Saint Gobnait

Rest Day  in Ballevourney

We are in shorts today, a first since we arrived in Ireland. It is 13 degrees and the weather man has promised 20 degrees. We linger after breakfast as we have decided to check out the tourist shop and stop for a latte in the coffee shop. We can have an early coffee as we do not have to walk today. I have been eyeing off an apricot scarf and Sue hopes to buy something for her class kids back home. Also, the last postcards to post home. The jumping castles have been deflated and we follow the Fairy trail around the grounds and up into the trees, very sweet with all the small houses, creepy eyes peering out from the branches and the coloured signs. We cross the road to the bright purple house opposite the Inn and head across the bridge over the Sullane River and locate the path up the hill. We have been given directions to the cemetery where the Saint is buried, a steep, rough walk up through the woods and we come to the cemetery, over a stile and check out the names, heaps of familiar names.

In the centre is a small Protestant chapel which is still used for services. Over the road near the carpark is a small area, a grave and holy well dedicated to the saint.
Saint Gobnait was a 6th Century medieval Irish saint whose church was situated in Ballevourney.  She started a religious order and dedicated her days to helping the sick. Legend has it that she was being chased from Clare and that she should settle after she found 9 white deer……. so here it was.

An unusual name. We stop at the well and dip our feet in the Holy Waters before we start the walk back down the hill to the coffee shop and a welcome cuppa and slice of cake. It is hot so nice to just sit and relax. A visit to the tourist shop and some purchases for home, several lovely pieces of local made jewelry is available. We must organise ourselves for tomorrows walk and the last week so the remainder of the day is spent quietly.

At dinner, we decide to taste the local beer from the 9 White Deer Brewery which we have passed several times during our stay. This time we also decide to take a glass of red wine to our room as we must pack again for the last leg. Hopefully the Pathway Porter will remember to collect the bags and deliver before we reach the final village of Castletownbere. To date he has been very reliable.

The Mills Inn is worth a stay, a family run business, our room was €40 per person. There are several hotels in the area so plenty of accommodation for walkers and tourists but all meals and tourist purchases can be purchased in the one spot and if you are travelling this is important.