Day 10 Cycling the 32 counties of Ireland - CORK
🚴🏾♂️ The Black Paddy Rolls into Cork: Butter, Boole & Rebel Craic
What’s the story, Cork?!
It’s your boy Fabu D, aka The Black Paddy, pedaling into the southern capital with Guinness Zero in my bottle cage and a hunger for heritage. I’m cycling across Ireland to raise awareness for Jigsaw, the charity helping young people mind their mental health—and Cork? You’ve got brains, boats, and buttery brilliance.
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🧠 A Word on Jigsaw
Before we dive into the madness, let’s take a moment. Jigsaw is doing powerful work—giving young people across Ireland a safe space to talk, to be heard, and to get the support they need. Mental health isn’t just a buzzword. It’s real, it’s raw, and it affects all of us.
This cycle isn’t just about the scenery—it’s about showing up for those who feel unseen. If you’re struggling, know this: you’re not alone. There’s help, there’s hope, and there’s healing.
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🧈 First Impressions: Cork’s Buttery Swagger
I rolled into Cork City with the River Lee glinting beside me and the scent of history in the air. First stop? The Butter Museum, obviously. Back in the 18th century, Cork was the butter capital of the world, exporting firkins of the good stuff to every corner of the globe. I stood in front of a giant butter churn and felt like I was in the presence of greatness.
Then I wandered through the English Market, where the food is so fresh it practically sings. I had a chat with a fishmonger who told me, “Cork feeds the soul, not just the belly.” I believe him.
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😂 Funny Cork Facts (Because You Know I Love the Banter)
Alright, here’s some mad stuff I learned:
- Cork is home to the oldest yacht club in the world—the Royal Cork Yacht Club, founded in 1720. That’s some serious maritime flex.
- The city was built on marshy islands, which is why its Irish name is Corcach, meaning “marsh”. So technically, we’re floating.
- Cork hosted the first steamship to cross the Atlantic in 1838. That’s right—Cork was cruising before it was cool.
- George Boole, the father of Boolean algebra (aka the foundation of modern computing), lived and taught in Cork. So if you love tech, thank Cork.
- The Cork accent is famously musical and fast. I tried to mimic it and got laughed out of a chipper.
- Cork people call their county “The Real Capital.” I asked a local why. He said, “Because we’re sound.” Fair.
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🎨 Culture, Castles & Cathedral Vibes
I popped into St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, where the architecture is so dramatic it deserves its own Netflix series. Then I cruised past Blackrock Castle, now an observatory where you can literally send messages to space. I sent one that said, “Cork is unreal. Over and out.”
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🗣️ Chatting with Cork Legends
You know me—I can’t resist a good chat. I met a man named Tadgh who told me he once sailed to France with nothing but a compass and a crate of Murphy’s. I asked if he made it. He said, “Eventually.”
I met a woman who runs a jazz café and swears the best music happens when the power goes out. I didn’t argue.
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🚴🏾♂️ Cycling Through Cork’s Soul
The roads here are winding, hilly, and full of character. I passed through Kinsale, where the seafood is legendary, and Cobh, where the Titanic made its final stop. I stood at the harbour and imagined the stories that sailed away from here.
Every turn brought something new: a mural, a musician, a moment of magic.
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🧘🏾♂️ Mental Health Moments: Cork’s Quiet Confidence
Cork doesn’t shout—it sings. I sat by the Lee, sipping my Guinness Zero, and just breathed. No pressure, no noise, just peace.
That’s what Jigsaw offers—space to breathe, to talk, to be. If you’re a young person feeling overwhelmed, reach out. You deserve peace.
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🛏️ Cork Hospitality: A Random B&B with Rebel Warmth
I stayed in a cozy little B&B tucked into a quiet corner of the city. The kind of place where the tea’s strong, the welcome’s stronger, and the host gives you directions with a side of life advice. I asked how to get to the Butter Museum and got a full walking tour, a weather update, and a story about their cousin who once met Roy Keane in a lift.
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💚 Final Thoughts & Shout-Outs
Cork, you’ve been electric. From butter to Boole, you’ve given me laughs, lessons, and a deeper appreciation for Ireland’s southern soul.
To everyone who waved, cheered, or shouted “Go on ya legend!”—thank you. To the seagull who tried to rob my sandwich—respect. To the county itself—keep rebelling.
And to Jigsaw, the reason behind every mile: thank you for being the light in someone’s dark. You’re changing lives, one conversation at a time.
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💚 Thanks for coming along on the ride!
If you’d like to support the cause, here’s the link:
👉 https://www.idonate.ie/blackpaddytour
Until next time,
Stay strong, stay smiling, and mind your mental health.
— Fabu D, The Black Paddy
