1) 0ms,border-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;transition:background-color 250ms cubic-bezier(0.4 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-1sgza6o:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-1sgza6o:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-1sgza6o.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 1) 0ms;color:#1976d2;padding:0px;min-width:0;}.css-w5p45x::-moz-focus-inner{border-style:none;}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{pointer-events:none;cursor:default;}@media print{.css-w5p45x{-webkit-print-color-adjust:exact;color-adjust:exact;}}.css-w5p45x:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;background-color:rgba(25 0.04);}@media (hover: none){.css-w5p45x:hover{background-color:transparent;}}.css-w5p45x.Mui-disabled{color:rgba(0 0.26);}PrintShareSaveThe death has occurred of beloved husband of Grace and dear father of Garry John will be lying in repose at Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home Kinsale on Friday (May 2nd) from 6pm to 7pm Cremation will take place on Saturday (May 3rd) at 2pm at The Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy which will be live streamed on https://www.islandcrematorium.ie/services/. Condolences for the family can be left on the "Condolences" link below. memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one Architectural statements glitter on the hills that rise above it No-one bats an eyelid at the multi-million euro price tags slapped on properties you’d buy for half the price five miles out the road it’s kind of a comfort when something more affordable comes along.  Take this winsome two-bed cottage in Dooneen Upper the antithesis of the Fancy Dan design triumphs Kinsale is renowned for It’s a home of warmth and character with exposed stone walls ceiling beams and a smattering of outbuildings Sunroom at DooneenThe current owners did some research and believe it dates to the late 1800s/early 1900s The Census shows it was home for three generations to a family known as Manning whereupon a friend of the vendor bought it bringing it back to the original stone and worked from there she’d done a huge amount of work,” the current owner says The new owners turned their attention to the stone outbuildings where they made provision for guests by converting a portion of one building into a one-bedroom Stone outbuildingsAnother section is used as a home office A lofty multi-purpose workshed is another fine space used by the current owners to restore antique furniture Lofty workshop  It’s a versatile unit that could work as an artist’s studio or as a workshop for someone with a trade the house and outbuildings have a combined floor area of 139 sq m “We put a lot of effort into the outbuildings and the garden which we used to build little stone walls and raised beds,” the owner says The main cottage slots comfortably into this setting and is fittingly rustic The country kitchen includes handcrafted cabinetry a durable Aga stove that still heats the water and a window overlooking the beautiful landscape — although glimpses of the Atlantic are limited to upstairs.  New owners might flip the living quarters to create a better vantage point for sea views they can be by the sea in jig time: A three minute spin will get up to Dooneen Strand or Garryvoe/Garrylucas beaches Five minutes by car will get you to Ballinspittle village where the kids of the current owners went to school Selling this sweet cottage is Linda O’Donovan of Bowe Property and she’s seeing good interest from West Cork locals as well as those looking to relocate to the coast She says the traditional stone cottage is a “real gem From as little as €1 a week with our digital introductory offer Already a subscriber? Sign in Graham Norton's home in Wapping in London up for sale at €5.8m. Picture: Knight Frank © Examiner Echo Group Limited, Linn Dubh, Assumption Road, Blackpool, Cork. Registered in Ireland: 523712. Gardaí and emergency services are currently at the scene of a domestic fire in Kinsale. which was reported to Gardaí at approximately 2pm occurred at a private residence in the Ardcarrig estate The scene is being tended to by Gardaí and three units from the Cork County Fire Brigade which occurred in a side garage of the home The roof of the garage has since collapsed as a result of the fire No injuries have been reported in relation to the incident as emergency services on-scene confirmed that the homeowners had evacuated the premises Keep up-to-date with the top stories in Cork with our daily newsletter straight to your inbox Please click here for our privacy statement. Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news, views, sport and more Hockey supporters were spoiled with the action taking place in Cork on Sunday as Nenagh Hockey Club had not one but two teams in Munster Cup Finals which took place at Cork Harlequins in Farmers Cross. Having won the Cup last year, Nenagh were undoubtedly favourites against a Kinsale side who were the only team to beat the Tipperary girls this season in what has been an incredible consistent performance. As recently as a fortnight ago, Nenagh overcame Kinsale to win the Munster League, and so the stage was set for a thrilling Cup Final. Both teams looked nervous in the opening encounters as they looked to find the opening score that would settle them into the game. Nenagh spread the ball wide and worked their way up to the Kinsale D where they were swiftly awarded a short corner. Despite several attempts, they failed to get past the keeper and ultimately came away empty handed. Buoyed by their defensive effort, Kinsale counter-attacked. Nenagh's defence struggled to back track and a fast and agile Kinsale forward got past the Nenagh keeper to open the scoring. Calm heads were required by the Tipperary team as they looked to equalise in the second quarter, but their mounting frustration began to show, and they lost their shape in patches. Heading into half time the team were clearly frustrated with their performance, but the break was an opportunity to reshuffle the team, bring on some fresh legs and to regain some composure. Nenagh hit the field after half time and immediately threatened the Kinsale goal. They were awarded a short corner and this time some pre-rehearsed interplay between Katya Shorten and Jane Carroll gave Shorten a clear shot which she buried into the goal. The goal was exactly what was needed and Nenagh began to relax into their familiar patterns of play and passing. Ruby Benn, bloodied and bruised from having been tightly marked for most of the match, began to find another gear to get the better of her opponent. Elizabeth Dunne and Tara McTiernan also began to find some space to run with the ball on the wing. Kinsale were dogged in their defence though and there was a clear battle in midfield as both team looked to break the deadlock. There were tense moments for Nenagh supporters again when Kinsale were awarded a short corner which Nenagh dealt with efficiently. The Munster Cup was awarded to Nenagh captain Aoibhinn Murphy by the President of Munster Hockey. In her acceptance speech, Murphy thanked the coaches, management and supporters as well as her team mates for the incredible effort they have put in this year to win both the Munster Cup and league. "The coaches and management are so proud of this team, not just today but for the entire season,” said coach Colin Stanley. “Today was challenging at times, but when we regained our composure and went back to what we do best, then the goals came. Kinsale have been great opponents this year and they really put it up to us today. We are delighted to have completed the double and we will be celebrating the win in style in a couple of weeks at our end of Season Gala.” The U16 team took on rivals Limerick in their final. It started on a sombre note as a minutes silence was observed for Bronagh English, a member of Clonmel Hockey Club, who passed away tragically. While Limerick have bested Nenagh in their last two outings, the Tipp team have steadily improved and had put in a superb performance in the semi-finals two weeks previously, displaying a tenacity to get the job done when needed. Nenagh started well and enjoyed good possession in the first quarter. Limerick for their part looked nervous but some solid defence by their goalkeeper denied Nenagh some good opportunities to open the scoring. Nenagh enjoyed lots of good go forward ball through tireless running from Jennifer Kennedy and Lorna Ryan but the last pass to unlock the forwards was snaffled up time and again by Limerick. One such attack was turned over by Limerick and the Nenagh defence had to scramble back to cover. A great pass to a forward lurking on the top of the D saw Limerick open the score just before the first quarter time whistle. Despite being a goal down, Nenagh remained composed in the second quarter, but Limerick also started to settle into the game. In what was end-to-end hockey, Nenagh finally got a break when they were awarded a short corner, Jennifer Kennedy hit a tremendous strike to level the scores heading into half time. It was all to play for as the second half began with both teams looking threatening going forward. Limerick put Nenagh under serious pressure for a period in the third quarter and it took some brave and confident goalkeeping by Isabelle Smith to keep the sides even. A lucky break by a pacey Limerick forward left Nenagh scrambling to defend. Limerick got their shot away to pull ahead and put Nenagh on the back foot yet again. Nenagh were desperately chasing the game in the final quarter. Lauren Grace worked tirelessly to create chances and some go-forward momentum but Limerick upped their defensive efforts to deal with the Nenagh attacks. Their ‘D’ proved impenetrable despite the constant pressure from Nenagh. When the final whistle blew, the Limerick side were delighted to have weathered the storm in such a tight game to win the Cup. “What a tight match. We really felt we could have equalised but just ran out of time. Credit to limerick they took their chances when they could. Making it to this final was a great achievement which really made our season. All seventeen girls had their part in this success,” said Coach Nanno Vuyk after the game. The online home of everything new and happening in Ireland’s greatest city The seaside town of Kinsale will be inundated with foodies this weekend with a Street Feast taking over the streets on Saturday the fun kicks off at 1pm this Saturday April 12th with tasty bites aplenty available right through until 4pm along Short Quay live music and stalls dotted all over the town and a good weather forecast for the weekend A post shared by Kinsale.ie (@kinsale.ie) “The annual Street Feast is a collaboration of local businesses organised by Kinsale Good Food Circle and Kinsale Chamber and is open to all local businesses to participate from professional chefs showing off the incredible skills that Kinsale is known for ice cream stands and a selection of food styles from all over the world.” the organisers told us “There is no cover charge access to this event and its free to roam the streets of Kinsale and soak up the atmosphere Each stand charges at the stand for their products.” Type and hit enter to display search result we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads may adversely affect certain features and functions Click below to consent to the above or make granular choices. Your choices will be applied to this site only. You can change your settings at any time or by clicking on the manage consent button at the bottom of the screen The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page Kinsale and late of Clonakilty) on April 12th 2025 peacefully in the exceptional care of the Staff at Marymount University Hospice in the presence of her loving family Deeply and deservedly regretted by her heartbroken family Norma will be lying in repose at Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home Kinsale on Monday (14th April) from 5.30pm followed by prayers at 7pm Requiem Mass on Tuesday (15th April) at 12 noon in St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale which will be livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/kinsale, funeral afterwards to St. Eltin's Cemetery, Kinsale. House strictly private. Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Marymount Hospice. Condolences can be left for the family on the “Condolence” link below. If you would like to make a donation to the chosen charity please click on the button below. Rip.ie, The Irish Times Building, 24-28 Tara Street, Dublin 2, Ireland The Money Shot: Scilly's Harbour Bar is in rich-blooded territory, with adjacent sales at €5.5 million and €4.75m, hence its upscale €1.5m price expectation via agent Brendan Bowe ONE of Ireland’s best located, most charming, old fashioned and utterly idiosyncratic bars — once described by Lonely Planet as “wonderfully bonkers” — is up for sale as a “once in a lifetime chance to buy.” Almost the pub with no beer, the Harbour Bar on Scilly in Kinsale has 150 years or more licensed trade tradition as a residential pub, but never had so much as a beer tap or draught beers to offer its patrons. What, no taps? character by the gallon thoughIt was beer bottles, all the way across generations of owners, even before craft IPA beers became achingly cool and on trend. What’s next, the popping of champagne corks? Harbour view to dine for from the top of the house and barBarely touched by the hand of time over many decades, the Harbour Bar has been an under the radar find for denizens for cosy bars and chatty barkeeps. It is quite literally a timepiece from top to bottom, front to back, inside and outside, with a location, setting, and views that could be described as priceless — except they have a price, a steep one.  How about €1.5m for the fusty bar and overhead lookout accommodation, and then a separate €900,000 for a site used for parking cars, of just 0.1 of an acre or c 4,000 sq ft, in all? For whom the till rings?Trying ringing in those sort of sums on the cash register in Scilly’s Harbour Bar.   Not only is it a world removed from cashless tap and pay, the till is mechanically operated, has clunky keys to press, and the numbers on it refer to old money, pre-euro, back to Irish pounds, shillings, and pence. We are talking serious time warp here, make no mistake: the only things bang up to date are the price guides for the properties, as-is, the guts of €2.5m for what’s currently a bar, and a parking spot. That's the spiritThe value, clearly, is in what they will become. It’s nearly too easy to throw about cheap jibes about “Scilly Money,” but hey, it’s apt and has a till ring to it too. Step back in time, and into the future?Many of Kinsale’s dearest house sales have been in this very Scilly spot, with the Harbour Bar almost in the centre of a Bermuda Triangle of very considerable wealth and property values. Looming up behind the Harbour Bar is a white glass box home called Seaspray, built only a few years ago and which sold in late 2023/early 2024 to US billionaire James Berwind. He has since further upgraded, and added two yellow stripes to the facade. To the town side of the Harbour Bar on Scilly’s Lower Road is Raffeen House, a Georgian home on the waterfront with a floating pontoon/jetty, bought for €4.75m by another super wealthy American, former financier Thomas Quick, also an owner of a substantial boat, who has similarly lashed significant funds on Raffeen since his 2022 purchase of the gem-set home. Scilly slipway setting for the Harbour Bar Go up the Scilly hill a tad, past the Man Friday restaurant and you’ll come to Ocean Breeze, a rebuilt home opposite the Spaniard bar, with stunning views, bought over a year ago by Nike heir Travis Knight for a reported €4.5m, but not visible on the Price Register. Local sources say the new owners are currently doing an internal gut job on their multi-million euro purchase. As you do. An Irish buyer — Cork born but based in the Caribbean for many years — paid €2.55m for architect-designed Corafinne in Scilly, outdone really only in terms of local buying power by the Corkman who spent €10m combined for a house and some farmland on the crown of Kinsale’s Compass Hill, across the harbour from Scilly. The targeting of elite, super wealthy home hunters is expected to continue in the next year when up to a half a dozen large new villas being built by Compass Hill on the old Mercy Convent grounds get put for sale: think €4m each or more. So, yes, Kinsale is different, and that’s why the sale of the Harbour Bar just might make waves around Kinsale harbour too … certainly multiples of what it might be worth in pure bricks and mortar terms in any lesser location. Bar is like a living roomIt is just listed with estate agent Brendan Bowe on behalf of the wider family of the late owner, Tim Platt, whose parents Jebb and Stanley Platt bought it back almost 50 years ago, moving to the Cork coast from their previous venue the Delgany Inn in rural and wooded Wicklow. The Platt family bought the Harbour Bar from previous owner, Doris Hutchinson, at auction in May 1977, going past their own self-imposed upper limit of £35,000 for a quirky pub, which even then then was deemed remarkable. Family members suspect “the excitement of the bidding, and possibly a few whiskeys, sent the price to £41,750, which set the record as one of the most expensive per square feet for a pub without draught beer at the time.” It’s likely it always had had a niche appeal, down the decades and even before the Platts’ stewardship over two generations. There’s a battered old guest book still by the cash register with entries going back to the 1960s and Doris Hutchinson’s time behind the counter... with her pet poodles in permanent residence. Guests of the notionGetting the time to trawl through the guest book could pay rich dividends, but as is often the case, it’s the names that didn’t get entered that could be the most interesting. “If the walls could talk?” is the sort of thought prompted by even a cursory step over the bar’s threshold. But, even if the walls stay schtum, it’s likely that the last owner, Tim Platt, could well have spilled manys the beans. The place is so tiny the chances of anyone having a private conversation or, dare to say it, a tryst, and not have Tim aware of it, or chime in on it, was rare, it’s said. Tim Platt passed away in July of 2024, with many heartfelt tributes paid to him from regulars, recalling his erudition, sense of fun, gentle demeanour, and reciprocal loyalty to his Jack Russell, Poppy. It drew many descriptions of the uniqueness of his Harbour Bar and discussions late into the evenings around the tiny curved counter, unfettered by beer taps, or by the fireplace and stove, on seats that had seen better days, and not an upholsterer in a half a century or more. Many compared sitting in the Harbour Bar to being in a sitting room rather than a pub: among them was the travel guide the Lonely Planet whose review said “Romping home in Kinsale’s ‘most unusual bar’ stakes, this is a little gem of a place. It’s so much like being in someone’s front room that you forget you are in a bar at all. “Landlord Tim presides over the battered old sofas and small brick bar, shares stories and keeps the fire stoked in the hearth. Wonderfully bonkers.” Regular visitors and even those just passing through highly rated his Irish coffees and Bloody Marys, while rows of tiny mixer bottles filled shelves under spirit dispensers and a tall fridge kept tabs and temperatures down on beer bottles and cans. WHAT now? It’s still got a bar licence, continuing a public house tradition stretching back to the mid to late 1800s, but unless some complete eccentric buys it and runs it as a hobby, this is now going to the private home stakes, perhaps with a home bar keeping some original features as a memento of its rich and varied past uses. As a property, it’s tightly sandwiched between an upgraded house on the left, with large glazed sections (it was once a sailing clubhouse, sold back in 2018 as The Boathouse for €825,000) and a large house on the right, built in place of a former and once substantial bar, the now deflated Spinnaker. Time stands stillIt’s got a large and ugly Leylandii tree close to its face whose removal could be a blessing, and would certainly open up even better views, but in fairness, it’s not as if the building is caught for points (or, pints) of maritime interest. The Harbour Bar has a small, walled garden section separating its front door from Scilly’s Lower Road, with a very old pier/slipway on the other side of the road, still in use for launching small craft and for storing kayaks. In earlier days, this would have been thronged with fishermen, catch-landing and net-mending given the profile of this Scilly and Pallace Wharf section by the Scilly dam inlet. It’s likely a few bars of the 1968 National Song Contest entry Mending my Nets in Kinsale, by Jack Brierley and George Crosbie, got warbled across the Harbour Bar’s threshold too in Doris Hutchinson’s time here? The view over the pier will never change, nothing will be built on it, reckons auctioneer Bredan Bowe from the upper deck of this one-off property offer, whilst saluting a couple getting their wedding photograph taken just in front, by the water’s edge, with the panoply of Kinsale harbour, its marinas and bristling yacht masts, like hedgehog or porcupine spines laid out atop of decks, in front to admire. The Harbour Bar is three storeys tall, topped with a railed balcony and sliding patio doors on the uppermost level for the very best views of town, forts and water, with Velux windows also set left and right, in the mansard roof, while under the mid level has three Georgian style windows to the front, and at ground the entry is mid-point, with a bay window by the bar on the right all but shrouded by the Leylandii. It goes back quite deeply, with a storeroom and old WCs behind, out past the stairs, up against a stone wall buttress, with external rear access and raised outdoor section, running behind the house that has now replaced the Spinnaker bar. A former guesthouse, The Moorings, just further beyond, also “went private,” bought and reconfigured as a home back in the early 2000s. Right now, the Harbour Bar and its car parking space just one house away from it connect up, and it’s possible one buyer might emerge for both, but they can also be bought in lots, from the €1.5m and €900k guide. Brendan Bowe describes the hardstand carpark of 375sq m (4,000sq ft) as having “direct, autonomous access onto the public road and with an extraordinary outlook onto Kinsale harbour, James Fort and Charles Fort with all essential services adjacent.” He adds it has location, outlook and address, with many examples of planning permissions granted for two and three storey homes on former plots and older residences. “We believe with correct professional guidance, good design, and an application for permission from the planning authorities, that the opportunity to design and build a home of your dreams in an undisputed premier location and beautiful setting that is Scilly, Kinsale, now awaits.” The timepiece bar and home upstairs is another story, how much it gets redeveloped and rebuilt, with its extraordinary patina of age inside in floors, stonewalls, exposed beams, with little to compare to to the amount of wear on the low-tread staircase. To describe it as threadbare is quite possibly to overstate its thread count. Decor and furniture ranges from the shabby chic to the antique, chock-full of curios from floor to ceiling — there was a big clear-out ever before these photos were taken — and while the setting is marine, the bigger visual thread and theme is equine, historically at least. For the recordThe Platt family trace relations back to the 19th century horse breeder and trainer Henry Eyre Linde, known as Farmer Linde because of his regular harvest of race wins and who had built his own replica steeplechase track (modelled on Aintree) at his stud Eyrefield Lodge on the Curragh, still standing. Harbour Bar’s selling agent Mr Bowe admits that the entire property needs modernisation but adds that “its potential is unlimited and its beauty in terms of its setting and outlook is hypnotic.” “The Harbour Bar offers itself for sale as a once in a lifetime opportunity to acquire an iconic Scilly, Kinsale property with enormous potential within a unique and beautiful setting.” Mr Bowe also states that increasingly Scilly “has been recognised as one of the finest locations, not only in Kinsale but across the country, attracting buyers from all over the globe.” It’s buyer might indeed come from anywhere in the world. Or, they might be very close to hand?VERDICT: Since covid times, many an Irish family has built its own private bar in their home, in a cabin, a shed or a basement. Here’s one that was prepared nearly two centuries ago. Kayla, Pat, and Jamie O’Connor and Chantelle Buckley from Knocknaheeny pictured at the 2023 Kinsale St Patrick's Day Parade. Picture: John Allen with a range of pre-parade events set to kick-off from this month Highlights include the annual fun family bingo fundraising night which will take place on February 20 at the Trident Hotel from 8pm taking place on March 16 in Kinsale Harbour which will see onlookers enjoy the sight of beautifully lit boats sailing under the night sky The maritime parade will commence at 7.30pm and will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display at approximately 8pm The grand marshal for this year’s street parade has been announced the blessing of the shamrock will take place at 12pm Mass in the parish church with local festivities then commencing throughout Kinsale town from 1pm There will be a range of activities available for all the family A prize-giving for the children’s art competition will also take place at 1.15pm in the tourist office before the street parade which will start at 3pm from the New Rd car park The theme for this year’s parade is ‘kindness and inclusivity’ The parade will weave its way along The Glen and the Pier Rd to the reviewing stand near the Pier Head The committee said that since the revival of the parade in 2012 it has been “wonderful” to see ongoing support from local businesses who ‘go green’ for the occasion in the weeks before the event There will also be prizes up for grabs for the ‘Best Dressed Window’ in advance of the festival weekend Anyone interested in sponsoring or contributing to funding should contact 086 406 1536; or anyone who wishes to help out with stewarding on the day more #St Patricks Day articles Add Echolive.ie to your home screen - easy access to Cork news peacefully after a long illness bravely borne at Cork University Hospital and in the presence of her loving family neighbours and her many friends especially Norma Helena will be lying in repose at Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home Kinsale on Thursday from 6pm followed by prayers at 7pm Requiem Mass on Friday at 11am in St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale which will be livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/kinsale, funeral afterwards to St. Eltin's Cemetery, Kinsale. Funeral Service.css-h76uj{display:inherit;margin-right:-4px;margin-left:8px;}Date Published: CondolencesDonate to CharityWould you like to mark a birthday, memorial mass or anniversary for a Loved One?You can now create a family notice on RIP.ie to remember your loved one. Sprayfield House, Sandycove, Cork, is on 40 private acres with organic gardens, small woodland, and half a mile of sea frontage. Picture: Dan Linehan his Munster Sprayfield House period property purchase in 2023 pending its extensive reconstruction as a home and farm Sprayfield interior in 2023 Discovering more extensive woes in old buildings when they are opened up is the stuff of TV makeover shows finding rising damp and wet rot at the scenically-set 200 year-old Georgian villa Sprayfield outside the mouth of Kinsale harbour didn’t deter James Berwind from the Irish property market The super-wealthy family heir to a US fortune is continuing to splurge with up to €20m currently spent locally on three €4m-€5m individual house purchases He’s now adding at least one more Sandycove dwelling after agents acting on his behalf knocked on doors seeking additional houses to buy plus he’s buying a farm of over 30 acres by Ballinspittle and the Old Head of Kinsale to grow hay for his and for other animal rescues and sanctuaries The house which won Mr Berwind’s heart and prompted plans to put down roots in Kinsale is the 200-year-old former home of ex-UCC president Gerry Wrixon and selling swiftly for very close to its €4.75m guide ’s Property & Home pages and online in 2023 we said “ Kinsale home might be Munster's loveliest property package” and continued that the 310sq m “Georgian villa is on 40 private acres with organic gardens small woodland and half a mile of sea frontage horses and donkeys… and it is all beautiful James Berwind is said to have up to €3bn in property assets and investments Picture: Spring Point PartnersIt wooed and won Mr Berwind said to be fifth generation heir to the family Berwind Corporation with legacy coal mining resources until the early 1900s now diversified and said to have up to €3bn in property assets and investments Getting the builders in and getting unexpected bad news about works needed — as seems to be the case in coastal Cork — may be a drop in the proverbial ocean and seems not to have overly rocked Mr Berwind’s boat (his private yacht Scout is worth a reported €80m and is lived in much of the year by Mr Berwind Planning permission for renovations and redevelopment on their first Irish land-based acquisition was sought by Mr Berwind via his Delaware US-registered Riocht Na nAinmhithe LLC — translated as Kingdom of the Animals — by Cork architect Louise Sliney heading up a locally-based design and delivery team on what’s now a 390sq m future home Picture Dan LinehanWhile the planning for renovations attracted a number of local observations and as a heritage property (with later extensions) featured extensive conservation reports in a very detailed planning with masterplan outlines for farm building it got the planning greenlight from Cork County Council A reception room at Sprayfield in 2023 A number of its interior and exterior features are mentioned in the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage and the National Built Heritage Service A spokesperson for the new owners told the Irish Examiner “the original Sprayfield House had been significantly renovated prior to coming into its current ownership with the removal of much of its original features".  Billionaire James Berwind bought Sprayfield House in Kinsale for €4.75m in 2023."When construction began significant issues were identified including rot in the roof sections and rising damp throughout the property walls Regrettably this has forced wider renovations than anticipated but the intention is to restore the house to its original form." Interior grace in Georgian gem He continued: “An engineers report recommended a full replacement of the roof structure the full replacement of all interior walls the removal of the existing chimney stacks based on the rot and rising damp which was identified.”  the couple intend to call Kinsale ‘home’ in the long term and “have fallen in love with Kinsale and its people and have contributed to a number of philanthropic causes in the area including support for Kinsale Youth Centre and Kinsale Art Festival,” said the spokesperson for the project Sprayfield’s 40 acres abuts the picturesque ruins of a medieval church and cemetery Courtaparteen and the property’s owners are said to be “also actively working with Cork County Council on the preservation of Courtaparteen Church" the contemporary home purchased by James Berwind and his husband Kevin Clarke in Scilly It is the second of three homes they have bought in and around the Cork coastal town in 2023 and 2024 considerable landscaping works currently on site include creating a ‘ha-ha’ or stepped ditch to help screen the revamped house from the publicly-accessible cliff walk from Sandycove plus a new farm entrance by the current entrance whilst “a private animal sanctuary is envisioned for the lands around Sprayfield House with a focus on the needs of horses and goats predominantly filling a need for these animals on a long-term basis" A very recent farmland purchase near Ballinspittle and the Old Head of Kinsale “is to be used to grow hay to support the growing needs of animal rescue centres and sanctuaries around Ireland as well as the private sanctuary on lands around Sprayfield House,” the spokesperson confirmed adding the owners “have engaged with a number of Irish charities in this regard and intend to support their operations with this private sanctuary” more cork - news articles The near total demolition of the period home on the scenic south Cork coastal Sandycove came after Cork County Council granted permission for 'redevelopment and renovation' of the property. Picture Dan Linehan Just the front and part side walls of the 200-year old Sprayfield House are left standing The near total demolition of the period home on the scenic south Cork coastal Sandycove came after Cork County Council granted permission for “redevelopment and renovation” of the early 1800s "gentleman’s cottage" as part of an extensive plan by its overseas purchasers for a private home and animal sanctuary at the period property on 40 acres Sprayfield as bought in 2023 Behind the near-virtual removal of the c 3,600 sq ft house is wealthy US man James Berwind A communications company spokesperson on Mr Berwind’s behalf said more extensive building problems than anticipated were found when work started on the renovations The couple appear on a spending spree around Kinsale the Georgian gem Sprayfield extended lightly over centuries was the family home of former UCC president Gerry Wrixon and had gone for sale in 2023 guiding €4.75m on his behalf Georgian grace....Since buying Sprayfield after visiting Kinsale on his €80m superyacht Scout, Mr Berwind has also bought a contemporary home, Seaspray, in Kinsale’s Scilly, for an even steeper price, €5.5m, a price record locally, as well as a more modest dormer bungalow called Valley House in Sandycove for a sizeable €4.99m Interior of Sprayfield ....now stripped out The spending clearly is not over with plans for an animal sanctuary for horses and goats with a ‘farm’ at Sprayfied also being advanced for the owners Market sources say Mr Berwind has agreed a yet-further off-market purchase of a smaller dwelling at the water’s edge at Sandycove likely to be a multi-million euro swoop too and is also purchasing a 30-acre farm at Oldcourt to grow hay for their horse and goat sanctuary and for other animal welfare charities One of the reception roomsA fifth generation heir to part of a multi-billion diverse business fortune initially based on coal mining in the US in 1860s Mr Berwind is described in US circles as a philanthropist animal rights activist and environmental architect while his husband Kevin Clark’s background is in real estate Picture Dan LinehanThe couple sold a 10,000sq ft house they had redeveloped in Palm Beach now largely travelling and living on board the 200-ft superyacht Scout Two open days have been permitted by the Old Head Golf Links and Commissioners of Irish Lights to raise funds for the development of the Old Head Signal Tower and Lusitania Museum The Open Weekend will take place on Saturday Due to scheduled restoration work taking place on the lighthouse from April to November this will be the only opportunity to visit the iconic lighthouse this year Shuttle buses will be running from the Old Head Signal Tower to the Old Head Lighthouse throughout the day from 9.30am until 5pm ever half hour across the weekend A post shared by Lusitania Museum & Old Head Signal Tower (@theoldheadsignaltower) Parking will be available at the Old Head Signal Tower and disabled access to the Lighthouse Grounds is available by request just show up on the day and tickets are €15 per adult Do note however that the event is expected to be busy so arrive early to beat the queues The Old Head Café will be open throughout the weekend with refreshments also available at the Lighthouse Grounds Already a subscriber? Sign in Introductory offers for new customers. Annual billed once for first year. Renews at €120. Monthly initial discount (first 4 months) billed monthly, then €10 a month. Ts&Cs apply. leading off a spacious hall; a large open plan kitchen and livingroom that spans the depth of the first floor with its second en-suite bedroom on the top floor This space also has an area that could be used as a walk-in wardrobe or home office it offers a lot of livingroom in one of Ireland’s ritziest locations Alanna Gallagher is a property journalist with The Irish Times Facebook pageTwitter feed© 2025 The Irish Times DAC Agent Johnny O'Flynn of Sherry FitzGerald guides from €2.45 million Ballinacurra House had been caught up in a legal wrangle with a financial fund, Mars Capital. who acquired a loan from Pepper and who put it back for sale with a €4m price guide. File photo Ballinacurra House which once hosted the late Michael Jackson and his children for a three-week hideaway spell have been agreed The 18th century waterside estate with 15 bedrooms 13 bathrooms and on 25 acres had been on the market since 2021 Introductory offers for new customers. Annual billed once for first year. Renews at €120. Monthly initial discount (first 4 months) billed monthly, then €10 a month. Ts&Cs apply Adam Clayton, bass guitarist with U2, will be one of the speakers at the festival. Darina Allen and Jeremy Irons are among the list of speakers at the Fashion & Farming Festival in Kinsale this May The three-day event brings together native and international creative minds and aims to find fresh ideas to help mend the farm-to-fabric cycles The 2025 Fashion and Farming Festival will host conversations from advocates including musician Adam Clayton and Darina Allen of the Ballymaloe Organic Farm School in Cork Also on the programme are designer Alison Gault; actors and environmentalists Jeremy Irons and Sinead Cusack; former European Commissioner Mairead McGuinness; Irish Linen manufacturer Helen Keyes; French fashion entrepreneur Coco Baraer Panazza and The Eden Project’s Tim Smit Fashion & Farming Festival was founded by Mareta Doyle who also founded the Kinsale Arts Festival – she teamed up with magazine editor Ms Doyle said that they aim to improve on current practices of farming and fashion: “Once inextricably linked fashion and farming are part of our domestic and social fabric but how we farm and how we create fashion are killing us in today’s world The Fashion & Farming Festival aims to help unify the two worlds of fashion and farming to explore ideas on how to farm sustainably create new fabrics and learn new things from older ways of making we invite you to join us for a weekend of conversation great ideas and intriguing fun in the West Cork coastal town of Kinsale Ms Hunt added: “Clothing is part of the fabric of life and fashion is one of our primary sources of self-expression “The world’s fashion and textiles industries are now causing huge environmental damage Less than 1% of clothing is recycled into new clothing and 73% of the materials used are landfilled or burned.”  The festival takes place from 9 to 11 May, and tickets are available on Eventbrite at: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/fashion-farming-tickets-1200401275529 Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience where we’ve found a rare kind of restaurant that’s instantly endearing The Bib Gourmand award is our way of recognising restaurants that offer good food at a great price While all Bib Gourmands are unique in style and approach they share the same spirit of generosity and a commitment to quality cooking we’re highlighting the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors' Bib of the Month These restaurants are the bedrock of our selection providing an affordable dining option that doesn’t skimp on precision The Bib of the Month series continues with the terrific Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale so we asked one of them to share their thoughts on what makes it so special: “When you visit Saint Francis Provisions caring service to the sharing plates cooked from the heart everything is done with a personal touch and is so endearing Owner Barbara spent several years working in California and the state’s approach to simple produce-led dishes fits in perfectly with West Cork and its bountiful larder brilliant value for money and bursting with flavour this is a restaurant – and cooking – that puts a smile on your face It is a rare find and a place to be treasured.” For more information on this wonderful “rare find” Owner and General Manager of Saint Francis Provisions What was the idea behind Saint Francis Provisions How would you describe your approach to food and cooking The idea was to open a space centred around hospitality Our approach to the food and cooking is informed by our personal experiences memories and an aspirational desire to hold a space of joy for our community is an absolute privilege.There’s a Mediterranean influence to a lot of your dishes Where did the inspiration for this come from Our Head Chef Rebeca Recarey Sanchez is a Madrid native Since joining Saint Francis Provisions two-and-a-half years ago we have welcomed the warmth of her approach Rebeca draws not only on her formal training in the fine dining restaurants of Madrid – but on her lived experience growing up in Madrid's food scene and on meals cooked for her growing up by her mum A straightforward and focused approach to cooking with an emphasis on the quality and natural characteristics of the product is at the heart of Mediterranean cooking and Rebeca is at the heart of our kitchen What price range can customers expect and how are you able to keep your prices affordable small plates for €12 to €18 and larger proteins (whole fish and meats) for €25 to €35 Some larger premium fish will go up to €50 but we usually sell this as a sharing plate for two We use a lot of offal and cuts that are left unconsidered by many – pig's feet terrine Keeping good food affordable and accessible to all Two people might spend €80 or €180 – there's scope for a great meal and a beautiful glass of wine on any budget What is the dish to order at Saint Francis Provisions Because of our size we only make small amounts of any given dish – if it's new Recently a pristine winter salad of 'Shaved Cauliflower Pickled Cranberries and Arbequina EVOO' had folks swooning I'd say the dish we have become synonymous with is our 'Grilled Ox Tongue Marinated Beets and Horseradish Cream' – it's a lovely marriage of things We work closely with The Lost Valley Dairy Darcy and Mark have four Jersey cows and make two raw cheeses: ‘Carrignamuc’ and ‘Sobhriste’ with a bit of local honey and accoutrements How important is it to you to create this kind of atmosphere for guests How we feel in a space is just as important as the food we eat – and the two dance together fun and creative space where everyone is welcome I hope this is tangible and that customers feel utterly at ease – that we have their trust Tell us about Kinsale and how you see your place in the local community We have been and continue to be so beautifully held by our community in Kinsale We opened seven months before Covid – still establishing ourselves as a business – and we decided to stay operational provisions and a daily lunch service when possible In a sense I see Saint Francis Provisions as a responsive active space for hospitality; we feel what's needed and we try to provide that Hero Image: © Saint Francis Provisions/John Allen Finalise your summer dining plans with our rundown of the new London restaurants you need to know about Find your new favourite restaurant with all of the Inspectors' recent additions to The MICHELIN Guide Discover some of the Inspectors' most creative memorable and downright delicious dishes of the month from their latest culinary travels throughout Great Britain & Ireland One of the most beloved and exciting restaurants in York Skosh is an energetic and wonderfully enjoyable destination – hear from Chef-Owner Neil Bentinck and a MICHELIN Inspector on what makes it special The restaurateur and author divulges on where he spends his off-duty time in Manhattan The city of Wrocław within the Dolnośląskie Region is the fifth Polish destination to be featured in the Guide The full restaurant selection for The MICHELIN Guide Poland will be announced on Tuesday 10th June 2025 From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees From tartan fabrics and stag antler furnishings to rare Scotch whiskies and castle views you'll have no doubt which country you're in when staying at these Michelin-Key hotels Kent has the answer – with a bounty of exceptional produce and MICHELIN Guide restaurants The self-proclaimed “unofficial talent scout” shares his local favorites from the city he calls home Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels we\u2019re highlighting the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors' Bib of the Month providing an affordable dining option that doesn\u2019t skimp on precision The Bib of the Month series continues with the terrific Saint Francis Provisions in Kinsale so we asked one of them to share their thoughts on what makes it so special: \u201cWhen you visit Saint Francis Provisions Owner Barbara spent several years working in California and the state\u2019s approach to simple this is a restaurant \u2013 and cooking \u2013 that puts a smile on your face It is a rare find and a place to be treasured.\u201d For more information on this wonderful \u201crare find\u201d is an absolute privilege.There\u2019s a Mediterranean influence to a lot of your dishes Rebeca draws not only on her formal training in the fine dining restaurants of Madrid \u2013 but on her lived experience growing up in Madrid's food scene and on meals cooked for her growing up by her mum small plates for \u20ac12 to \u20ac18 and larger proteins (whole fish and meats) for \u20ac25 to \u20ac35 Some larger premium fish will go up to \u20ac50 We use a lot of offal and cuts that are left unconsidered by many \u2013 pig's feet terrine Two people might spend \u20ac80 or \u20ac180 \u2013 there's scope for a great meal and a beautiful glass of wine on any budget Whatever is \u2018for one night only\u2019 Because of our size we only make small amounts of any given dish \u2013 if it's new Marinated Beets and Horseradish Cream' \u2013 it's a lovely marriage of things cheese \u2013 cheese is how we taste the land Darcy and Mark have four Jersey cows and make two raw cheeses: \u2018Carrignamuc\u2019 and \u2018Sobhriste\u2019 How we feel in a space is just as important as the food we eat \u2013 and the two dance together I hope this is tangible and that customers feel utterly at ease \u2013 that we have their trust We opened seven months before Covid \u2013 still establishing ourselves as a business \u2013 and we decided to stay operational The \u2018Provisions\u2019 are ever-changing Hero Image: \u00a9 Saint Francis Provisions/John Allen Stealth job: No 40 Ringcurran Rise has few clues from outside as to the quality of interiors This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Graham Norton's home in Wapping in London up for sale at €5.8m beloved wife of the late Antonie and dear mother of Sylvia and Ria daughter of the late Billy and sister of the late Nora Geraldine will be lying in repose at Gabriel and O'Donovan's Funeral Home Kinsale on Sunday from 4pm followed by prayers at 6pm Requiem Mass on Monday at 2pm in St. John the Baptist Church, Kinsale which will be livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/kinsale, funeral afterwards to St. Eltin's Cemetery, Kinsale. Nessa Gilsenan appeared at Bandon District Court on Thursday 20th March 2025. Picture: Larry Cummins. including more than 110 for theft from her employer Follow and share the latest news and stories Gerry Adams claims a BBC Spotlight programme and a related article published in 2016 defamed him by falsely alleging he sanctioned the 2006 killing of MI5 agent Denis Donaldson Does what it says on the tin...2 Harbour Heights overlooks Kinsale and its harbour Estate agent Sinead Sinnott of Sheehy Brothers guides at €875k Seán O’Leary, who has been registered with the PSI since November 2016, currently works as a supervising pharmacist with a pharmacy in Munster. Seán O’Leary (aged 32) consented to the sanction from the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) after the matter was investigated by the sector’s watchdog Commemorating 100 years since the War of Independence Leo was thrilled to be part of the action as groomsman. Leo was the coolest cat in Cork and purr-fectly attired for the black-tie do as his humans Kinsale bride and groom Allison Gordon and Des Donohoe said “I do” more weddings articles RTE correspondent Cathy Halloran has retired after 38 years with the national broadcaster. The Good Dairy Company Ice Cream shop opens this Sunday, April 13th, serving farm to fork ice cream, handmade on a dairy farm in nearby Nohoval using milk and cream from the owners’ pedigree Friesian cows. Inside, there’s a row of tractor seats where you can perch to enjoy your ice cream (the flavours are cow-themed, from Salted Caramoo and Udderly Vanilla to Muddy Boots and Chocolate Cow’s Lick) while people watching if it rains. The adorable shop is the latest venture by Catherine Good and her husband, Tom, whose business The Good Dairy Company began making Cork’s first farmhouse ice cream in 2021. Their delicious range of natural ice creams are also available in Lidl and SuperValu stores. As parents to four young kids on their Nohoval family farm, the couple have had plenty of little taste testers ensuring this ice cream is truly family-approved. “I have poured my heart into our new ice-cream shop. Bringing a bright farm themed shop for all to enjoy.” Catherine announced on social media. “My journey started 3.5 years ago and I am so thrilled to think we have come so far!” Swing by this Sunday to show them some love. To provide the best experiences, we and our partners use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us and our partners to process personal data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site and show (non-) personalized ads. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions. 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Statistics the iconic Harbour Bar has hit the market at €1.5m a bar license and a storied past that keeps visitors returning from all over the globe The bar was purchased by Jebb and Stanley Platt It was previously owned by dog devotee Doris Hutchinson who was renowned for her love of poodles Sadly Tim passed away last summer and is fondly remembered by his many friends and neighbours Described as “wonderfully bonkers” by the Lonely Planet the bar has attracted visitors from all over the world since the 1970s with many recorded on the countertop guest book – a testament to the Platts’ renowned hospitality Now there’s a rare chance for a new publican to take it over or “This property occupies a most unique and beautiful setting with an open harbour and its traditional fishermen’s working pier.” say the estate agents “This three-storey property is in existence since the mid 1800s as a public house and private residence with the ground floor being a character-filled but charming bar with an outlook to the front gardens with stunning water and marina views bow-shaped bar counter and an array of pictures and memorabilia as well as a visitor book dating back decades highlighting Scilly and Kinsale as a consistently popular location attracting visitors from all over the globe “Accommodation over the first and second floor is extensive and whilst the entire property does require modernisation its potential is unlimited and its beauty in terms of its setting and outlook is hypnotic.” Interested in making a big investment in a truly unique part of Kinsale? Check out the full listing here Cantillon Nora (née de la Cour) (Rose Abbey Park Kinsale and late of Youghal): On March 23rd 2025 peacefully in the wonderful care of the Staff at Marymount Hospice and in the presence of her loving family beloved mother of Jonathan and adored grandmother of Courtney and Caiden Nora will be lying in repose at The Carmelite Friary Kinsale on Tuesday from 5.30pm followed by prayers at 7pm Requiem Mass on Wednesday at 2pm in St. John the Baptist, Kinsale which will be livestreamed on www.churchservices.tv/kinsale, funeral afterwards to St. Eltin’s Cemetery, Kinsale. Brian Cronin with a piglet ahead of the race in Kinsale in the early 1970s, along with Pat Roche, Anne Allen of Murphy’s hotel, Mrs Peggy Green, and Chris Stokes which you could with justification call - to borrow from the Beatrix Potter book title - ‘The Tale of Pigling Bland’ “This photograph was taken way back in 1973/4 and I thought your readers would enjoy the story that goes with it,” starts Brian in relation to the picture on the facing page “The photograph shows me (in company with farmer Dinny Delaney’s piglet) and and Chris Stokes (who in later years designed and built a Tidal Clock for our Blue Haven Hotel.) “Anne had a bit of a job laundering my dress suit after the winning piglet did a job on it later!” “we were trying to come up with various ways of raising funds for our Kinsale Tourist Promotions group as Bord Fáilte grants had dried up thanks to the Troubles “We had to look to our own devices and start promoting Kinsale to the home market as our UK and USA business had also collapsed for the same reasons.” we had a Pig Race on the front lawn of Acton’s Hotel,” reveals Brian “We spent the weeks prior to the event persuading every business in town to sponsor a pig including the two visiting French naval vessels “Dunderrow farmer Dinny Delaney provided us with 20 piglets for the event and we got a few Carrigaline pipers to take up their position on the starting line to encourage the piglets into motion the enthusiastic French sailors dragged their piglets along by the ears and the squealing of pigs was only surpassed by the wailing of several of the female onlookers who got a bit upset at the sight,” recalls Brian and we made quite a bit of money from the event “I reversed the floodlights from beaming up the front of the hotel to point them on the ‘race track’ we kept the event under wraps from my bosses in Dublin until the lawn had been restored to its former glory by our gardener…” Brian continues: “The event was followed by a Bacon and Cabbage Supper (what else?) which went down very well for everybody with the exception of our guest journalist George Cronin who was a vegetarian “But my chef made up a special dish for him and he subsequently wrote a nice article in the Examiner We really have to hand it to you for thinking up profitable ideas when our tourism industry was in a bad place here is something very touching from Anthony Bevan when households didn’t even have the proverbial two pennies to rub together most houses had some member of the family abroad earning their wages - most of these emigrants were in England,” says Anthony “I well remember our postman (Jeff – I never knew his surname he was just Jeff to everyone) would arrive on a Monday morning in rain “He visited every house for which he had post but the important ones were those which were getting registered letters Anthony continues: “The procedure with these all-important missives was that Jeff would slowly and laboriously extract a pencil from his pocket and touch it on his tongue to activate it before getting the householder to write their name on his piece of paper I would have classified Jeff as the most important man in the world to us as that money went a long way to make things a bit better “There were a lot of unemployed people and a great deal of worry back then on Spangle Hill.” Isn’t that a great recollection of one of the stark facts of 1950s life in our city Grand ladies might meet each other for morning coffee at the Green Door but up on Spangle Hill the arrival of that letter meant the difference between food on the table and – well You have to give all credit to the hard workers in Dagenham or elsewhere getting to the end of an exhausting week and surely feeling so tempted to go down for “just one” at the inviting local pub they stuffed most of their wages into those envelopes and sent them home to the family they missed so much Thank-you so much for sharing that memory with us And that reminder of harder times and what our parents and grandparents had to do to survive got us thinking Isn’t it time in this crazy throwaway world that we took up the old old ways of doing things and used old kit and equipment that would still work excellently if we hadn’t consigned it to the attic or the garage Just because you can pick up something new that was probably made at the other side of the world and imported at considerable cost is that any reason to dump yesterday’s traditions What’s wrong with your dad’s old saw that cut so many logs to size Where did your mum’s old sewing machine go The one on which she made all those Communion dresses Remember the sound of the treadling going on all evening or the comforting rhythm of the wheel being turned electric whizz-kid clever-clogs device which does all your thinking for you We recently met a woman who confessed that she had gone back to using her grandmother’s vintage hand-cranked sewing machine because she simply couldn’t stand the demands her expensive new model made on her mind and her stress levels I didn’t want to have to take a degree in computer skills,” she expostulated and the number who have gone back to the simpler days of making do and mending is growing exponentially although it took us time to get out of the habit of being ashamed of the old ways There is a marvellous example of the old ways being honoured down at Muckross House in Killarney where they create the most beautiful scarves which sell like hot cakes to both tourists and local residents who know quality when they see it great boxes going out to every corner of the world showing just what beautiful things we make in Ireland but in an elderly shed where vintage looms clack away as well as they did in the 19th century “I went into Muckross straight from school in 1976,” explains John “It was one of the few places you could find a job at that time in Killarney The house was getting very popular with visitors and one of the ideas they’d introduced was to give demonstrations as part of the tour showing how the old crafts were done when great houses had all their own staff to supply their needs “It was a great idea because people don’t always realise how self-sufficient a big country estate was in earlier times “And then they had the idea of actually selling the things that were made And it just developed and grew from there.” John still treasures the old-fashioned ways of working that were almost dying out when he came to Muckross “I never had a particular bent for arts or crafts at school,” he says “I wouldn’t know what to do with a paintbrush and I wouldn’t have thought of myself as all that handy.” he took to weaving like a duck to water and has seen it grow into an international business “I’d take a hand at anything - fixing a loom taking a package to the post office or talking to customers The looms that John tends as lovingly as any shepherd does his newborn lambs where they were once used to make Harris and Donegal tweed “We’ve collected them over the years from all kinds of places and converted them to electric power,” explains John “They’re great little things but it’s a problem getting parts these days “If I ever hear on the grapevine of one for sale somewhere John Cahill’s weaving loom from the Hebrides in use at Muckross He has worked there since leaving school in 1976 adjusting a very practical length of knotted string which seems to play a vital part in the operating of a 19th century Hattersley isn’t it heartening to see these great old wooden machines still doing the job they were built for Doesn’t it warm your heart to witness the traditional ways being honoured They were taken for granted back when we lived in harder times and make do and mend was part of everyday life Do you have a memory of a grandfather patiently mending the broken leg of a chair A grandmother who darned those holes in your socks A friendly uncle who showed you how to repair the damage to your tricycle there is something supremely relaxing about working with your hands to make something as good as new Tell us your memories! Email jokerrigan1@gmail.com. Or leave a message on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/echolivecork. Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter to be in with a chance to win prizes and see what's coming up in The Echo The weekend will bring together creative minds change makers and entrepreneurs where fresh ideas take root over three days in Kinsale from May 10th to 11th A post shared by Fashion and Farming (@fashion.and.farming) Fashion & Farming Festival is the brainchild of Mareta Doyle founder of the award-winning international Kinsale Arts Festival to present an event that might just change the world we wear but how we farm and how we create fashion are killing us in today’s world.” Doyle explains create new fabrics and learn new things from older ways of making.” Confirmed speakers include Tim Smit – The Eden Project Darina Allen – Ballymaloe Cookery School Dylan Jones – London Evening Standard Helen Keys and Charlie Mallon – Mallon Linen farmers and activists on the panel with more names to follow in the coming months Tickets are on sale now from €75 for a one-day pass Kinsale Harbour and marina are part of the vista from No 2 The Bowling Green The Harbour Bar in Kinsale, situated on the Scilly Walk adjacent to Kinsale Harbour. Picture: Daft.ie. located along the Scilly Walk in Kinsale town having served as a public house and residence since the mid 1800s The sale of the property comes following Tim’s death who have created the Not So Scilly committee and are seeking options to purchase and run the venue as a community syndicate who originally shared the idea for the community-run pub on Facebook said: “The whole idea is obviously a bit pie in the sky right now “There is a lot of goodwill and grá for Kinsale and there’s something very special about Scilly Walk — it’s one of the few largely pedestrianised places left in Kinsale “This would be the last spot in all of Scilly that we as a community have as an opportunity to make our own and to keep for locals and visitors,” she added “It’s such a unique space — it’s one that has history and a legacy that was built up over decades so we just want to try and hold onto a really special part of old Kinsale.” Included in the sale of the venue is the downstairs pub area exposed ceiling beams and two large sash windows overlooking Kinsale Harbour which includes three bedrooms and a small balcony “We would want to keep as much of it the same as we can — the general vibe to the place is cosy and a moment in time so we wouldn’t do anything that would impact the structural integrity of the place — we would just tidy it up “Really we just want to see if we can get this off the ground fast enough — if it was a community space it would be great to have different events on there too like open-mic nights or poetry evening,” she added “We were also thinking of having the [upstairs apartment] as a space for a writer in residence — so if we could use it that way too Ms Harding further said that the next few months are going to be integral to their plans with the committee open to “feasible options” like generous donations from donors with means who would be willing to donate or fundraise can get in touch with the committee via email: NotSoScilly@gmail.com