Kathryn continues her journey down the western seaboard from Malin Head to Mizen Head. Comedians Fred Cooke and Julie Jay explore Cork City.
Presenter Kathryn Thomas embarks on her summer 2021 expedition from the most northerly point on the island of Ireland, Malin Head. Her mission, which she has enthusiastically accepted, is to meander the western seaboard in her campervan for four weeks until she can’t go any further, crossing the finish line at the most southern tip of Ireland, Mizen Head.
Series Overview
We’re all about capturing the joy of life-long friends reuniting during a short break; the excitement of shared family adventures; the life-enhancing satisfaction of relaxing holiday experiences. Plus we have the most up to the minute news and advice on how to get the very best from your hard earned break.
Building on the huge popularity of last year’s series, Kathryn Thomas ventures from Malin Head to Mizen Head, meeting old and new friends along the way as she explores what’s on offer to Ireland’s eager stay- at – home vacationers.
In each episode, two well- known Irish faces will also take a short break together, and we’re with them all the way – getting to know them a little better as they experience the delights of Ireland’s diverse landscape and activities.
Episode 3:
The Burren / Clare
Kathryn leaves the car behind and goes underground, overground wandering free around an area that has some of the world’s most outstanding scenery. Her ‘barrel around the Burren’ takes in caves, craggy rocks, climbing ceol agus craic, and ends up with a dip in the Atlantic in the company of an inspirational swimmer. Kathryn explores some of the choices available to all of us who are beginning to look at more sustainable holiday options.
Kathryn arrives in Co. Clare along the Blackhead scenic drive. Just when you think this country is all out of stunning scenery, Ireland turns around and says, “Hey, what about this?”.
Doolin Cave
Kathyrn heads underground in the company of John Brown who, for the last 40 years has been the custodian of the spectacular Doolin cave. He gives her a personal tour, including the opportunity to stand underneath the Great Stalactite – the longest in Europe.
In the cave John tells Kathryn how Co. Clare is setting the pace for the future of sustainable eco-tourism in Ireland. We have to be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of our natural landscape while making sure they are preserved for future generations.
Kathryn visits Gus O’Connor’s pub in Doolin with local broom dancer, singer and character Padraig Howley and his niece). Since 1832 this place has been a thriving hub of Irish trad music and is the ideal spot for us to give a much needed nod to outdoor music performance in the series.
At Spanish Point, Kathryn is meeting up with June Curtin, the inspiration behind Snamhaí Sasta, a mental health initiative built around sea swimming. They’ve never met before but Kathryn interviewed June on the radio in late 2020 and was very moved by the story of how sea swimming helped June deal with the loss of her husband to suicide.
There’s a great “Reservoir Dogs” type sequence to be had from Kathryn and June preparing for the swim. Swimming hats, lipstick, robes, slo-mo walk along the beach where they are gradually joined by more and more women until they reach the shore, before galloping into the waves
Next up, Kathryn takes a stroll along the beach and reflects on her time in Clare; the people she has met and re-met, the innovative ways they have found to attract and keep people in the county, and the work they are doing to keep the landscape intact for the future. She’s looking forward to the last leg of her Wander in the West!
Comedians (and partners) Fred Cooke and Julie Jay, head South to Cork City
Fred and Julie are heading to the “real capital” for a taste of what’s happening during 2021’s much publicized outdoor summer. Straight away they’re plunged into the colourful setting of the city’s pedestrianized streets, replete with outdoor dining and street art.
Dining outdoors
There are 17 streets pedestrianized in Cork this Summer. Prince’s Street was the canary down the mine in 2019 and they did “outstanding” business. Each street is planning a multi-coloured “canopy” effect to protect against weather. There has also been an upsurge in street art.
The English Market
One of the finest indoor food markets in Europe. Whether you’re looking for the proverbial “Spices of the Orient”, artisanal hand-ground coffee, fruit & veg, or fish so fresh it’d nearly talk to you, this is the place for you. Visitors can also grab a taste of the local deicacy of tripe & drisheen!
The Crawford Art Gallery
For the art enthusiast there’s a rake of exhibitions available at the Crawford this summer. It’s an oasis of artistic calm away from the busy streets. There’s a lovely portrait exhibition on that includes works featuring Roy Keane and Fiona Shaw among others.
Linehan’s Sweet Shop
Just down the street from Shandon Bells, one of the oldest surviving family businesses in Cork. The Linehans have been making and selling sweet on the premises since 1929. This is a proper old-school sweet shop where you get to see the sweets being made as well as buying and tasting.