Currently in Banna strand. apologies for lack of punctuation I'm voice recording this post so yep what you see is what you get. what a beautiful day and a huge contrast from the recent weather #banna #kerry #costacork #irishsky #slowliving

A detailed close-up of Casey, a tan and white Jack Russell Terrier, from 2015. The dog is sitting upright on a dark leather armchair, looking alertly toward the left of the frame. The strong sunlight highlights the texture of her short coat and the leather. Next to her is a colorful, patterned patchwork pillow with tassels. The background is a warm red wall.

A 2015 flashback. This little JRT is Casey, who we fostered for a while. Looking at the camera like a tiny supervisor! A little gem and a sweetie. Hard to believe this was 11 years ago. Fostering is so rewarding. 🐕✨

#DogsOfBluesky #TBT #JackRussell #FosterLife #CostaCork #SlowLiving

A sun-drenched coastal road in Mojácar, Almería. Tall palm trees stand against a brilliant blue sky and a calm, deep blue Mediterranean sea. A silver van is parked by the shore with hazy mountains in the far distance. The light is warm and golden, typical of a bright Spanish winter afternoon.

Throwback to Jan 2018 in Mojácar. 🇪🇸☀️

In Tralee the 🌧️ is miserable and the dogs are questioning my life choices. Hard to believe Almería is all palm trees and T-shirt weather in winter. Days like today make me nostalgic for Spain 🌴🚐

#costacork #Mojacar #Tralee #SlowLiving #Spain #Ireland

Retired life means no excuse for missing a walk—except for this Kerry rain. 🌧️

Hard to do #SlowLiving when the Atlantic is trying to move in with you. Mind you, I'm conscious of the need for exercise now I'm 'idle'.

#costacork #Tralee #Retirement

A close-up photograph of white Magnolia blossoms in Tralee Town Park. The delicate, creamy-white petals are speckled with tiny raindrops, with some flowers fully open and others still in tight, fuzzy buds. The soft green grass of the park and the dark branches of the tree create a peaceful, natural background under a bright but overcast sky.

Signs of life in Tralee Town Park today. 🌸☘️
The Magnolias are starting to put on a show, completely unbothered by the looming clouds. Pro tip: in Tralee we look at the mountains for our weather forecast. Clear view means no rain
#costacork #Tralee #Kerry #Magnolia #Spring2026 #SlowLiving #PureKerry

A wide, atmospheric landscape of Banna Beach, Kerry, under a dramatic, heavy sky. The wet, flat sand acts as a mirror, perfectly reflecting the clouds

First Sunday of March spent on the reflective sands of Banna Beach. 🌊☘️

There’s something about the scale of the North Kerry beaches that just feeds the soul. Bonus - the dogs are officially exhausted.

#costacork #BannaBeach #Tralee #PureKerry #WildAtlanticWay #SlowLiving

A collection of images from a bracing walk at Banna Beach, Kerry, under a moody, overcast sky. Features wide views of the expansive, reflective sandy beach and dynamic action shots of two dogs (a border collie and a black lab) running freely near the surf. The distant sand dunes and the vast Atlantic coastline highlight the beautiful, wild scale of the location.

A collection of images from a bracing walk at Banna Beach, Kerry, under a moody, overcast sky. Features wide views of the expansive, reflective sandy beach and dynamic action shots of two dogs (a border collie and a black lab) running freely near the surf. The distant sand dunes and the vast Atlantic coastline highlight the beautiful, wild scale of the location.

A collection of images from a bracing walk at Banna Beach, Kerry, under a moody, overcast sky. Features wide views of the expansive, reflective sandy beach and dynamic action shots of two dogs (a border collie and a black lab) running freely near the surf. The distant sand dunes and the vast Atlantic coastline highlight the beautiful, wild scale of the location.

A bracing walk at Banna Beach earlier. 🌊☘️

Just the dogs, sand, and the raw Atlantic air to blow away the cobwebs.

If your weekend walk wasn't this bracing, are you even doing it right?

#costacork #BannaBeach #Kerry #DogsOfBluesky #WildAtlanticWay #PureKerry #SlowLiving

A soulful close-up portrait of a senior black dog with a distinguished grey muzzle and warm, expressive brown eyes. He is wearing a red collar and looking directly at the camera with a calm, wise, and slightly inquisitive expression, captured in soft indoor light.

Throwing it back to a slightly less grey version of our resident lunatic (and keen observer). 🐾✨

The muzzle is whiter now, but those soulful eyes haven’t changed a bit. Maybe life (and dogs) only get better with age. 🦴🇮🇪

#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #SlowLiving #SeniorDog #DogsOfBluesky #dogs #costacork

A wide, cinematic shot of Banna Strand under a heavy, overcast Irish sky. A black and white Border Collie stands on the wet, reflective sand, its silhouette mirrored in a shallow pool of water. In the distance, the faint figures of other walkers and the rolling sand dunes line the vast beach.

An action shot of a black and white Border Collie galloping through the shallow surf at Banna Strand. The Atlantic waves are breaking into white foam in the background under a misty grey sky. The dog looks full of energy, captured mid-stride against the expansive Kerry coastline.

First Sunday of March at Banna Strand. 🌊🇮🇪

There’s nothing like a beach to make you feel small and the dog feel like a superhero. The Atlantic is grey, the air is salt-heavy, and life in Tralee is off to a flying start.

#costacork #BannaStrand #Tralee #PureKerry #SlowLiving #BorderCollie #IrishSky

Taking the crew on a month-long trip to Tralee. 🇮🇪📍

Started strong with lunch at Katie Browne’s in Ardfert. If you're looking for some good grub, this place has it. 🍲🥧

Any other Kerry gems I should put on the list?

#costacork #Tralee #Ardfert #PureKerry #SlowLiving #IrishFood #WildAtlanticWay

A heartwarming close-up of a black senior dog gently sniffing a large, prickly hedgehog curled up in the green Irish grass. The dog's grey-muzzled nose is just inches away from the hedgehog's sharp brown spines, capturing a moment of quiet curiosity in the Lee Valley.

A very tight, detailed close-up of a hedgehog nestled in vibrant green grass. The focus is sharp on its dark, wet nose and one small, rounded ear peeking out from beneath a dense coat of sharp, brown and tan spines. A few blades of grass cross in front of its face, highlighting the hedgehog's camouflaged position in the Irish meadow.

The Lee Valley is definitely waking up! 🌿🦔

Found this little fella during the dog walk today. A little curiousity, but no hedgehogs (or dogs) were hurt. It’s officially Spring when the wildlife start showing up.

#costacork #Hedgehog #PureCork #SlowLiving #IrishSky #NaturePhotography #Wildlife

A steaming bowl of home made seafood chowder

Seafood Chowder Friday. 🥣🐟

Saw I only had one potato left in the pantry, so we subbed in some flour and 🤞 The perks of retirement at 55: no one is here to tell me I’m doing it wrong.

What’s your best ‘emergency sub’ kitchen win?

#costacork #IrishCooking #SlowLiving #ChowderFriday #KitchenHacks

A vibrant outdoor photo of a happy black and white Border Collie standing in lush green grass. The dog has its tongue out and eyes squinted in a joyful expression, as if catching its breath after a run. The dog's white chest and spotted front legs contrast sharply with the deep green of the Irish meadow.

This is the face of a dog who doesn't miss my old 9-to-5 one bit. 🐕💨

A Thursday morning in the Lee Valley beats any boardroom meeting. Pure joy, wet paws, and zero emails & a collie in her natural environment. 🇮🇪

#costacork #BorderCollie #SlowLiving #IrishSky #PureCork #DogLife #dogs #dogsofbluesky

looking at the Vera Playa forecast vs the Macroom rain this morning. 🇮🇪🌧️

The ‘Costa’ part of my head is doing a lot of heavy lifting. If the rain gets any worse, I’m going to need a canoe for the dog walk.

Still beats a morning commute. 🚗🚫

#costacork #IrishWeather #IrishSky

A vibrant, top-down photo of three bright yellow dandelions blooming in lush green grass. The grass is covered in delicate morning dew drops that catch the light, highlighting the serrated green leaves of the plants.

Spotted some early dandelions on our walk today. 🌼✨

Most see weeds, but I see the potential for Dandelion Wine. It’s slow going—bottling up the Irish spring to enjoy in the depths of winter. 🥂

Ever tried it, or are they just weeds to you? #costacork #Foraging #SlowLiving #DandelionWine #IrishSky

A soulful, close-up photograph of a golden Labrador-type dog resting its head on its paws on a wooden floor. The lighting is warm and intimate, focusing on the dog's gentle brown eyes and muzzle, capturing a moment of quiet peace and companionship.

I found this old photo today and had to share. 🐾✨

She's not with us anymore, but some dogs don’t just leave paw prints; they remain with us forever. ❤️

Who was the dog that changed everything for you?

#costacork #DogsOfBluesky #ThrowbackThursday #SlowLiving #Gratitude #dogs

A wide landscape photo of rolling green hills in the Lee Valley, Ireland. Lush emerald pastures are separated by dark hedgerows and bare winter trees. Small white sheep graze on a distant slope near a cluster of farm buildings under a soft, grey cloudy sky.

Mid-week wander in the Lee Valley. 🐕‍💚

Even under an overcast sky, we can see hints of spring. Just me, the sheep, and two very happy dogs. This is the only kind of Wednesday ‘hump day’ I care about now. 🌿🇮🇪

#costacork #SlowLiving #PureCork #Ireland #NatureTherapy

A top-down, rustic photo of a freshly baked loaf of Irish brown bread on a wooden cutting board. The crust is dark and textured.

Tuesday in the Lee Valley smells like warm, home-baked brown bread. 🥖✨

No sourdough fuss—just an honest loaf and 10 minutes of prep. The ultimate ‘Slow Living’ luxury.

Whats your favourite easy to make bread? 🧈🥣

#costacork #IrishSky #SlowLiving #PureCork #Baking

A horizontal photo of a black and white dog with beautiful speckled markings on its face and legs, lying contentedly in thick green grass. A bright neon-green frisbee sits on the grass right next to its paws.

And we had a clear winner... not only did she keep winning the frisbee race, she retained the trophy afterwards.

What does your dog prefer, a ball or a frisbee?

#dogsofbluesky #slowlife #costacork

Monday frisbee fun in the garden.

The agenda was simple: catch the green disc at all costs. I think we can call this a success. Trading the office commute for this garden sprint is a winner.

#costacork #SlowLiving #DogsOfBluesky #PureCork #Ireland #MondayVibes

A close-up, ground-level photo of a black and white Border Collie-type dog with beautiful speckled legs walking directly toward the camera on a gravel path. The dog has a focused, curious expression and brown eyes. In the soft-focus background, another black dog follows behind in a lush, green Irish garden with stone pavers.

Monday morning mood: Full speed ahead. 🐾💨

While the rest of the world is logging into spreadsheets, we’re out here conducting important field research on the best sniffing spots in the garden.

Q1 goals are looking very furry.

#costacork #MondayMorning #DogsOfBluesky #PureCork #SlowLiving #Ireland

A detailed macro photo of a deep purple Iris reticulata flower in an Irish garden. The velvety petals are covered in delicate, clear water droplets. The flower features a striking central yellow ridge speckled with black, standing out against a soft-focus green background.

February in Ireland: Rain, wind, and then… this. 🌸☔️

The Iris doesn't wait for the perfect weather to bloom. It just does it. A good lesson for the week ahead—don't wait for the sun to start your own spring. Just do it.

#MondayMotivation #IrishGarden #SpringIsComing #PureCork #costacork #Resilience

A side-by-side comparison. On the left, the weather in Macroom, Cork. On the right, the weather in Vera Playa, Almería.

11°C in Cork v 16°C in Vera Playa. Both feel like home. 🇮🇪🇪🇸

6 months til we migrate south. I’ll miss the Irish greenery, but the DIY terrace in Almería is calling. 🛠️☀️

The beauty of the 6/6 split? Nice weather year round & great variety .

#costacork #SlowLiving #PureCork #VeraPlaya #Ireland #Spain

I spent 30 years in IT, most of it ruled by an inbox/calendar. Now, I’m just ‘a guy with muddy boots.’ 🥾🌿

Now, my inbox and calendar are much quieter - so much so I've caught myself wondering if something is broken. Nope, its just peace.

#costacork #SlowLiving #FIRE #Ireland #Retirement #PureCork

Thinking ahead for the Sept move. Packing for Almería isn't what you think. 🇪🇸✈️

3 things I'm taking:

- Woolen sweater: Feb nights are chilly ❄️

- coffee maker: no brainer ☕

- Tools: there's jobs to be done 🧰

Its not all sun, sea and sangria 🌞 🌊 🍷

#costacork #VeraPlaya #SlowLiving #Ireland #Spain

A side-by-side comparison image. On the left, a real photo of a plain, sunlit rooftop terrace in Spain with tiled floors and simple white walls. On the right, a high-end 3D render of the same space transformed with Moorish touches, flowing white curtains, a DIY pallet sofa with colourful cushions, and warm string lighting.

The "Before" vs. The "Vision." 🇪🇸🛠️

The reality of the Vera Playa terrace vs. the Moorish oasis in my head.

Retirement at 55 isn't just about the view you have; it’s about the one you’re building. Looking forward to the build in Sept. 🍷✨

#costacork #DIY #Andalucia #SlowLiving #Spain #RetirementLife

A side-by-side photo comparison of the same dog as a puppy and mature dog. The left side is a throwback photo of him as a puppy the day we got him. The right side is a recent photo of him on the sofa.

Found an old puppy pic today. I just had to do a side by side pic 🐾

From shy pup to demanding boss its been almost a decade of memories. He's a lunatic, but lovable! And he loves having me around all the time now.

#costacork #WoofWednesday #TBT #PureCork #Ireland #SlowLiving #DogsofBluesky