I was away camping (the very best way to see the great, outdoors of this very beautiful island of Ireland) in Cork with old Kildalton Horticultural College mate Finbarr O’Mahony. His business, The West Cork Secret is based in Kilbrittain and, though it’s no surprise that I’d never heard of or seen the Village Park before, this little gem is more than well worth a visit.
Some purists of the botanical latin may suggest that I should see, or at least be here noting recreational spaces differently, considering I guess and rightly so the larger gardens and spaces I have designed and built. But life needs variety and also places that will make a 5-year-old princess giggle and, ask questions. And no, it is not a very long dinosaur.
Pictured above: Finbarr O’Mahoney of West Cork Secret and Peter Donegan.
They say:
The West Cork Secret is a magical hideaway, loved by all who discover it. It couples the serenity of beautifully landscaped gardens with the shrieks of excitement from the obstacle course. The perfect place for a family outing…..
I say:
If you get a chance to go there, do so. And if you can make it happen, try to get a group together so that you can stay and camp there. The grounds are stunning, extremely well thought out and is to this day a work in progress – Finbarr is constantly trying to add something – set within 35 acres and surrounded by the finest views. Daytime was nothing but the sounds of young and old enjoying all it has to offer and if I could live forever in one piece of Ireland’s landscape, this pretty much has all that I could ever want.
The video and images below explain it much better…..
I don’t own one of these but, this is the the Hartnett/ Hart Tools Log Horse. In short it is a sound investment for anyone who has ever tried to cut rough heavy timber, pardon the pun single handed. The video shows how it works pretty well but, you’ll get a better idea also from the images below.
Hart Tools are as a by the way, the same makers of the 7 tonne log splitter and are based in Cork.
Vital stats:
Extremely strong for individual big logs or many small logs being cut together.
Comes with a spring and chain tensioning system that holds the log/s in place while cutting.
This new spring and chain tensioning system allows the operator to mount 1 big log or 3/4 thinner logs and cut them all in one go without having to reposition them. (see demo video)
Can be assembled and dismantled in minutes.
An optional extension for very long logs can also be supplied.
also they note:
This can be packaged and delivered by courier anywhere in Ireland.
Payment options: Paypal, Post, COD
Contact John Hartnett anytime: 087 2538320 / 021 7337081
I make gardens. Or landscape gardens. I studied horticulture. etc. You get the picture.
I do not sell, repair, hire or have anything to do with this product or its company.
I very simply thought it was a good product. That said, I hope you enjoy reading.
Cheers
Peter
If you are thinking cosy nights by the fire, candles, chocolates and a glass of wine but you don’t fancy wearing an eye patch whilst clumps of timber are removed from your, up until quite recent, once very good looking face, then this just maybe is the tool you need to buy your man, or lady….
My experiences aside wry sense of humour aside, for those who have wood burning stoves….. you might just like this one.
Hailing from The Peoples Republic of Cork, Harnett/ Hart Tools are a family run business and this, just one of their products I found pretty amazing, is the 7 Tonne Electric Log Splitter.
As disclaimers go, I don’t own one but a friend of mine purchased one recently and I have to admit I was pretty darned impressed. Definitely one for the man tools list and a heck of a lot simpler than an axe.
Philip explains some behind the scenes bits you may find interesting….
Don’t know who Hartnett Products are:
Hartnett Products is a family-run business based in Donoughmore, Co Cork selling a variety of high quality electric log splitters, chainsaws and a range garden tools. Our aim is to offer high-quality products at affordable, realistic prices.
Our products are manufactured under our personal supervision and are tested rigorously throughout the manufacturing process to ensure reliability and customer satisfaction.
With over 20 years of experience in the tools and machinery business, our team offers a full back up service and all products come with a 12 month warranty.
At the time of writing this they cost €340 but you can find more details over at the Hartnett Products website.
No this not a postcard. This is the view from what is known a Ladies View, In Killarney. It is one of the most amazing places I have ever been to in my life.
People say Ireland can be expensive – well this is as easy as a picnic, if you chose to do it that way and it is one of the few things in this country that the government cannot put a tax upon. Personally, I would [and will] sit looking at this for days.
I made it here because I took the road less travelled. I got lost, intentionally – and was so happy that I did. From Killarney town it took me approximately 4 hours in total to get to Macroom in Cork. To put in context it only took me about one hour on the way over 😉 The reason it took so long is that I stopped everywhere.
To be honest I found it hard trying to pick out just one photograph of my journey. I will go back. Sooner than I thought. When you do – don’t bring a sat nav. You’ll thanks me for it. I promise. Instead swap it for a poetry book.
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