The magic of the internet, emails and some interesting delving into the dark recesses of the Internet, my Aunt managed to uncover the ancestral home, now conveniently run as Bed and Breakfast accommodation. How can we not stay in the grandest of Irish homely accommodations, where our family once lived. 

 

Travelling to Cork with Aer Lingus Airlines and for a budget airline, they run a very friendly service. Our Host stopped to talk for a few minutes, to say hello and to take an interest in our journey. Definitely worth sharing a positive experience, not to mention our flight was on time, comfortable, smooth and enjoyable, both ways. Cork gave us our first taste of the weather in Ireland, a spark of sunshine with a touch of coolness in the air. Very nice. Once we managed to find our way out of the airport, navigating the roads was a challenge, to say the least. Yet with our ‘pushy woman in the black box’, otherwise known as a satellite navigation device, we managed to find our way into the main centre of Cork to pick up our Cousin. In the 4WD, confidently driving behind the wheel was my older brother, and in the back were Mum, Aunt and Cousin. All five very excited, chatty and ready for a week of family bonding. Actually, it turned out to be a positive experience. After picking up supplies for the week in Cork, we made our way to Kilfinnane. 

 

In the county of Limerick, nestled in the shadow of the Ballyorgan Mountains, Kilfinnane is home to a small, yet friendly and welcoming township. My Grandfather was born there, to my Great Grandmother and Great Grandfather. They managed the family Mills of grain, wool and flax. The Oliver Mills employed over 200 people and it operated on the edge of the township, next to the