Michael is very good at cards. So far he has only played memory, happy families and snap/beggar my neighbour but he has shown remarkable competence at all of them. He is capable of beating his brother and sister hollow. If he loses a trick, unlike his siblings, he is unconcerned and never leaves the table in a huff. The other day, I came in from work and he replayed for me a losing hand of beggar my neighbour explaining how he had, very unluckily, lost his jack (the most valuable card) as his sister had put a queen on top. I see a career in bridge beckoning. Next time I go to Cork, I think I will get my mother to initiate him into the mysteries of 110.
Talking of Cork, as you almost were at the end there, we are going there (the city) for the first time on the weekend of the 10th: I have a conference to attend at UCC and we are going as a family and staying in a guesthouse famous for breakfasts. Any recommendations for what Ken can do with two tiny children while I’m trying to be intellectual? Or for what we should do when I give up and skive off for the afternoon?
Yes. Fitzgerald’s park at the bottom of the road – v. near college, good playground, reasonable museum and pond. Cafe on the river side – not fantastic but acceptable, particularly with small children. Up from college is the Lough – small playground, big pond, more duck feeding. If you are going by car, you might think about going to Fota (or you could get the train direct) – wildlife park, house (allegedly with all kinds of activities for children – haven’t been there in years but so I understand). Centre is very compact and relatively easily navigable with offspring. Walking distance from college – the market (what visitors call English market, show your street cred by not referring to it thus) is worth a walk round. The Crawford is a nice small gallery with a good cafe (again, within walking distance of college) – have a lowering feeling that it may be closed on Sat or something odd like that so you’d need to check. Nearby there is a Waterstone’s and a number of pedestrian streets – mildly appealing toy shop (for adults – lots of wood). Not sure whether your young men would be up for a trip up Shandon but if Ken could carry Frank, suspect Hugh could manage the steps and you are allowed to ring the bells and belt out whatever you fancy to the unfortunate denizens of Cork. Further afield, Kinsale is a bit of a cliche but attractive for all that – recommend walking from town out to Scilly and having a look at Charles Fort http://www.panoramas.ie/Locations/cork/kinsale/kinsale/Scilly_S.html. The Blue Haven is nice for food and child friendly.. good luck – more details on request.
Thanks. That’s tremendously helpful, and thanks for writing such a generously long reply. Especially useful to know the location of some playgrounds, or we could be looking at a lot of unused bounciness being discharged all over the guesthouse!