A Swiss family in Ireland: 'You can't rely on the forecast'

The Stoy family are visiting Ireland for two weeks. Here, they share their impressions of Cork

MARIA: ‘GOD IS ALIVE IN THAT CHURCH’

When we attended a church service in Bantry Christian Fellowship last Sunday I really felt at home. They worship the same Lord with the same songs that we sing in our church in Switzerland. I was very much encouraged by the teachings, that God loves you and does not forget you, no matter how you feel and what your circumstances are. You could feel that God is alive in that church.

GUIDO: ‘TO OUR SURPRISE, THE SHOPS CLOSED AT 5’

As Sunday was rainy and cold, we decided to stay at home after church: reading, eating and writing postcards. In the evening we went to a small local pub with nice live music by two young people (brother and sister), who played mainly international songs that are known all over the world.

We learnt that you can’t rely on the Irish weather forecast. Since it predicted rain for Monday we went to Cork instead of doing a walking tour, and we were surprised by nice, warm weather.

Cork is about the same size as Lucerne, where we come from, but has more little shops of all kinds. To our surprise, many of them closed at 5pm so unfortunately we did not have enough time to visit many of them. Today and tomorrow the weather forecast is not good, so we are planning to do small walking tours here on the Sheep’s Head and we will stay inside. Thursday and Friday we expect nice weather and we are planning to do the Ring of Kerry and maybe visit the Dingle peninsula to see the famous dolphin Fungie.

ANDREJ: ‘I’M GLAD I LIVE IN THE 21ST CENTURY’

In Cork we visited the cathedral and an old jail from the 19th century that showed how hard the life of the prisoners was, and how easily they got arrested. Very often it was their poverty that made them steal food, or they were punished for having a different political opinion. I’m glad I live in the 21st century.

ENYA: ‘WE WENT TO A PUB IN SOMEBODY’S HOUSE’

I’m really enjoying the time we are spending here in nature. It’s very quiet and we have a lot of time to just relax and enjoy our holiday.

Last night we went to a little pub close to our house. There was live music and I enjoyed it very much. It was in a basement of somebody’s house. It was very small but people came together there and talked, had a beer and enjoyed themselves. I liked the atmosphere.

BEA: ‘THE ONLY BAD THING IS, HALF OUR HOLIDAY IS OVER’

I love the cottage where we are staying. We are very thankful for this nice house, because we will spend a lot of time in it this week. The rooms are set up in an Irish style; it’s very cosy. The only bad thing is that already half of our holiday in Ireland is over.