Star-shaped fort and a lack of folk

We woke to a cool rainy day, breakfasted and set off for Kinsale, along many winding lanes. We parked on a viewpoint above the pretty coastal town

and walked down the busy road towards the famous Charles Fort, built in the 1670s to house British redcoats. The Fort is one of the star-shaped strongholds that we've seen in Denmark as well as Britain, but this one is largely ruined.

The sad thing is many Irish men signed up to fight British wars (on behalf of the enemy) because there was no other work. The Fort was not well located, and was conquered several times.

We saw a sparrowhawk hovering above the coast, having to flap wings in quite big buffetting winds, and a yacht attempting to anchor.

We walked back to the van via the scenic Scilly walk, so-called because of Cornish men who migrated to the area. We were quite tired by now, ate our second home made sandwich and drove into Kinsale.

It's known as a foodie heaven, but we found most of the restaurants that were heavily recommended were closed on Tuesdays. 

We had a pot of tea and a wander through the rather expensive shops. Both of us thought Kinsale did not live up to the hype, and we much prefer Salcombe or Fowey as yachtie harbours.

It had been drizzling on and off all day. We are now starting the Wild Atlantic Way. As we drove to Old Head Signal Tower, the cloud/mist came down properly and the famous lookout was a white-out. But we clambered up the square tower to see the Lusitania Museum, set up to remember the terrible deathtoll when the passenger ship was sunk by a German U boat in 1915, 12 miles off Old Head, and look down on the Lusitania Memorial.

The Signal tower was used in Napoleonic times to inform British troops of any French invasion. 

Drove to the Sextons campsite to get a pitch, then on to Clonakilty to have dinner in a Middle Eastern restaurant, and a halfpint of Beamish Irish stout in the world famous De Barra folk pub.

Sadly the music started at 9pm, true also in other venues,  and we were too exhausted to stay. It had been a long day. Back to the van, and bed.