We had only ever planned to spend two months in Cork, so our social sphere was naturally going to be constricted. Our apartment complex above the Gate Cinema on North Main Street consisted of 16 or 18 one and two bedroom units. A couple of them showed evidence of children, but i think most were inhabited by singles. We were far and away the oldest. At a guess, i’d say the median age was maybe 30. We said hello to maybe a dozen different people over the 6 weeks, but only ever had lengthy conversations with Barna, from Zagreb, Croatia, who we would occasionally see practicing his juggling and firestick act on the shared rooftop space. We did not get a chance to say goodbye to him before we left the city.
Some of the first people we met were in response to a meet-up posting about a Science Fiction and Fantasy reading group. We were fortunate in that the book being read our first month was quite short, and we were both able to finish it within the week, and join in the discussion, which was lively and opinionated and smart. Thanks for making us feel welcome.
I think i wrote previously about our chance encounter at the Cork Arts Theatre production of The Parish, with a ticket holder who was trying to find a buyer for a pair of tickets that friends of hers couldn’t use. Theresa was very sweet, and one of several people who recommended that we stop in at the Montenotte hotel for sunset drinks. They were all on point.
We met a few shopkeepers and proprietors.
Barbara Hubert is, apparently, well known in bookbinding circles. She was kind enough to allow a picture, and we were able to duck back into the shop on our last day to pick up a couple of small gifts.
We ended up spending time in a few regular haunts. Tabletop Boardgame Cafe, right down the street from our apartment, was one. Chris, the owner, is an incredibly nice person, and took the time to explain the various games we tried out for the first time. His business is going to take a huge hit, so if you’re in Ireland and like games, maybe consider placing an order from his website? We really want to see him opened when we’re able to return.
The Silly Goose, about 6 or 7 blocks away from our apartment, became our local, especially on Liverpool match days. Barry, the cook, is a massive fan. If the season is voided, and Liverpool aren’t awarded the title this year, he’s going to be crushed.Again, incredibly nice people, and i hope they’re able to survive the ongoing lockdown.
The folks over at iElectron, who repaired my busted camera lens gratis, were also very nice. Hailing from several different states that formerly made up Yugoslavia, we had several nice conversations about Tesla and history, and they were as appreciative of the donuts i brought on our next to last day as i was of the complementary repair. No pictures, though.
My friend Dave Tilley back in North Carolina is a disc jockey at WXDU, and a record producer. When i told him i was going to be in Cork this spring, he let me know about the singer-songwriter Lynda Cullen, who was playing at Coughlan’s, one of Cork’s premier small rooms. I am so glad i went to that show. Lynda is a delight, and i’m happy to call her a friend.
Despite it being early spring, which apparently means half hour rain squalls 8 times a day, except for the days when it rains continuously, and temperatures rarely getting above 6° C , there were a number of regular street musicians. This guy had an amazing voice, and i threw coins his way more than once on the way to or from the grocery store. Never did get the chance to talk to him, though, as a result of our hasty departure. Will he still be around if we’re able to return?
But the man whose company i think i enjoyed most during our several conversations was John Coffey, proprietor of Uneeda Books on Oliver Plunkett Street. Just a lovely man. I want to be like that when i grow up.
Cork Spring 