around us, jagged rocks, and hair pin bends rose into the dark skies. The clutch on our car is not in best shape, and our lovely Avensis shuddered her way up and down through the Kerry squalls. Then as we crossed into Cork, a glorious blue blossomed out of the grey watery sky. Sunshine filtered through behind the clouds and a turquoise ocean spread itself before us, glinting and winking in the sun. Just like that.

Our Airbnb was large with, when the weather allowed, lovely views of the jagged points of the Skelligs. There was great space for us and the dogs (Poppins and Alfie) and that evening, we cooked a big shepherds pie, took turns to try and feed some to Aoibhin who actually prefers a slurp from the boob, read Aine books, enjoyed a bottle of wine and retired to sleep.

The next day, Roisin, the girls, the dogs and I headed down the lamb laden road (aahhh) to the beach to fly the kite. For the first time, I was successful at kite flying (the wind helped – it whipped the kite out of my hands and tore it into the sky). Unfortunately, my excited squeals led Poppins to believe that she needed to protect me from this accursed enemy. She started jumping up, tearing lumps out of my coat to try and get the kite. The wind took advantage of the distraction and swept the kite back down to attack my head from every squally direction. Roisin watched with great glee and amusement.

On our return, we decided to repare to O’Neils bar and restaurant…which is where we found ourselves often during the holiday because…well, because they have great music and  they do a great Sri Lankan chicken curry. As Joe said, when he joined us there later, ‘it’s great going on rainy holidays with small kids as we seem to spend a lot of time in the pub!’

Actually, we did get some lovely weather and Joe had to pay penance for his smart comment by playing with Aine on the beach, chasing waves and filling buckets full of sea water while Roisin and Jack were in Sunset Sauna and I was watching the dogs and Aoibhin. At the end, Aine’s tights, dress and jumper were dripping wet as were his trousers up to his knees! I think its called Uncle Care.

On the Wednesday we took the cable car across  blue skies and seas to Dursey Island where we meandered through the village.  Joe and I abandoned the family ship and headed into the mountain top for a proper walk and picnic. The next day, we all got a fabulous afternoon walk with the kids when we went to visit Dunboy Castle. What an amazing place. Aine and I loved playing among the castle ruins. We also had a fascinating wander around the Buddhist Temple perched on the edge of the mountain, and had tea in their lovely garden outside, soaking up the rays. One rainy day, we visited the tin mine museum in Allihies and climbed up to the tin mine in a big, heavy damp moist cloud which in itself was rather beautiful and everywhere we went, rain or sun, we had lovely chowder, mussels, fish and chips, (particularly in Castletownbere) but always, we repaired back to the lovely Sri Lankan chicken curry in O’Neils!

It was a fab holiday: great scenery, good games, and interesting chat…particularly about the fuel blockades. And it was nice too to come back (just had enough petrol) to the peace and quiet of Labasheeda, and of course, the crows who welcomed us with a lovely loud chorus of caws.