This must be AirBnB at its best. Informal, slightly chaotic, certainly not luxurious, but welcoming, friendly, clean, comfortable, and conveniently located for Cork. As arranged, Ann was not at home when we arrived, but her friend Brian was there for us and showed us where everything was.

Our room was the large double. Furniture sparse. Bed excellent. Quiet, even with main road outside. Shared bathroom large and with all the facilities you'd expect. We had use of the kitchen, with coffee, bread for toast, breakfast cereals, milk, jam, cheese, honey, yogurt all provided.

The property is up a hill from Cork centre. It takes about 20 minutes to walk down. Don't try to walk up. Get a bus - 207 or 208 - it drops you almost at the door. It's a 2 euro flat rate bus fare, but for 5.10 you can get a day pass which can soon be a bargain.

In Cork, we ate at the Coqbull (French Church Street) and enjoyed every bite - mine a half roast chicken, hers a burger, and a bottle of Merlot. Plain food, but well prepared and plentiful. Lots of double entendres as you'd expect with a name like that.

Cork itself is a lovely place, very confusing street layout but after a couple of days we were beginning to get the hang of it. Hope to visit again.