Tubrid

A big day in the field. I had agreed to go to the Pattern day at Tubrid Well in Millstreet, North Cork which wasn't being held until 7.30pm so decided I might revisit another few (remote) wells whilst I was in the area, as you do. A gorgeous day with plenty of interesting breaks between the driving. First stop Cullen where I was desperate for a coffee and a sandwich - absolutely nothing to be had, in fact absolutely nothing anywhere until I spotted a pub on the side of the road leading to Mallow. It had an umbrella outside. I ventured into what turned out to be the stygian gloom complete with a lot of large elderly men in caps ruminating over their beer. It went quiet, I could feel much (kindly) scrutiny as I ordered a coffee and toastie. I repaired to the outside umbrella  and was served royally with a decent Americano and a cheese and tomato toastie. Hit the spot.
The pattern day was jam-packed - the well, a beautiful one, second largest in Ireland and dedicated to the BVM. It was the Feast Day of the Visitation apparently  - feel free to google as I had to.  I was warmly welcomed by the well custodian and later invited to go to a piano recital by a 15 year old Ukrainian, which I declined as I had an hour and a half drive home and it was almost 9 already - and the midges were biting.